Dementia Friends

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.

• memory, language, problem solving

What type of condition is dementia?

Dementia is a group of symptoms, caused by a number of underlying conditions.

Why does an understanding of dementia matter to us?

Understanding dementia is important because it helps in providing better care, support, and early intervention for individuals affected by it, improving their quality of life and addressing the challenges it poses to families and communities.

Symptoms of aging

• sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering later

• making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook

• occasional help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a TV show

• confused about the day of the week but recalling later

• sometimes having trouble finding the right word

• misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them

• making a bad decision once in a while

• sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations

• Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupt

Symptoms of alzheimers

• memory loss that disrupts daily life

• challenges in planning or solving problems

• difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

• confusion with time or place

• trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

• new problems with words in speaking or writing

• misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

• decreased or poor judgement

• withdrawal from work or social activities

• changes in mood and personality

Risk factors of dementia

• age

• family history

• genetics

• cerebrovascular disease

  • high BP

  • high cholesterol

  • diabetes

  • smoking

  • obesity

  • heart attack

  • stroke

• female gender

• african american and hispanic/latino ethnicity

• traumatic brain injury

• low level of education

• mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis

Is dementia a normal part of aging?

No, dementia is not a normal part of aging. Not everyone who grows old will develop dementia.

What causes dementia?

Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain that lead to a decline in memory and cognitive abilities.

What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?

Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia, whereas dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function caused by various diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

What is Alzheimer's dementia?

Alzheimer's dementia is a type of dementia characterized by progressive memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior due to brain cell damage.

• MOST COMMON

What is vascular dementia?

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, leading to cognitive decline, often due to strokes or other vascular conditions.

What is Parkinson's dementia?

Parkinson’s dementia occurs in people with Parkinson's disease, causing cognitive decline and memory problems as the disease progresses.

What is frontotemporal dementia?

Frontotemporal dementia is characterized by progressive damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language.

What is Lewy body dementia?

Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain, leading to cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and movement problems.

Top of the bookshelf

• forget the most recent stuff first

• memories of facts

• skill for complex thoughts

  • math

  • language

  • behavior

bottom of the bookshelf

• remembered for the longest time

• emotions and feelings

• love

• happiness

• frustration

• sensing respect

• instinct area

Is dementia only about memory problems?

No, dementia can affect thinking, speech, and the ability to perform daily activities, not just memory.

How does dementia affect planning and learning?

Dementia makes it harder to plan and learn new activities.

How does dementia interfere with structured tasks?

Dementia can make tasks like writing more difficult.

What areas are affected by dementia besides memory?

Dementia can affect vision, understanding words, coordination, judgment, language, and more.

Can people with dementia have a good quality of life?

Yes, it is possible to have a good quality of life with dementia, especially with the right support.

What is the stigma surrounding dementia?

The image and stigma of dementia are often negative, but many people can live well with the condition.

What activities can people with dementia continue to do?

Many people with dementia can continue to drive, socialize, and hold down jobs, especially in the early stages.

How do people with dementia live as the condition progresses?

As dementia progresses, many people lead active, healthy lives, continue hobbies, and enjoy loving relationships.

How does dementia affect daily life?

Dementia makes tasks harder, but with the right support, it is possible to get the best out of life.

How should people living with dementia be viewed?

People living with dementia are a person first, not defined solely by their condition.

Why is it important to know a person’s history when they have dementia?

Knowing a person’s history (their story) helps to understand them better and provide more personalized care.

How can we support people living with dementia?

It’s important to have patience, be kind, and give support to people living with dementia.

What do people living with dementia pay more attention to?

People living with dementia pay more attention to what they see than what they hear.

What is the goal when communicating with someone with dementia?

The goal is to say whatever it takes to help them feel safe and secure in the moment.

• if they call you their niece and you aren’t, just go with it for the moment

Can you control memory loss in someone with dementia?

No, you cannot control memory loss, but you can control your reaction to it.

What should you do instead of asking a question when communicating with someone with dementia?

Provide a statement, like "The bathroom is here" instead of asking "Where is the bathroom?"

How should you speak to someone with dementia?

Speak directly, such as saying "Here is your coat."

How can you turn negatives into positives when communicating with someone with dementia?

Turn negatives into positives, like saying "Let’s go here" instead of "Don’t go there."

Why are visual cues helpful in communicating with someone with dementia?

Visual cues can help provide clarity and guide actions, making communication easier.

Why should you avoid quizzing someone with dementia?

Avoid quizzing questions like "Do you remember when?" as it can cause frustration or confusion.

5 Key Messages

1. Dementia is not a normal part of aging

2. dementia is caused by diseases of the brain

3. dementia is not just about memory problems

4. it is possible to have a good quality of life with dementia

5. there is more to a person than dementia