Dementia is the general term used to describe a group of symptoms related to memory loss and cognitive impairment. Individuals with dementia not only forget people and events, but are also commonly disoriented to time and place: which means they forget what year it is or where they live. They may repeatedly ask what time it is or think a few hours or days have passed when it has only been a few minutes. They may remember living in house from 20, 30, or even 40 years ago – and not realize that where they live now is their current home. Intellectual functioning deteriorates; for example, the ability to balance a check book or learn new information. It is important to recognize that these abilities must have been present in an individual at one point and have become diminished in order to consider dementia as a possibility.
Is Dementia Reversible?
There are two types of dementia: reversible and irreversible. Certain medical conditions can cause reversible dementia such as urinary tract infections (UTI’s). Depression can also cause dementia. Irreversible dementias can usually be reversed with medical treatment. Irreversible dementias can not. Examples of irreversible dementias caused by disease include Alzheimer’s, Picks, Lewy Bodies, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Nearly 70% of dementias are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. While the exact cause is unknown, scientists have discovered by studying the brain that plaques and tangles develop between neurotransmitters preventing neurons from working properly, which effects the parts of the brain where memory, coordination, logic, reasoning, judgment, and intellect function.
Feelings Intact
When dealing with a person with dementia, beware of their emotions – and your reaction to them. Researchers believe that the part of the brain that stores memories of emotion is different than the area that stores memories of fact. This means that a person may be able to maintain social skills for some time, which can allow him to mask the symptoms of dementia.
An individual often loses his ability to effectively communicate what he is thinking or feeling as dementia progresses. For example, if a woman walks hurriedly through a room with a growl on her face and speaking loudly about an appointment she is late to, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may not understand what the person is talking about, but he can feel upset or even frightened as his emotions react to her behaviors.
Forgetfulness: Do I have Dementia?
When leaving the grocery store recently, I noticed an elderly woman wandering around the parking lot as if she were lost. I asked her if she need some help and she told me she couldn’t find her car. It’s not uncommon for people to take a few minutes to find their car after filtering through the masses for 2 hours at Wal-Mart on a Saturday afternoon. However, it is uncommon for someone to forget what type of car they drive – even when they are standing right in front of it.
When do I talk to the doctor?
If you suspect you - or someone you know – have more than “normal forgetfulness,” talk to your doctor. You can start with a memory screen with your primary care physician. Neurologists or neuropsychologists can also provide elaborate testing to rule out other conditions which may reflect symptoms of dementia. Family members can provide valuable information (things the patient might forget or neglect to mention) to the doctor so it is important for someone to accompany an individual going in for an evaluation.
There are medications that can slow the progression of the illness and help minimize (although not alleviate) associated behaviors. Devising a treatment plan is crucial; the sooner the better. But getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step.
Alzheimer’s Family Services provides free memory screens to assess for memory loss and cognitive impairment. This evaluation is brief and uses a standardized test to evaluate current level of functioning. It is not substitute for evaluation by your doctor, but can help determine if further medical testing is required. This service is available every second Monday of the month and appointments are required. Call the office to learn more: (850) 478-7790.
Caregiver Quiz
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is challenging. We must evolve from our traditional role as spouse or adult child to “caregiver.” This new role requires us to learn complex skills and become master multi-taskers, while trying to maintain our status as wife, husband, daughter, son, or friend. Take a moment to think about all of the things you are responsible for now. Mark the boxes below of the tasks you do regularly:
oMeal preparer
oMedication giver
oNurse
oHome safety monitor
oFinancial guardian
oLaundry person
oActivities motivator
oResearcher
oHome cleaner
oDriver
oLawn maintenance staff
oAppointment scheduler
You can probably think of a few more duties that you take care of that may be new to you since your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is easy to realize how life can be overwhelming. Learn as much as you can about coping with the disease and remember to take time for yourself; respite will allow you to refresh and rejuvenate – to better care for yourself and your loved one.
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