Workshop #1: Understanding Dementia Interdisciplinary Community-Based Health Education Project Funded by: HRSA Grant# 1 D37 HP Long Island University/Brooklyn Campus Prof. Luis F. Riquelme, M.S., CCC-SLP Prof. Ellen Greer, M.A., OTR/L, C.PsyA Prof. Ellen Godwin, M.S., P.T. Prof. Rebecca States, Ph.D. Assoc. Dean William M. Susman, Ph.D., P.T.

Workshop #1: Understanding Dementia n What is Dementia? –A disease of the brain that causes steady decline in memory –It affects thinking, remembering and reasoning –It’s severe enough to interfere with everyday life

Workshop #1: Understanding Dementia n Who gets Dementia? –Anyone can suffer from Dementia. –Most people with Dementia are older than 65, but it can happen to adults in their 30s, 40s or 50s. –There are different causes: Alzheimer’s Disease, Brain Injury, Circulatory/Vascular Problems, Parkinson’s Disease and Others.

Workshop #1: Understanding Dementia n Are Dementia and Alzheimer’s the same thing? –Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of Dementia. It is the leading cause of Dementia. –56% of the Dementias are of the Alzheimer’s type.

What is the difference between Alzheimer’s Dementia and normal memory changes? n DEMENTIA t Forgets whole experiences t Rarely remembers later t Little by little has problems following directions t Little by little has problems caring for self n NORMAL MEMORY CHANGES t Forgets parts of experiences t Often remembers later t Usually able to follow directions t Usually able to care for self

Workshop #1: Understanding Dementia n The 10 Warning Signs: 1. Recent memory loss that affects job skills 2. Difficulty performing familiar activities 3. Problems with understanding/talking (language) 4. Disorientation to time and place 5. Poor or reduced judgment

Workshop #1: Understanding Dementia n The 10 Warning Signs: 6. Problems with “abstract thinking” 7. Misplacing things 8. Changes in mood or behavior 9. Changes in personality 10. Loss of initiative

Workshop #1: Understanding Dementia n Where should I go for help? - Make an appointment with your doctor - Talk about the signs and symptoms you are noticing and are worried about - Your doctor may refer you to a Neurologist for more specific testing

Workshop #1: Understanding Dementia n How is it diagnosed? - There no simple test to examine for Dementia. - Usually a detailed medical history and physical examination are completed - Then, a series of neurological tests might be recommended over a period of time - A definitive diagnosis can only be made with an autopsy

Workshop #1: Understanding Dementia Q & A Questions and Answers