31 May “Former first lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia, family says,” FOX5 Atlanta News
As part of a story on former First Lady Rosalyn Carter’s dementia diagnosis, FOX5 reporter Chris King interviewed Park Springs Health Services Trainer Jacquie Hurt and Park Springs Medical Director Khurram Khan to learn more about dementia and what can be expected when a diagnosis of dementia is made.
A statement issued by The Carter Center regarding Mrs. Carter’s condition shared “One in 10 older Americans have dementia, a condition that affects overall mental health. We recognize, as she did more than half a century ago, that stigma is often a barrier that keeps individuals and their families from seeking and getting much-needed support. We hope sharing our family’s news will increase important conversations at kitchen tables and in doctor’s offices around the country.”
Although a dementia diagnosis can be challenging, people living with dementia can continue to have rewarding and full lives when provided with loving support. Dr. Khan shared that families should avail themselves to resources that provide services and support for their loved one as they progressively lose the ability to perform daily tasks such as medication management and driving independently. He added that with the proper support in place, dementia patients can thrive.
“With the right people around them, and the right support, and the right care, and people loving them, they are still going to be living a really good life,” shared Hurt. “Just because someone is living with dementia, doesn’t mean that they don’t have the ability to still reach out and be valuable and touch society in a really positive way.”
To access the online story, visit the FOX5 Atlanta News website here.