Getting Help for Patients with Dementia and their Caregivers Erica Salamida Associate Director of Programs and Services Alzheimer s Association-NENY
In this session you will learn about: Symptoms of dementia, common problems and the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer s Disease How to obtain a diagnosis Stresses for caregivers Tips for families to help persons with dementia stay in their homes How to obtain resources in your community for persons/families with dementia
What Is Dementia?
Dementia Alzheimer s disease Frontal Temporal Dementia Lewy Body Dementia Vascular Dementia
Risk Factors for Alzheimer s Disease Age At the age of 65 your risk doubles every 5 years At the age of 85 your risk increases to 50% Family history of Alzheimer s Head trauma Cardiovascular risk factors
Alzheimer s Disease Progressive brain disorder Estimated 5 million people have it Tangles and plaques form in the brain Gradually destroys brain cells Leads to changes in behavior and loss of abilities memory, learning, reasoning, judgment, communication, ADLs
Warning Signs It may be difficult to know the difference between age related changes and the first signs of Alzheimer s Disease. To help identify problems early, the Alzheimer s Association has created a list of warning signs. Individuals may experience one or more of these in different degrees.
Warning Sign #1 Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life -Forgetting recently learned information -Forgetting important dates or event -Asking for the same information over and Over -Increasingly relying on memory aides or Family members for things they used to handle on their own
Warning Sign #2 Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems -Changes in ability to develop or follow a plan or work with numbers -Trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of bills -Difficulty concentrating -Taking much longer to do things than they did before
Warning Sign #3 Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks at Home, at Work, or at Leisure -Difficulty completing daily tasks -Trouble driving to a familiar location -Trouble managing a budget at work -Trouble remembering the rules of a favorite game
Warning Sign #4 Confusion with Time or Place -Losing track of dates, seasons, or passages of time -Trouble understanding something if it s not happening immediately -Forgetting where they are and/or how they got there
Warning Sign #5 Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships -Vision issues -Difficulty reading -Difficulty judging distances between objects -Difficulty determining color or contrast -Problems with driving
Warning Sign #6 New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing -Trouble following or joining a conversation -Stopping in the middle of a conversation -Repeating themselves -Difficulty finding the right word -Calling things by the wrong name
Warning Sign #7 Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps -Putting things in unusual places -Losing things and unable to retrace steps -May accuse of others of stealing
Warning Sign #8 Decreased or Poor Judgement -Changes in judgement or decision making -Using poor judgement when dealing with money -Giving money to telemarketers or falling for scams -Paying less attention to grooming and keeping themselves clean
Warning Sign #9 Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities -Removing themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports -Trouble keeping up with a favorite sports Team -Trouble remembering how to complete a favorite hobby -Avoiding being social because of the changes they are experiencing
Warning #10 Changes in Mood and Personality -Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious -Becoming easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places where they are out of their comfort zone
Obtaining a Diagnosis A Physician should always be consulted about concerns with memory, thinking skills, and changes in behavior A skilled Physician can diagnose Alzheimer s Disease with 90% accuracy No single test for Alzheimer s Disease Comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary
Obtaining a Diagnosis Medical History Mental Status Evaluation Series of evaluations that test memory, reasoning, vision-motor coordination, and language skills A physical examination An exam that tests sensation, balance, and other functions of the nervous system A brain scan Laboratory tests A Psychiatric evaluation Interviews with spouse, partner, or close family member or friend
Caregiver Stress Difficult work that takes considerable time Struggling to balance caregiving with other responsibilities Isolation Financial hardship Behavioral challenges Exhaustion/sleeplessness Emotions (guilt, frustration, anger, sadness)
Recognize the Signs Physical Signs: headaches, chest pain, disturbed sleep, weight fluctuation, stomach problems, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, fatigue, loss of hair Emotional Signs: anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability, memory problems, feeling out of control, increased substance abuse, feeling of isolation
Community Resources Resources for persons with dementia and/or their caregivers 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 Alzheimer s Association -Care Consultations -Information and Referral -Education Programs -Safety Programs -Early Stage Engagement Programs -Support Groups Local Office for the Aging
Aging in Place In-home caregiver Adult Day Programs Volunteer Companion Programs Community Grants Technology Home safety devices Environmental changes Home delivered meals Care Team Calendar
Get Connected! 1-800-272-3900 alz.org