Navigating Mental Health Coping with Vision, Hearing, and Mobility Loss in Adult Refsum Disease

Описание: During Refsum Awareness Week 2024, Global DARE Foundation hosted a webinar on living with a degenerative disease like Adult Refsum Disease that presents unique challenges, particularly when dealing with progressive vision loss, hearing impairment, and mobility issues. This webinar delves into the mental health aspects of managing these challenges. Dr. Ann Wagner, a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist with over two decades of experience working with veterans and trauma survivors, will share her insights on the psychological impact of degenerative conditions. Dr. Wagner brings a personal perspective, being legally blind due to retinitis pigmentosa. Joining her is Eric Ringham, a retired senior editor at Minnesota Public Radio and a part-time voice and stage actor. Together, they will discuss practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being, drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience.

Speaker Bios
Dr. Ann Wagner is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist. She worked for 26 years on the PTSD Clinical Team at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and has expertise in empirically supported interventions for the treatment of PTSD and other trauma-related problems. Though retired, she is professionally active as a consultant and invited guest speaker. She particularly enjoys presenting on a variety of topics related to vision loss and mental health. She is a fierce proponent of the importance of lovingkindness and opening to core self. Dr. Wagner's professional expertise is complemented by her personal experience living with retinitis pigmentosa, which has rendered her legally blind.

Eric Ringham is a retired senior editor who concluded his career at Minnesota Public Radio News, overseeing coverage in arts and education. Before joining MPR in 2009, Ringham spent nearly 30 years at the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, where he served as commentary editor. In addition to his journalism career, Ringham works as a voice and stage actor. He brings a deep understanding of the power of storytelling and communication, both as a professional and as the spouse of Dr. Ann Wagner.

Refsum Disease & Global DARE Foundation
Did you know that one in 300 people who have Retinitis Pigmentosa also have Refsum disease? Many are diagnosed with Refsum Disease 15-20 years after being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Early diagnosis is so important because dietary therapy can slow sight and hearing loss associated with Refsum and lessen other symptoms.

Join the Global DARE Foundation in making a difference for the Refsum community. Visit our website at https://www.defeatadultrefsumeverywhe... . Please share this video to raise awareness and enable early diagnosis!

If you have any questions please contact Global DARE Foundation at [email protected]
#curerefsum #retinitispigmentosa #lowvision