News Releases

Author Suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease To Give Keynote Address at USM’s Dementia Day Camp

July 18, 2007

Kids aren't the only ones packing for camp this summer. USM Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Nancy Richeson will host adult “campers” at the sixth annual Dementia Day Camp taking place at the University of Southern Maine, Thursday, July 26 through Sunday, July 29. Dementia Day Camp is a work group of internationally recognized dementia researchers interested in the social and behavioral aspects of treatment. This interdisciplinary group includes recreational therapists, nurses, and students who are meeting this summer to write a National Institutes of Health research grant that will target early-stage dementia intervention research.

The public is invited to the keynote presentation by retired psychologist Richard Taylor, author of the book “Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out” (Health Professions Press, 2007). This free event will take place from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 26, in USM’s Talbot Lecture Hall in Luther Bonney Hall, Portland. Taylor will read from his book and sign copies, which will be available for sale. In addition, a brief overview of recent work done by researchers participating in the camp will be highlighted.

Diagnosed six years ago at age 58, Taylor will discuss his life since contracting this mind-robbing disease. Taylor will share thoughts, fears, frustrations, and questions that give others the rare ability to travel alongside him on the disease’s unpredictable journey. His book addresses the complex issues faced by those with this disease––loss of independence, struggles to communicate, changing relationships with loved ones, and uncertainty about the future.

Dementia is a progressive brain dysfunction that leads to a gradually increasing restriction of daily activities. The most well-known type of dementia is Alzheimer's Disease. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that in the United States alone, the incidence of dementia is presently over five million and will climb to 14 million by the year 2050.

Dementia Day Camp provides an opportunity for researchers to meet and strengthen research proposals focused on increasing the quality of life for persons with dementia. In addition to formal daytime meetings, campers will participate in discussion circles and evening camp activities that include a traditional Maine lobster dinner.

Nancy Richeson and Richard Taylor are available for interviews July 23-26. To help arrange an interview, please contact Judie O’Malley at USM’s Office of Public Affairs at 780-4200.

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