Unique “Dementia Mentors” Web Site Supports the Newly-Diagnosed
The new “Dementia Mentors” Web site, which went live last month, is unique and much needed. When a person receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, it can be frightening, depressing, and isolating. The creators of “Dementia Mentors” know this because they themselves are living with dementia.
“Dementia Mentors” is the first Web site that connects people newly-diagnosed with dementia with a mentor who also has dementia and can help them overcome their fears. Anyone who contacts the Web site will be able to arrange a time to speak one-on-one with a mentor using their computer and webcam. The mentors “show you how you can rule your dementia and not let dementia rule you.” Their videos are also quite moving.
I wish “Dementia Mentors” existed when my mother first showed signs of dementia. Even when she lived with me and my family, she often felt alone, scared, and worthless. We knew no one she could talk to about her dementia, and there were no support groups in our area for people with early-stage dementia.
Learn more about “Dementia Mentors” here.