All About Aging, LLC : Providing Solutions for Families

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care

Did you know:

  • about 70% of all dementias are due to Alzheimer’s disease.
  • There is no cure for Alzheimer’s and other dementias but treatment is available.
  • Help is available – learn about the disease process

Have you wondered:

  • Should I or my family member or my friend be evaluated for memory loss?
  • Are there symptoms other than memory loss that might indicate another type of dementia?
  • What do I need to know about my family member who has been identified by the doctor as having ‘dementia’ or Alzheimer’s disease?
  • If someone has a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, do they have to stop driving immediately?
  • Does someone with Alzheimer’s need a nursing home?
  • What do I need to do right now?

Dementia, n. de·men·tia ()

Dementia is a clinical state characterized by loss of function in multiple cognitive domains, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning.

The most commonly used criteria for diagnoses of dementia is the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, American Psychiatric Association). Diagnostic features include: memory impairment and at least one of the following:   

  • aphasia (difficulty using or comprehending words)
  • apraxia (loss of the ability to execute or carry out skilled movements and gestures, despite having the desire and the physical ability to perform them),
  • agnosia (difficulty recognizing and identify objects or persons despite having knowledge of the characteristics of the objects or persons)
  • disturbances in executive functioning

In addition, the cognitive impairments must be severe enough to cause impairment in social and occupational functioning. Importantly, the decline must represent a decline from a previously higher level of functioning.

NOTE: Dementia is not a disease itself nor a diagnosis but rather a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Dementia is irreversible when caused by disease or injury but may be reversible when caused by drugs, alcohol, hormone or vitamin imbalances, or depression.

Contact us for answers to these questions and many more dealing with your particular situation. We can help you understand the implication for this diagnosis in addition to knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the future.

Services Include:

  1. Dementia Care Consultation: we provide a free, 30 minute consultation to help you determine if you need our services.
  2. Assessment & On-going Planning: Most dementias are progressive and it may be helpful to have ongoing monitoring for your situation. Research shows increased satisfaction for the care-giving experience when a few individual consultations sessions were provided for the caregiver in addition to family sessions. In the case of MCI, (Mild Cognitive Impairment), mild dementia or early Alzheimer’s the diagnosed person may also want to participate in the consultation and planning. A Geriatric Care Manager will perform assessments as needed, including cognitive, medical, functional, social, home safety, and financial (bill paying capabilities). We can also connect clients with local services provided through the government agencies, medicare homecare or hospice care. Your individual plan will be created for you to evaluate and implement on your own or with our assistance. For more details on what to expect from your Geriatric Care Manager, visit the web page of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (www.napgcm.org).
  3. Memory Loss Education: available for individuals, families, community groups and corporations. Many people don’t recognize the variety of warning signs indicating cognitive decline. We have variety of presentations, depending on the needs of your group. Following are titles of presentations developed for various groups, including family caregivers, professional caregivers, Certified Nursing Assistants, social workers, hospice workers, day care staff, church ministry groups, nurses, community clubs (i.e. Kiwanis, Rotary, Knights of Columbus):
    • Memory Loss: When to Do Something About It
    • Alzheimer’s Disease: Warning Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment and Recent Research
    • Thank Goodness – The Doctor Said It’s NOT Alzheimer’s Disease!
    • Alzheimer’s: Beginning to Cope
    • Alzheimer’s Disease: Behavior and Communications
    • Making the Holidays Memorable
    • Dementia: Safety Concerns
    • Wandering: How to Keep Your Loved One Safe
    • Avoiding Caregiver Stress
    • Dementia Care: Activities
    • Nursing Home Medicaid – Know the rules for assets, income and gifting
    • ‘Communicating Effectively with Health Care Professionals,’ Family Caregivers Workshop from the National Family Caregivers Association.
    • Brain Fitness – It’s Not Just Use It or Lose It, But How You Use It!
  4. Employee Assistance Program: Consultations and educational seminars. Recent news articles again report the high cost of care-giving to employee productivity. We help your employee keep working by assessing and coordinating the care needed by the family member.
  5. State Certified training: for staff at Assisted Living Facilities and Skilled Nursing Facilities available, including Activities assessment, consultation and training by a State Certified Activity Director.

Contact us for a FREE consultation!
Initial Consultation is FREE National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers Posit Science: Your Mind, Vital