Part 1 - Diagnosed with Dementia an Overview - Guide by Applewood Our House Assisted Living Memory Care

A Family’s Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Our Guide is intended for anyone who would like to learn more about this disease and related diseases. As well as people diagnosed with dementia. At Applewood Our House we understand that there are few conditions upon first diagnosis that strike such terror into loved ones and relatives as Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The diagnosis can provoke feelings of helplessness and despair, coupled with fear that your loved one will inevitably suffer from a loss of dignity and self-respect.

At Applewood Our House we want to let our families know that there is hope. We Invite you to Celebrate Moments and Capture Memories at our Memory Care Homes for Aging Adults.

Our residents start a new stage in their life with the support of their families and our caregivers to create new memories. We are an encouraging and supportive community and believe that the quality of life of our loved ones with dementia can be dramatically improved, and their dignity and self-respect renewed. Families can feel informed and INCLUDED as opposed to many who often feel isolated. We are a loving community of skilled caregivers and advocates who will educate and support our families through this journey. Through this guide we hope to educate you so that you can ask informed questions and support you and your loved one on their journey. Should you have any questions while reading this guide please feel free to call us at 303-956-9037 or email us at malou@applewoodourhouse.com

Dementia – Overview

Dementia is medically defined as the slow decline of the ability to reason, remember and learn new information. As the disease progresses, the ability to function normally decreases, as does one’s ability to properly perform ADL’s (activities of daily living). In early stages of dementia it may be difficult for individuals to easily perform activities such as being able to do household chores, cooking, cleaning, or driving. In later stages of dementia many individuals lose their ability to perform functions that many of us take for granted such as maintaining proper hygiene, dressing and toileting ourselves.

Dementia was once referred to as “senility” and most people just accepted that this severe memory loss was a normal part of the aging process. Through much testing, analysis, research, and studies, it is now known that Dementia is NOT a normal part of the aging process. It’s estimated that there are about five million people, in the United States alone, that are currently dealing with some type of dementia in some stage or degree.

In a few scenarios, Dementia symptoms can be reversed. For example: a vitamin B12 deficiency; hypothyroidism (under active thyroid glands); a buildup of fluid on the brain or an operable brain tumor are all causes that can be treated, thus reversing the effects. If a person is depressed, a symptom such as memory failure becomes apparent and can worsen if depression is not treated and dealt with properly. Depression can be easily reserved by having and keeping an active social life or in some cases, there are some medications that can assist with depression. Many times depression is mistaken for dementia, please make sure you visit with a health care provider.

There are some medications, whether prescribed or over the counter, that can cause dementia like symptoms. Make sure your doctor knows all of the medications, supplements, vitamins and herbs that you are currently taking. If you have multiple doctors make sure they each know what the other is prescribing as a course of treatment.

Dementia is a serious medical disorder that should not be taken lightly – it comes at a high cost (personally, emotionally and financially). While there is no cure for dementia, it is usually a slow progressive disease and some patients can stay at one stage for years with the right treatment and support – while other patients plagued with this disease will lose their skills at a much quicker pace. As Dementia does progress, all areas of the brain that are associated with intellectual functions are affected. Some examples being: the patient becomes unaware of their surroundings; unable to recall names of spouse or children; they will lose their ability to reason or think abstractly, they will lose their ability to speak and care for themselves.

We want to be clear about this, because we’re sure that many of us might have a panic attack, if they forget someone’s name or are unable to remember where they placed their reading glasses (but later remember where they are). This is NOT Dementia, but a less serious and very common condition that is a normal part of the aging process. The medical profession refers to this as: “Benign Senescen Forgetfulness” or “Age related memory loss”. This condition is annoying and can certainly be a nuisance to you and to the others around you; but it does not stop or interfere with the personal ability to learn new facts or skills (which is one of the tell tale signs of Dementia). In rare cases there have been persons diagnosed with dementia before the age of 60 years old, but after 85 years of age there is a 50% chance that you have it.

If you suspect yourself or a loved one is showing the early signs of dementia, a visit to the doctor is more than advisable. Make sure that you go with a loved one that knows your medical history and other details that could possibly be helpful in the diagnosis. The doctor will ask you simple details, like the year, day of the week or count backwards by two. The doctor will then order or run more tests, like blood work for an underlying issue, an overactive thyroid or an infection. The doctor will then have an MRI and a CT scan, in order to determine whether the potential dementia is caused by a tumor or a brain injury. These tests can also show if you have the beginning of shrinking in parts of the brain. This can be a telltale sign of dementia.

