Memory Loss & Alzh-Let's Talk Final - Mid Sight Crisis · 2019. 1. 16. · õ X E ] v P u } u ] v }...
Transcript of Memory Loss & Alzh-Let's Talk Final - Mid Sight Crisis · 2019. 1. 16. · õ X E ] v P u } u ] v }...
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’sLet’s Talk!
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
What we will cover• What is normal forgetting? What is
dementia? What is Alzheimer’s disease?
• How can I lower my risk for memory problems?
• When should I go see a doctor regarding my memory?
• Where can I go for help?
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
True or False?
Forgetting things once in
a while is a normal part
of aging.
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
Aging and Memory Loss
Normal Changes in Memory
• Slower thinking
• Difficulty paying attention
• More memory cues needed
More Serious Memory Problems
• Trouble following a conversation
• Trouble with reading or writing
• Trouble paying bills
• Confused with time of day
• New problems with daily tasks
• Forgetting about recent events
• “Losing” more stuff than usual
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
What can cause memory problems?
• Side effects from medications
• Medications that interact with each other
• Anxiety, stress, depression, and isolation
• Not getting enough vitamins
• Too much alcohol, smoking, or drug abuse
• Blood clots or tumors in the brain
• Head injury
• Kidney, liver or thyroid problems
• Infections
• Dehydration
• Not enough sleep
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
Linda’s Story
“It turns out she had depression and not Alzheimer’s. After seeing a counselor, taking medicine, and eating better, she seems less confused and more like herself”
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
True or False?
Dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease are
the same thing
Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Dementia: a term to describe the problems caused by diseases and conditions affecting the brain.
DEMENTIA
Alzheimer’s FrontotemporalDementia
Mixed Dementia
Huntington’sDementia
Vascular Dementia
Parkinson’sDementia
Lewy Bodies Dementia
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
• Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia
• Plaques and tangles disrupt normal brain cell activity
• Damages the brain’s thinking, memory and other abilities
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
Warning Signs to go see a doctor
1. Feeling less able to do day to day activities
2. Managing finances and paying bills
3. Misplacing or losing things more often 4. Increasing anger, anxiety, or sadness
5. Trouble with reading, writing, and conversations
6. Repeating questions or stories
7. Withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities
8. Getting lost on familiar roads or paths
9. Needing more reminders to stay organized
10. Hearing that others have concerns about changes in memory or behavior
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
Stages of Alzheimer’s
Early stage: difficulty with multi-step tasks, trouble recalling current or historical events, increasingly withdrawn.
Mid-stage: Assisted care becomes necessary with more difficulty with memory of important things like your own phone number and address. May become delusional, irrational.
Late-stage: Need help with simple tasks such as bathing and eating. Unable to recognize loved ones, communicate, walk
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
True or False?
Everyone is at risk of
getting Alzheimer’s
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
What can increase my risk?
Some factors we cannot control:• Age
• Genetics
• Gender
Some factors we have some control:• Head injury
• Cardiovascular diseases• High blood pressure• Diabetes
• Depression
• Stress
• Lifestyle choices: exercise and diet
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
True or False?
Doing crossword puzzles
will prevent Alzheimer’s
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
What can I do to reduce my risk?
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
True or False?
There is no point in going through all the trouble of getting a diagnosis because there is no cure
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
Why should we go see the doctor?
• A visit to the doctor may help you and your family figure out what may be causing the symptoms
• Finding the disease early gives you and your family more time to plan for the future
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
Rita’s Story
“The doctor said it was good that she came in now instead of waiting so we could start figuring out what the problem might be”
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
How to prepare for a doctor’s visit?
• Be honest• List all medications
• Prescribed• Over the counter• Vitamins and supplements
• List all symptoms• What? When? How often? How long?
• Ask until you understand
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
Steps for getting a diagnosis
• Medical check up• Family health history• Ask how well you do
everyday tasks• Drive• Shop for food• Pay bills
• Talk to family members• Memory assessment• Laboratory exams• Brain scans
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
How do we manage Alzheimer’s disease?
• Medications that slow the process
• Clinical trials
• Caregiver classes
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
What to do after a diagnosis?
• Explore your options
• Talk about it
• Acknowledge your feelings
• Take care of yourself
• Plan for the future, but focus on today
• Contact Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
Let’s face it together
• 24/7 Helpline: community resources, emotional support and advice
• Care Consultation: helping families with care planning and coping
• Support Groups: fa safe place for caregivers to gather and share information
• Education & Training: education, resources and tools
• Volunteer & Fundraise: help us spread the word
Memory Loss & Alzheimer’s
alzgla.org
24 Hour HelplineMany languages spoken
844.HELP.ALZ(844.435.7259)