As part of the week dedicated to combating Alzheimer’s disease, Cathy Greenblat presented her photo exhibition on individuals affected by the disease during cultural visits. Participants in the “Vivid Memory” workshop received their certificates from the hands of the city’s mayor.
Eric Ciotti, president of the General Council, Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, Pascale Ferralis, sub-delegate for dependency, and Daniel Benchimol, delegate for health, visited the Departmental House. They discovered Cathy Greenblat’s photo exhibition, the artist photographer born in New York and in residence at the Nice University Hospital. Through these 32 visuals: the results of the CALMAN project (Culture, Arts, Leisure for Alzheimer’s Patients in Nice). In 2010, visits to 5 cultural sites in the city were organized. In 2011, more than 30 visits are planned along with the possibility of attending concerts at the Conservatory.
The actions of the department
Eric Ciotti reminded that 855,000 people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease in France, including nearly 16,000 in the department.
As part of the 2008-2012 Alzheimer’s Plan, an Alzheimer’s Commission was created within the Departmental Gerontological Observatory. An epidemiological analysis was carried out by the ARMEP association. The department also supports the international research project by teams from Stanford University in California and the Nice University Hospital which will improve diagnosis. The department has invested in equipment allowing better detection of the disease.
In the high country, telemedicine and teletraining are organized. Meanwhile, 3 “respite breaks” have been established in Menton, Sospel, and Breil-sur-Roya. Support groups for patients and their families are developing. An Alzheimer’s day care “Les Orangers” has opened. The Veterans Retirement Home has created a multi-sensory space within the Alzheimer’s unit.
The most significant project remains the Claude Pompidou Institute, which will include a Memory Resource and Research Center of the Gerontology Pole of the Nice University Hospital, a nursing home (EHPAD), a day care with 19 places, and cultural activity areas. The opening is scheduled for the end of 2012. A nursing home (EHPAD) is planned. It will be a multi-reception center with housing for seniors, a day unit, a temporary housing center, and a house for the Autonomy and Integration of Alzheimer’s Patients. The work is expected to begin in 2014 on Vittone Avenue.
Prevention
Memory workshops were organized. Open to Nice residents aged 65 and over upon simple registration. In groups of 15 people for 1.5 hours per week. On the program: 2 sessions of 12 workshops and a 3rd of 4. 37 people graduated this year. These workshops are part of the policy for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