Dementia can be treated to slow the effects, but it cannot be cured. There are medications you can take to slow it down and make it easier to live with. Dementia is a family affair, and it affects everyone. We encourage counseling, patience and a support group for all involved.

There is also an app created for IOS- Dementia Assist or Android Dementia Assist that has really come in handy for many of our team and families in helping our loved ones which are diagnosed with dementia. Take a look and download, it’s free and super helpful.

This article is especially for people recently diagnosed with Dementia and for their families. It will provide reassurance, practical tips on what to expect and what preparations will be necessary.

One of the very first things you would want to do after a recent diagnosis of Dementia is get connected with a support group. Either, an online or in person support network, will not only provide you with valuable resources, but more importantly, they understand exactly what you are feeling. Having worked through the shock of their diagnoses, many people are able to provide you with the tools that you might need in dealing with the variety of emotions you are going to experience (sadness, anxiety, anger and fear would make the top of the list for sure and denial isn’t an uncommon reaction either).

“Education is Power” my mother always says. Learn as much as you can about the type of Dementia you have been diagnosed with. If you are the spouse or an adult child of someone diagnosed with dementia it is just as important for you to understand the disease as it is for them to understand it. There is no doubt that Dementia will cause you to make some lifestyle changes, but the families equipped to ask good questions and look for solutions are the ones who are best able to cope with the changes that Dementia can bring on.

Staying positive and active will make your life more fulfilling. Some things to do to relax, recommended by people that are currently dealing with first stage Dementia, include: gardening, spending time with pets, exercise, going outside and breathing fresh air, listening to soothing music, going out with friends, and volunteering (as I have personally found that when you help others, it not only makes you feel good about yourself, it distracts you from dwelling on negative things).

You want to remain as independent as possible – but don’t be stubborn – realize your limitations. Dementia is usually a slow moving disease, so living normally for quite some time is not unrealistic. Enjoy and embrace the wonders of this world.

Plan ahead so you have as much control as possible over the decisions of the care you want. Having legal and financial affairs in order while you are able to make clear minded decisions will take the burden off your loved ones to make those decisions for you. Once all legal and financial documents are in order, make sure everything is in one area and easily accessible to your caregiver (or whoever you decide to inform). One of our favorite personal information management systems is called GYST and can be found here: GYST Website. The paperwork that should be included in this package is bank/broker statements, mortgage documents, insurance policies, bills and tax information. The GYST has an easy way to help you collect and organize all of the important documents.

An easy and effective way to reduce stress is to have your regular household bills put on an automatic payment plan. This can be done with the assistance of a bank representative and computer that has internet capability.

Update and be sure your Will is current. A Will is a legal document that should ensure, when you die, that your assets (possessions and monies) go to the people that you have handpicked.

It is important to keep up regular doctor visits and also dental, hearing and sight testing. The reasoning behind this, besides maintaining good health, is that any problems with your eyesight can add to confusion. Any hearing loss or ringing sounds in the ear can lead to continued isolation and possibly cause dizziness, you also need to know if there is an equilibrium imbalance. Without proper dental check-ups and professional cleaning, gums, teeth and dentures can cause added, unwanted discomfort and stress (and who wants that?). Seeing your regular (general practitioner) doctor when you are feeling physically ill is a smart move, so there can be a quick diagnosis and treatment. There are some medical conditions that add

to confusion (infection of the legs and/or chest and constipation are just a couple to mention). Once properly treated, the unwarranted, added confusion will disappear.

Below we have listed a few resources that can directly assist you or direct you to how to get your needs met:
Alzheimer’s disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)

ADEAR has information on patient care, caregiver needs, the latest research information and clinical trial database. Their online publications are offered in English and also in Spanish.
1-800-438-4380
https://www.nia.nih.gov/

Alzheimer’s Association is a non-profit organization that provides excellent support and education.
1-800-272-3900
http://www.alz.org/

Elder Care Locator

In association with the US Administration on Aging, Elder Care Locator helps you to find local services that you might need and find helpful and local support groups. A vital resource for the patient, caregiver and the entire family is learning how to deal with the diagnosis of Dementia in a positive manner.
1-800-677-1116
https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/index.aspx

In Part 2 we will be discussing types of Dementia and what to expect when diagnosed with dementia.

Applewood Our House Resources