Memory & Dementia

What are the warning signs?How can I help?

Aging & Disability Resource Center◦ 608-240-7400 www.daneadrc.org

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin◦ 608-232-3400 www.alzwisc.org

Alzheimer’s Association, South Central Chapter◦ 608-203-8500 www.alz.org

Local Resources

Factors for healthy aging Brain structure and how it works Causes of dementia Risk factors – ways to reduce risk Warning signs Dementia friendly communities Communication tips Resources

Overview

GeneticsLifestyleEnvironment

Factors for Health Aging

Your brain Brain Stem Cerebellum Occipital lobe Parietal lobe Frontal & temporal lobe Hippocampus Amygdala

Source: National Institute of Health

100 billion cells 100 trillion connections

Neuroplasticity◦ Changes through learning◦ Can re-organize and form new connections

Neurogenesis◦ Forming new cells throughout life

Neurons

Nutritional deficiencies Infection Dehydration Kidney failure Drug interactions Uncontrolled diabetes Brain injury AlcoholIf you see changes… it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Potentially reversible causes

Alzheimer’s is the leading cause Others include:

◦ Vascular dementia◦ Lewy body◦ Frontotemporal◦ Parkinson’s◦ Mixed / Combination◦ Other diseases and conditions

Progressive/degenerative/irreversible

Causes of DementiaDiagnostic term: Neurocognitive disorder

1. Memory Loss that disrupts daily life2. Challenges in planning or solving problems3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks4. Confusion with time or place5. Trouble understanding visual images6. New problems with words – speaking or writing7. Misplacing things and losing ability to re-trace steps8. Decreased or poor judgment9. Withdrawal from work or social activities10. Changes in mood or behavior

10 Warning Signs --Alzheimer’s Association

Increasing understanding, acceptance and approaches

Encouraging compassion and empathy Giving tools to better communicate and

support people living with changes in memory and thinking abilities

Connecting people

Dementia Friendly Communities

Slow down Simplify Pay attention to your non-verbal

communication and theirs Make good eye contact Smile and re-assure Approach from the front Don’t argue Every person is unique

Communication Tips

What motivates them? Who motivates them? Discuss potentially reversible causes Take opportunities as they arise Compassionate, gentle approach Build the relationship and the

conversation……then discuss your concerns

Let them know about resources available

Encouraging someone to seek help

Heart disease Diabetes Smoking Excessive alcohol use Head injury Insufficient sleep / sleep apnea Medications Depression / chronic anxiety Lack of physical activity Lack of social activity

Risk Factors

Diabetes – monitor numbers◦ Reduce sugar intake and take measures to reduce

your risk of developing diabetes Sleep issues

◦ Get adequate rest◦ Treat sleep issues such as apnea

Medications◦ Monitor and talk to your pharmacist about drug

interactions Depression & chronic anxiety

◦ Seek treatment for these issues

Manage your…

Exercise your brain Exercise your body Eat healthy foods Take care of your heart Socialize Remain active Learn new things

Reduce your risk

Information and referral Dementia Specialists

◦ Cognitive screening◦ Language Enriched Exercise Plus Socialization

(LEEPS)◦ Memory Care Connections◦ Care planning assistance◦ Connections to support groups◦ Community support

Dementia Friendly Communities

How the ADRC can help

Aging & Disability Resource Center of Dane County608-240-7400www.daneadrc.org