Alzheimer Association awards prize to patient

Last Thursday the Zug Alzheimer Association conferred its annual prize not on a person involved in caring for people with dementia, as in the past and as one would expect, but to a sufferer, and one who has been exemplary in the way he has coped since his diagnosis.
 
It is three and a half years ago now that Jürg Iten, a former teacher of music at the Cantonal School in Zug, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As his wife, Beata (in the photograph with her husband), explained, they both felt that it was important to come to terms with the diagnosis and accept it, rather than try and hide it. “Hence we told all members of our family, as well as friends and neighbours, and were met with much understanding, sympathy and support.” she said.
 
It was through the “Amnesia Zug” project, which helps those suffering from Alzheimer’s by putting them in touch with professional partners in the canton, that Iten began to attend the care centre in Baar four days a week.
 
In presenting the prize at the Burgbachsaal in the city last week, Markus Anliker, a geriatrician and project leader of Amnesia Zug, said how much Iten had become involved in the structured activities at the centre, providing him with purposeful use of his time, not least in meeting up with people he would not otherwise have contact with. “What we would also like to point out is that, if people suspect they themselves, or others, may have dementia, they should be seen by us at the earliest possible time. If Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, then help must be sought,” he said.
 
Also present on the occasion of the prizegiving last week was cantonal parliamentarian Kurt Balmer, who is also chairman of the Zug Alzheimer Association. “Many people are affected by dementia, not just those diagnosed with it themselves. What is important is that it should not be regarded as something to be ashamed of,” he said, as he explained that this prize-giving ceremony had a role to play in heightening people’s awareness of the problem.
 
Anliker went on to say that some 1,500 people suffered from Alzheimer’s in the canton. “It is essential following diagnosis that, just as in normal everyday life, one needs to look for the good and beautiful in life which give one pleasure,” he said.
 
What has helped Iten cope has been not only his continuing involvement with music but also taking long walks in the countryside. In addition to the many challenges coping with the disease, Iten’s wife said it had also led to positive things. “I have noticed my husband has become more receptive to finer emotions and never fails to surprise us with his humorous remarks,” she said. Another positive point is that, since he began attending the day care centre, the couple have found they have much more to talk about over their evening meals together.