Senior Moments or Something More? Copyright James L. West Alzheimer s Center, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Defining Dementia Dementia is a group of symptoms affecting intellectual and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Dementia indicates problems with at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and impaired judgment or language. Common signs and symptoms include: Memory loss Difficulty communicating Can t learn or remember new information Personality changes Inability to reason Inappropriate behavior Paranoia Agitation Hallucinations Difficulty with planning and organizing Difficulty with coordination
Defining Dementia & Alzheimer s Alzheimer's Disease is the most common of progressive dementias and involves deteriorating brain cells beginning with the most common changes such as confusion & forgetfulness, then leads to more severe intellectual and physical impairments.
Defining Dementia Getting an early and a right diagnosis is very important to rule out possible temporary or reversible dementias. Progressive dementias: Alzheimer s disease Vascular dementia Frontotemporal dementia Dementia with Lewy Bodies HIV-associated dementia Mixed dementia Secondary dementia Reversible dementias: Infections and immune disorders Metabolic problems and nutritional deficiencies Reactions to medications Poisoning (including abusing drugs and alcohol) Heart and Lung problems Fluid on the brain
NORMAL AGING VS. NOT NORMAL AGING
Normal aging changes: Processing/recalling information becomes slower, memory becomes less efficient. Notice a faint decline with finding words. Remembering where you put things, why you walked into a room. Always able to register/learn new information. Multi-tasking is more difficult. Remembering details declines. Learning style tends to change and harder to adjust to change. Ability to reason and make sense out of information does not decline.
Abnormal aging: Forgetfulness that disrupts daily life can t keep track of day. Have trouble following a conversation, trouble with vocabulary. Repeat themselves. Misplace things and can t retrace your steps. Trouble learning new things. Forgetting how to do things done many times before. Forgetting an entire event or occasion. Mood & personality can change. Not knowing what the car keys are anymore. Make poor decisions & decreased judgment.
HELP REDUCE YOUR RISK
Risk Factors Risk factors: Age Family Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Risk factors you can change: Alcohol abuse & smoking Atherosclerosis, clogged arteries High or untreated Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Homocysteine Head injury Depression Stress Overweight or obesity Diabetes What is good for heart is good for your brain
Help Reduce Risk Novel Activity The brain thrives when it is challenged to learn and remember new things. Taking classes or doing crossword or logic puzzles seems to ward off memory loss. Learn how to play a musical instrument Brush your teeth with you non-dominant hand Manage Stress Biologically speaking, chronic stress is really bad for our brain because it can block nerve cell growth. Breathe Schedule daily relaxation activities; walk, yoga, bath, play with dog Inner peace - Meditate, Pray, or Reflect
Help Reduce Risk Be Active Activity can include walking, swimming, gardening, cleaning. Combining aerobics and strength training is better than either activity alone. Adding 2-3 strength sessions to your weekly routine may cut your risk of Alzheimer s in half. Eat Fruits and Veggies Focus on eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Mediterranean diet Color is the best Curcumin or Turmeric Omega 3 (DHA) found in fish like salmon
Help Reduce Risk Quality Sleep If sleep deprivation can slow your thinking and affect your mood and at a greater risk for developing dementia. Keep a routine sleep schedule Relaxing bedtime schedule Be Social, Make Friends Friends provide many benefits, including keeping you mentally active and help ward off stress and depression. Studies show that the more connected we are, the better we fare on tests of memory and cognition. Take a class Volunteer Weekly 'game night with friends Know the warning signs
SUSPECT SOMETHING?
Suspect Something? Nearly 2 in 10 Americans suspect they know someone with dementia who has not sought a diagnosis or treatment. (American Health Assistance Foundation) 1. Keep a record Write down observations. You can see patterns or changes in the frequency of certain behaviors. 2. Educate yourself Don t jump to conclusions and know the warning signs. Various types of dementia and other situations that can mimic the disease. 3. Talk about it Establish a trusting relationship. Ask them how they are feeling, reassure them you will be involved and help find solutions. 4. Get a diagnosis from a qualified doctor Geriatrician or Neurologist
Support & Resources Proper Diagnosis UNT Health Science Center Gerontology Assessment Planning Program Education Respite Day Program Residential Home Health Care Support Groups
Residential Living Respite Care Adult Day Program Community & Caregiver Education Licensed and state-certified to provide total dementia care Round the clock medical assessment and treatment Training for future doctors & nurses Staff to resident ratio is 1:6 Jaime Cobb, CDP, Director of Community Education jcobb@jameslwest.org 817-877-1199 ext. 199