New diagnosis of dementia has families struggling and juggling new responsibilities

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Nov. 6, 2014 - PRLog -- President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in 1983. November is also Family Caregivers Month. Zoë Ann Lewis, MD, Alzheimer's disease expert, is the author of "I hope they know: The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer's Disease and Care,"  and its Spanish translation; both are listed resources with the National Alzheimer's Association. Her book featured guest authors of international fame in music therapy, yoga and geriatric psychiatry. It is a holistic resource with good reviews.

Dr. Zoë A. Lewis is a locum tenens medical doctor ( temporary traveling doctor), boarded in both internal medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, healthcare education activist and former radio show host.   At present she is working at a  community hospital as a hospitalist 40 minutes north of Boston in a mixed community of Spanish-speaking only patients and affluent neighbors. She has outstanding credentials, summa cum laude from med school,  former Harvard Medical School Associate Professor in Medicine, internist at Brigham and Women's Physician Group, Pennsylvania Hospital -University of Pennsylvania residency,  an internet radio-show host with some top guests  from AARP, NHPCO, authors, professors, passionate caregivers, and patients on the front line of care giving.  She is focused on being a healthcare worker and caregiver and warns of  the financial impact, both personal and government-institutional, for those with Alzheimer's or other dementia. She predicts the need for change to healthcare with millions of baby boomers predicted (new diagnosis every 60 seconds) to become incapacitated with a dementing illness. "Most have no idea they are dealing with dementia, come in seeking ER care  for something else, get admitted, but are discharged with a new dementia diagnosis. They have no advance care planning, lack sufficient  funds to provide for their future 24/7 care, and will become state custodial care burdens in skilled nursing facilities unless something can be done sooner. This is a huge problem, people are really helpless and struggling. More awareness comes with more publicity surrounding the issues. I would like to be their spokesperson in bringing these matters to the forefront with greater media exposure. "  www.zoealewis.com