JANUARY 2014 MEETING REMINDER

JANUARY 2014 MEETING REMINDER

 

 

 

 

This Saturday (January 18th) is our first meeting of the new year!  Looking forward to seeing faces, old and new.  The meeting will be in the Casey Conference Room, from 12:45 pm to 3:00 pm.  Drop ins and kids are welcome to attend.

 

 

Planning for the UW Brain Awareness Open House event in March continues.  I'm waiting for more materials and hand outs to be delivered.  The open house event should be as interesting as in years past.  We should be seeing around 700 (give or take) kids from grades 4-12 at the event, as well as parents and teachers.  As a group, we are looking forward to being able to do some outreach and generate some interest in the brain, in general and in hydrocephalus specifically.

 

 

I've also been sending emails to every possible resource, to let those new to the hydrocephalus experience, of all ages, know about us.  I've gotten lots of positive feedback.

 

 

Conversations at this month's meeting should be interesting!

 

 



New Article About Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

NEW ARTICLE ABOUT NPH

I just got an email, via MedLine, that was published on alz.org (The Alzheimers Association), about Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).  Very informative and, IMO, critical for everyone with older parents.  Sadly, an estimated 5-15% of cases of Alzheimer's (& Parkinson's) are found to have been NPH that was misdiagnosed, because many of the symptoms are similar & most of NPH patients are older, fitting into the age range when medical professionals see those with Alzheimer's & Parkinson's.

Unlike Alzheimer's & Parkinson's, NPH (particuarly when found & treated early) has a successful treatment.  When shunted early, damage/impairment can be minimal.  However, some damage/impairment can be permanent.  The downcast gaze, shuffling gate and other gait issues are all signs of NPH.  It is still possible for someone with NPH to live a long life after being shunted.

As always, we welcome those adjusting to life with NPH, as well as family members, caregivers & friends at our monthly meetings, as well as connecting with us through the blog and email.

Our next meeting will be November 16th, from 12:45 pm to 3:00 pm in the Casey Conference Room at Swedish Medical Center's Cherry Hill Campus (17th & Jefferson, Seattle).