Overview. Let s Talk: A Discussion About Dementia. Difference between normal aging and dementia. What is Alzheimer s disease? Recognize the symptoms

Transcription

1 Let s Talk: A Discussion About Dementia St. Margaret s Bay Seniors Association March 20, 2014 Overview Difference between normal aging and dementia What is Alzheimer s disease? Recognize the symptoms Importance of early diagnosis Preparing for Doctor s Visit Reducing the risk

2 Normal Forgetfulness Recognize people & places, even if cannot recall their names Remember the day & time Forget details of a recent experience, but not the experience itself Forget items, but will often remember later Dementia is NOT a normal part of aging

3 Dementia Is a set of symptoms that includes : Loss of memory Changes in judgment and reasoning Changes in mood & behaviour Changes in communication abilities Alzheimer s disease is the most common cause of dementia - 64% What is Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative, irreversible dementia. There is no known cause or cure. The damage done to the brain cannot be repaired. Brain cells shrink or disappear and are replaced with plaques or thread-like tangles. It is not a normal part of aging.

4 Alzheimer s disease Other Dementias Vascular Dementia Frontotemporal Dementia Lewy Body Disease Other

5 Statistics An estimated 747,000 Canadians have Alzheimer s disease or other dementias (ADOD) Currently 70,000 Canadians under the age of 65 are living with dementia Risk doubles every 5 years after age 65 17,000 Nova Scotians Recognize the Symptoms Memory loss that affects day-to-day function Difficulty performing familiar tasks Problems with language Disorientation of time and place Poor or decreased judgment

6 Symptoms Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps Changes in mood and behaviour Changes in Personality Problems with abstract thinking Loss of initiative Changes in the Brain

7 Getting a Diagnosis Assessment tools include: a medical history physical exam laboratory tests Mini Mental State Exam collateral information The purpose of assessment is to eliminate other possible causes of dementia and to assess the symptoms. Treatment No known cure No treatment can stop the progression Medication can help some symptoms by: Slowing down decline of memory Slowing down decline of language Slowing down decline of thinking abilities Medications work for about 2/3 of people. They are effective for a limited time.

8 Benefits of Early Diagnosis Understand the symptoms they are experiencing, and the changes that they can expect Gain access to information, resources and support Benefit from and explore treatment options Plan for the future Develop and engage support networks Maximize their quality of life Family s Role What can you do to help? Make the appointment for the person Help with transportation Offer to accompany the person to appointments and tests Help prepare information for the first appointment Provide emotional support Have patience

9 Factors That May Increase Your Chance of Getting Alzheimer s disease Age Genetics Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or kidney disease High blood pressure or cholesterol levels Head injuries, like concussions Lack of mental or social stimulation Stress What Can We Do? Self-awareness and prevention especially those 40 and older

10 How to Reduce the Risk Exercise regularly Eat a heart-healthy diet Stay socially & mentally active Play it safe Reduce Stress Maintain healthy weight- monitor blood pressure & cholesterol levels Physical Activity Maintains good blood and oxygen supply to brain 30 minutes 3 Xs a week Variety of activity as opposed to intensity Choose activity/sport you enjoy Start where you can and set reasonable goals

11 Heart Healthy Diet Adopting a Mediterranean diet Antioxidant rich foods like blueberries & green leafy vegetables Foods low in fat and cholesterol Increase omega-3s (nuts, fish) Reduces risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and risk of AD Stay Socially Active Stay socially engaged Stay active in the workforce Volunteer in your community Join a club The benefits of furry friends Travel

12 Challenge Your Brain Pursue new interests Engage in cultural activities Keep up hobbies; find new ones Challenge your mind with puzzles, games Join a book club Break your routine Be Serious About Safety Use protective headgear when biking, skating etc. Wear a seat belt in the car Do exercises to improve strength, balance and flexibility Guard against falls

13 Stress Reduction Stress causes your body to release chemicals that can damage your brain when it persists over time Take time for yourself Seek and accept help Get plenty of sleep Laugh Put Them All Together Brain health is influenced by choices we make Brain health works best combining healthy diet, physical and mental activity, staying socially active, taking steps to be safe and reducing stress

14 Brain Teazer How can you throw a ball as hard as you can and have it come back to you, even if it doesn't bounce off anything? There is nothing attached to it, and no one else catches or throws it back to you. Throw the ball straight up in the air

15 Question What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps? RIVER

16 Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow Alzheimer InfoLine- for information, support and referral or Support groups Public Library Partnership Handrahan Resource Library Resources A Report on Alzheimer s Disease and Current Research (2008). Alzheimer Society of Canada

17 Thank You!