With Dementia, We are not Alone
By Danielle Owen LICSW, LADCI
This week you may have read the emotional piece written by Lee Pelton, the former president and CEO of The Boston Foundation, in the Boston Globe. He retired this summer due to his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Writing his article, he says, was a way to “offer a window into what is a fear and abstraction for many. In describing my own experience, I’m also hoping you may be better able to understand and help those around you with Alzheimer’s.” We here at the IPC recently hosted the Alzheimer’s Association, who kindly provided a caregiver’s workshop on practical strategies for understanding and managing behavior changes in dementia. It was enormously helpful and uplifting but it got our Client Services team here thinking; How would we know if someone we loved was developing dementia, like Alzheimer’s for example. What would be the signs? Mr. Pelton’s poignant article and the work of the Alzheimer’s Association provide us with an opportunity to learn more.
One of the most common questions our Senior Program team are asked is; what is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s? Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory, thinking, reasoning and problem solving, while Alzheimer's is a specific brain disease that causes dementia. There are many different types of dementia, leading to a decline that is severe enough to interfere with our daily life and independent functioning.
Alzheimer's Disease, is the most frequent form, accounting for 60% to 80% of all cases, characterized by toxic protein plaques and tangles that destroy brain cells.
Vascular Dementia is caused by reduced blood flow, blockages, or microscopic bleeding in the brain (often following strokes).
Lewy Body Dementia involves abnormal protein deposits (alpha-synuclein) that impact thinking, movement, and sleep.
Frontotemporal Dementia appears to target the frontal and temporal lobes, primarily affecting behavior, personality, and language skills.
Mixed Dementia refers to a combination of two or more types occurring simultaneously (such as a mix of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia).
Still confused? The Mayo Clinic says that anyone who lives with Alzheimer's will have dementia, but not all people with dementia will have Alzheimer's.
The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and dementia:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Forgetting recently learned information or relying more on reminders.
Challenges in planning or solving problems: Trouble managing monthly bills or following familiar tasks.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Trouble driving to a known location or managing a budget.
Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or forgetting one's current location.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: Difficulty reading or judging distances.
New problems with words in speaking or writing: Trouble following conversations or repeating oneself.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: Putting items in unusual places and suspecting theft.
Decreased or poor judgment: Making questionable financial choices or neglecting grooming.
Withdrawal from work or social activities: Dropping out of hobbies or social engagements.
Changes in mood and personality: Becoming unusually confused, suspicious, or anxious.
If you notice one or more signs in yourself or another person, it can be difficult to know what to do. The Alzheimer’s Association has provided a number of helpful handouts that you can use for yourself or if you are concerned about a family member. Keep in mind, dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells that affects their ability to communicate, which can affect thinking, behavior and feelings. So, talking to your doctor would be an important first step. Please don’t hesitate to call us at the IPC as our Client Services team are always available for a consultation or provide more regular support. Please phone Niamh at: 617-265-5300.
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