Dementia

The Apartment - A Guide to Creating a Dementia Friendly Home

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) created The Apartment—a model studio residence built in AFA’s New York City headquarters to showcase ways that practical design and technology can greatly increase the quality of life for someone living with dementia and help family care partners protect their loved ones’ safety. Rosemary Bakker, President of Age-Friendly Design, was the lead designer who worked with AFA to design The Apartment.

Dementia-related illnesses impact the mind and affect virtually every aspect of a person’s life, including making many facets of daily living more difficult.

Most residences are not built with the needs of an individual living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses in mind. However, almost every part of a residence can impact quality of life for someone living with a dementia-related illness and their family care partners. Even seemingly cosmetic choices, such as wall colors, furniture patterns, and dishware, make a difference.

Dementia vs Alzheimer's - Which Is it?

The terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” have been around for more than a century, which means people have likely been mixing them up for that long, too. But knowing the difference is important.

In the simplest terms, one is broader than the other. If the two were nesting dolls, Alzheimer’s would fit inside dementia, but not the other way around. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia (accounting for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of cases), there are several other types.

A correct diagnosis means the right medicines, remedies and support. It could also impact clinical trial eligibility and participation.

Oakwood Creative Care Day Clubs

Nonprofit Adult Day Clubs & Dementia Support

Discover the Difference
Community Can Make!

"Innovative Support for Members & Their Families

At Oakwood Creative Care, you’ll find a supportive community providing so much more than just “adult day centers” or “day care for seniors”.

In our day clubs located throughout east valley Arizona, you’ll discover experts who are passionate about helping those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or stroke. Through enjoyable engagement activities and exploration, our members find new talents and hobbies every day.

Our Dementia Hub cultivates a community of care partners through various family support services. We offer Memory Cafés, support groups, and dementia coaching sessions with our experts who are passionate to ease the burden on care partners, so their loved one can remain living at home.

In short, we believe in “treatment beyond a pill” and will support your loved one to retain their sense of independence and ensure they feel respected and dignified."

NIH - Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet

Many people wonder if Alzheimer’s disease runs in their family. Is it in your genes? This question isn’t easy to answer. Researchers have identified several genetic variants that are associated with Alzheimer’s and may increase or decrease a person’s risk of developing the disease. What does that mean? Let’s first learn about the role of genes.

From NIH's National Institute on Aging - An Alzheimer's Fact Sheet

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear later in life.

Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 6 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have Alzheimer’s.

The causes of dementia can vary depending on the types of brain changes that may be taking place. Other forms of dementia include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal disorders, and vascular dementia. It is common for people to have mixed dementia — a combination of two or more types of dementia. For example, some people have both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

Thinking About Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease? Five Questions to Consider

"Ask yourself the five questions below to help understand your risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease."

The five questions are:

• How old are you?
• Does Alzheimer's run in your family?
• What's your lifestyle?
• What medical conditions do you have?
• What about biomarkers?

For more information check this article posted by AARP from the NIH - National Institue on Aging.

Home Instead - Help for Alzheimer's Families

The Home Instead network is committed to helping seniors and their families cope with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and to helping seniors remain in the comfort of their own homes.

Home Instead’s Unique Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care

Home Instead, Inc. Gerontologist and Care Professional Advocate, Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger, together with other doctors and experts in aging, have created and continue to refine evidence-informed programs for the Home Instead network's Alzheimer’s home care. Using a person-centered care approach backed by research that supports the care goals to:

• Preserve dignity
• Honor the senior’s life before dementia
• Ease dementia related cognitive and behavioral symptoms
• Enhance safety in the home environment

How Person- Centered Dementia Care Works

Person-centered care starts with a thorough assessment of your loved one's current physical, emotional, and cognitive status. Then your local office will work with you to create a personalized care plan that can deliver stability, support and quality of life through:

• Genuine relationship building
• Learning the person's life history
• Positive reinforcement and encouragement
• Engagement in meaningful activities
• Establishing a stable routine
• Regular showers or baths
• Nutritious meals
• Clean, safe home environment
• Assistance in connecting socially with others
• Transportation

Specially Trained Alzheimer’s Care pros

Care Pros may receive special training using the Home Instead network's one-of-a-kind protocol. Person-Centered Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias by Home Instead is recognized by the *Alzheimer’s Association^® for incorporating the evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas:

• Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Person-centered care
• Assessment and care planning
• Activities of daily living
• Behaviors and communication

Home Instead continually works to refine, improve and enhance Care Pro training to provide leading-edge care to individuals with cognitive conditions.

Please contact your local Home Instead^® office to review the range of services that may be offered.

Resources for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers

AFA provides a wide variety of resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers. Whether you are just starting out on your journey with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or have been on the journey for a while, we are here for you. No one is alone on their journey.

The importance of resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers.

A strong support system is essential for an Alzheimer’s caregiver. AFA was founded by a family caregiver to be a resource for caregivers and a place they can turn to for help, guidance and support in their time of need. It is vital for caregivers to be supported and equipped to give their loved ones the best care possible.

