Forms of Dementia

Heather Finch has a new article on common forms of dementia in seniors posted at stillsomeone.org.

Two New Articles Up

Two new articles are available at stillsomeone.org:

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease details behavioral and personality changes that might signal early AD. Steps to Take After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis discusses ways to enhance independence and safety while slowing the progression of the disease and preparing for the future. Both articles were written by Heather Finch and will be available as flyers soon.

Are dementia-related deaths underreported?

Alzheimer’s Disease is cited as the 5th leading cause of death in people over 65,. Researchers say the impact of the disease on mortality may be higher.

Exercise may prevent cognitive decline

Participating in aerobic exercise for three or more hours a week may prevent cognitive decline in senior citizens by increasing blood flow to the brain in addition to increasing the number of small blood vessels in the brain, according to a study at the University of North Carolina.

Study looking at genetic Alzheimer’s disease link

Researchers are recruiting adult children of people diagnosed with dominantly inherited (early-onset) Alzheimer’s disease to participate in a study funded by the U.S. National Institute on Aging.

Participants must be 18 or older.

For more information, visit dian-info.org.

Alzheimer’s article at CNN.com

What to do when mom or dad doesn’t recognize you — includes strategies for dealing with common concerns when communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease. One that stood out to me was to avoid interrogating someone about what they remember. Instead, introduce yourself and other visitors. Also, the writer suggests that when someone asks the same question over and over, assure them that everything is fine and try to move on with the conversation.

Alzheimer’s prevention roundup

An interesting article from CNN.com about the latest thinking about approaches that may prevent or delay dementia associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.

New flyer

This is the new flyer that will be included in deliveries to nursing homes and private residences. It is targeted to the staff and caregivers.

Types of Dementia, part 1

 

Dementia is the umbrella term used for the reduction of cognitive ability or recall. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60-80 percent of all cases.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include difficulty remembering names and events, disorientation, confusion, and behavior changes. The disorder can be confirmed clinically by observing specific types of plaques and proteins in the brain.

Although common, Alzheimer’s disease is not the only type of dementia that can impact the elderly community. Vascular dementia is dementia that is trigger by a stroke or series of stokes that decrease blood flow to the brain. This is sometimes called multi-infarct, post-stroke dementia, or vascular cognitive impairment.

Dementia with Lewy bodies shares many symptoms with Alzheimer’s disease in addition to muscle tremors, rigidity, and visual hallucinations. This type of dementia is distinguished from Alzheimer’s disease by the presence of Lewy body proteins in the brain.

 

Adapted from the 2008 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures published by The Alzheimer’s Association.