what are the warning signs? how can i help?. aging & disability resource center ◦...
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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