AFA offers a number of different resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, including:

AFA’s National Toll-Free Helpline

AFA’s Helpline is available 7 days a week. Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t take a day off, so neither do we.

Our Helpline is staffed entirely by licensed, dementia-trained social workers because we understand that when you need help, you want a qualified professional on the other end of the line.

We take calls, texts, or chats in 90+ languages to help those in need.

Alzheimers.gov - Find Dementia Care and Support Services

A person with dementia will need more support over time. Resources are available to help.

Learn about support, resources, and services. Check the following link.

Alzheimer's Disease and Healthy Aging Resources provided by the CDC.

About Us

The Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program (AD+HAP) develops evidence-based, scientific information to educate, inform, and assist in translating its research into public health practice.

Alzheimer’s disease is the 5th leading cause of death for people 65 and older. Nearly 6 million people have Alzheimer’s disease at an annual cost of $291 billion. Sixty-seven percent, or $197 billion, comes from government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. The number of Alzheimer’s disease cases is expected to more than double to 14 million by 2050.

NIH - Preventing Alzheimer's Disease: What Do We Know?

"Changes in the brain occur many years before the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear. These early brain changes point to a possible window of opportunity to prevent or delay memory loss and other symptoms of dementia. While nothing has been proven yet to prevent Alzheimer’s, researchers have identified promising strategies and are learning more about what might — and might not — work."

"A 2017 review of research looked carefully at the evidence from clinical research on ways to prevent, delay, or slow Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or delay or slow age-related cognitive decline."

"Led by a committee of experts from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), the review found “encouraging but inconclusive” evidence for three types of interventions: blood pressure management in people with high blood pressure, increased physical activity, and cognitive training."

See this article for some insight into what might help to prevent or slow the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Can I Prevent Dementia?

"As you age, you may have concerns about the increased risk of dementia. You may have questions, too. Are there steps I can take to prevent it? Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk? There are currently no approaches that have been proven to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. However, as with many other diseases, there may be steps you can take to help reduce your risk."

Check out this article from Alzheimers.gov: Can I Prevent Dementia? (alzheimers.gov)

4 Home Safety Tips for Families Affected by Dementia

As part of National Safety Month this June, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering 4 home safety tips for families caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness.

“Every family caregiver’s number one priority is making sure their loved one is safe, but most homes are not designed with the needs of someone living with dementia in mind,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational & Social Services. “From smart technology to simply removing clutter, there are steps caregivers can take to make a home safer and more dementia-friendly, improving their loved one’s quality of life as well as their own.”

Today's Caregiver magazine discusses four important safety tips for families caring for loved ones who are suffering from some form of dementia. Check the following link for more information.

Alzhheimers.gov - Can I Prevent Dementia?

"As you age, you may have concerns about the increased risk of dementia. You may have questions, too. Are there steps I can take to prevent it? Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk? There are currently no approaches that have been proven to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. However, as with many other diseases, there may be steps you can take to help reduce your risk."

Check out this very informative site about Alzheimer's.

Hospice of the Valley - Dementia

Compassionate dementia care 

Hospice of the Valley helps improve quality of life for people with all stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias—from those just starting to show signs—to those who are quite advanced. Our experienced dementia team is here to support you every step of the way on your caregiving journey and can work with your loved one’s physician to create a customized plan of care.

LIVE WELL WITH DEMENTIA

We support families living with all types and all stages of dementia. With our unique in-home Supportive Care for Dementia program and a full spectrum of services at our innovative Dementia Care and Education Campus, we help enhance quality of life. Caregivers learn to navigate challenges, create moments of joy and nurture their own well-being. Our goal is to help our community live well with dementia.

Hospice of the Valley offers the following programs:

SUPPORTIVE CARE FOR DEMENTIA PROGRAM

This unique service is the only in-home program in Arizona delivering clinical and emotional care to support families caring for a loved one with any stage of dementia. Thanks to a federal grant, it is provided at no charge.

DEMENTIA HOSPICE CARE

Late-stage dementia patients cannot communicate with words, but our staff knows how to meet their needs and customize care with sensory activities that comfort and calm. Medicare covers dementia hospice care.

DEMENTIA CARE AND EDUCATION CAMPUS

This innovative Campus, set to open mid 2021, will care for those with all types and all stages of dementia-- and support caregivers, healthcare providers and our whole community.

COMMUNITY CLASSES & SUPPORT GROUPS

Learning to live well with dementia can be challenging. Our experienced dementia team shares techniques and insights that help families understand how to improve quality of life for their loved one. You’re not alone.

Call (602) 530-6900 anytime 24/7 or contact us.
Serving Maricopa County, northern Pinal County and the Tucson area.

Alzheimer's Disease - Information from Mayo Clinic

Overview

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that gets worse over time. It's characterized by changes in the brain that lead to deposits of certain proteins. Alzheimer's disease causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills. These changes affect a person's ability to function.

About 6.5 million people in the United States age 65 and older live with Alzheimer's disease. Among them, more than 70% are 75 years old and older. Of the about 55 million people worldwide with dementia, 60% to 70% are estimated to have Alzheimer's disease.

