What exactly is Dementia?

• Dementia is a general term that describes a group of symptoms such as loss of memory, judgment, language, complex motor skills, and other intellectual function-caused by the permanent damage or death of the brain's nerve cells, or neurons.
  
  
• One or more of several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, can cause dementia.
  
  
• Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in persons over the age of 65. It represents about 60 percent of all dementias.
  
  
• The other most common causes of dementia are vascular dementia, caused by stroke or blockage of blood supply, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Other types include alcohol dementia, caused by sustained use of alcohol; trauma dementia, caused by head injury; and a rare form of dementia, frontotemporal dementia.
  
  
• The clinical symptoms and the progression of dementia vary, depending on the type of disease causing it, and the location and number of damaged brain cells. Some types progress slowly over years, while others may result in sudden loss of intellectual function.
  
  
• Each type of dementia is characterized by different pathologic, or structural, changes in the brain, such as an accumulation of abnormal plaques and tangles in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and abnormal tau protein in individuals with frontotemporal dementia.
  
  
• View an Interactive Tour of the Brain
  
  

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Information provided by:
Alzheimer's Foundation of America

What to do if someone you know has memory loss issues:

Address the issue as soon as possible. The adage “I'm glad we caught it early” is used frequently for cancer and heart disease, but you rarely hear it in regards to memory issues. The sad fact is the earlier Alzheimer’s disease or other memory impairing health issues are diagnosed the better the treatment options are for the individual. Taking action early is the best way to help your loved one. Call the person’s primary care physician for an appointment. If the physician feels further diagnosis is needed he will order a Memory Screening Test.

The Importance of Memory Screenings

• Memory screenings are a first step toward finding out if you have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, or another type of condition that is causing memory loss.
  
  
• Memory screenings can also let you know that you are okay. The screenings could turn out normal and put your fears to rest.
  
  
• A memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional. However, it is very helpful. A screening can test your memory, language skills, thinking ability, and other intellectual functions. It can indicate whether you might benefit from more testing. If the screening raises concern, see your doctor or other healthcare professional and get a complete examination.
  
  
• It is very important to identify the disease or problem that is causing memory loss. That is why you should follow up with a complete checkup by your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
  
  
• Memory can be affected by a number of factors, ranging from stress and lack of sleep, to such illnesses as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
  
  
• Some conditions that cause memory loss, such as vitamin deficiencies, depression or thyroid problems, are reversible. In general, the earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to treat one of these conditions.
  
  
• Early recognition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—mild intellectual loss that may develop into dementia—provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to treat this condition, and possibly slow the decline in memory and other functions.
  
  
• For irreversible illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease, early diagnosis could improve your future health. Although there currently is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, available and emerging medical treatments may slow the progression of symptoms. These medications have been proven to work best the earlier they are given.
  
  
• Early diagnosis can improve quality of life. Individuals can learn more about the disease; get counseling and other social services support; address legal and financial issues; and have more of a say about their care.
  
  
• Caregivers and other family members can take advantage of community services, such as support groups, which will make them feel better—physically and emotionally. They can discuss treatment, future care and other issues with their loved ones, rather than having to make decisions for them.
  
  
• For persons with a normal screen, memory screenings provide a valuable opportunity to learn more about how to keep their brains healthy and age successfully.
  
  

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Visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org for
more information on screening procedures.

How to keep your brain healthier as you age:

The key to successful aging is a healthy, common sense lifestyle. The goals are to slow or prevent the loss of brain cells, maintain the brain's capacity to make up for any loss, and let remaining brain cells function well. This requires a healthy body, mind and spirit.

Here are some tips for successful aging:

• Visit your doctor regularly.
  
  
• Participate in activities that stimulate your brain, such as reading, crossword puzzles, playing bridge, and other mental exercises.
  
  
• Manage stress through techniques such as relaxation, meditation and yoga.
  
  
• Treat depression. Depressed elders have higher rates of dementia, lower quality of life and higher rates of death.
  
  
• Be social. Maintaining a network of friends will lessen the likelihood of isolation and depression while increasing the overall level of brain stimulation.
  
  
• Exercise daily, such as walking 30 minutes per day. Physical activity significantly lessens the chance of cardiovascular complications that could cause dementia.
  
  
• Control hypertension, diabetes and heart disease—risk factors for dementia—through physical exercise, quitting smoking, controlling your blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and avoiding obesity.
  
  
• Follow a healthy diet and take vitamins, including vitamins C and E, and folic acid.
  
  
• Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol has a direct toxic effect on the brain that adds to the loss of nerve cells and synapses.
  
  

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For additional brain health tips and brain exercises
visit the Alzheimer's Foundation of America website.

Where can I find help locally:

The southern Oregon Alzheimer’s Association’s office is located in Medford, Oregon and provides a variety of caregiver support services. Classes are available specifically to help prepare families and to assist in the care of their loved ones. For more information visit the southern Oregon Alzheimer’s Association web site or call 541.774.9348.

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