10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore (AARP)

How to spot early indicators that your loved one may have Alzheimer’s or dementia​.

"It’s not unusual to have occasional trouble finding the right word or remembering where you put things. But persistent difficulty with memory and the ability to perform everyday tasks might be signs of something more serious."

This AARP article will help you spot some of the early indicators of Alzheimer's or dementia.

3 Reasons Hearing Loss May Increase Dementia Risk

Could hearing aids help protect the brain?

Over the past decade, research has shown that compared to those with normal hearing, people with hearing loss have a much higher risk of developing dementia.

Increasingly, researchers are beginning to understand why. Here are three of the main theories that could explain the risk.

City of Maricopa Community Center - Dementia and Alzheimer's Support Groups

As part of their senior programming, the City of Maricopa Community Center hosts Care giver's dementia or Alzheimer's Support groups the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (free).

A safe, supportive environment where you can share your experiences and encourage other caregivers in their journey.

Check the City of Maricopa Community/Senior Center senior programming schedule on this website to confirm specific events and times.

Virtual Memory Screenings

Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) offers free virtual memory screenings which allow individuals to receive one-on-one, confidential memory screenings from a qualified professional using their computer, smart phone or tablet. This service, which is part of AFA’s National Memory Screening Program, began during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that people could still get screened from the safety and comfort of their homes.

When are virtual memory screenings conducted?

Screenings are done by appointment daily, Monday through Friday. Appointments can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484 or online by using the website below.

AFA’s National Memory Screening Program provides free, confidential memory screenings–administered by qualified healthcare professionals–to individuals across the country.

What is a memory screening?

A memory screening is a simple and safe “healthy brain check-up” that tests memory and other thinking skills. The memory screening is a series of questions and/or tasks that takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and can indicate if someone might benefit from a comprehensive medical evaluation. It is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a physician or other clinician.

Why are memory screenings important?

• They are a significant first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem. Memory problems could be caused by a number of medical conditions, including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, and depression, as well as dementia-related illnesses including Alzheimer’s.
• Some memory problems–such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems– can be readily treated. Other memory problems might result from causes that are not currently reversible, such as Alzheimer’s disease. In general, the earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to treat one of these conditions.
• Early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may afford a person the opportunity to take advantage of treatments that may slow the changes in memory and thinking skills or participate in a clinical trial.
• If the memory problem is the result of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s disease, early detection may enable the person to begin treatments and therapeutic interventions sooner, afford greater opportunity to participate in a clinical trial and take a more active role in developing their health, legal and financial plans.

Videos from Aging with Dignity regarding Alzheimer's and Dementia

From Aging with Dignity:

For nearly 25 years Aging with Dignity has defended the God-given right of the elderly, disabled, and mentally ill to have their human dignity respected and safeguarded, particularly in times of serious illness. Its Five Wishes publication is America’s most popular advance care planning tool that has helped countless families get the kind of end-of-life care they desire.

Video series -

Reminiscing with Dementia and Alzheimer's | Mind and Body Series -

BONUS EPISODE: Reminiscing with Dementia and Alzheimer's | Mind and Body Series (youtube.com)

Margaret McGahon adds in a bonus episode on reminiscing for a situation so many of us have experienced personally to some degree - reminiscing with a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's. Even though it may not feel like it, this practice of recalling memories, helps stave off cognitive decline in those with dementia or Alzheimer's, and it is a spiritually rewarding experience for everyone involved.

All the previous “reminiscing” episodes can be viewed on our YouTube channel: Aging with Dignity - YouTube

To begin the "reminiscing episodes:

Reminiscing: Birth and Infancy | Mind and Body Series (youtube.com)

Margaret McGahon begins her series on understanding the self with these reflections on birth and infancy. These in-depth videos allow us to enter into the mystery of "Who am I?" and what those implications are for ourselves and for our families.

The Signs of Hidden Grief -

The Signs of Hidden Grief (youtube.com)

This video series will be helpful to people of many faith traditions or those with no particular religious affiliation. Margaret is an accredited psychodynamic psychotherapist with extensive background and teaching experience in psychology and counseling, and has created several human development programs, including Deeper Living. She also is the author of Trauma and Belief: An Irish Perspective.

Preventing Unfinished Business -

Preventing Unfinished Business (youtube.com)

In this week’s episode, counselor Margaret McGahon encourages us to make the most of every moment with our loved ones. Whether that's sharing fond memories with each other or hashing out disputes or differences. McGahon reminds us of the sober reality — "we all will face death, and it's best that we do not leave any unfinished business." She points to country music as a genre that understands grief remarkably well saying, "Country and western song artists are very attuned to the grief process — don't know what it is, but they depict is very well."

What is Dementia? Symptoms, Types and Diagnosis

An article from NIH's National Institute on Aging

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change.

Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person's functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living, such as feeding oneself.

Dementia affects millions of people and is more common as people grow older (about one-third of all people age 85 or older may have some form of dementia) but it is not a normal part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any signs of dementia.

There are several different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common.