What are the warning signs? How can I help?

 Aging & Disability Resource Center ◦  Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin ◦ www.alzwisc.org  Alzheimer’s Association, South Central Chapter ◦ www.alz.org

 Factors for healthy aging  Brain structure and how it works  Causes of dementia  Risk factors – ways to reduce risk  Warning signs  Dementia friendly communities  Communication tips  Resources

 Genetics  Lifestyle  Environment

 Brain Stem  Cerebellum  Occipital lobe  Parietal lobe  Frontal & temporal lobe  Hippocampus  Amygdala Source: National Institute of Health

 100 billion cells  100 trillion connections  Neuroplasticity ◦ Changes through learning ◦ Can re-organize and form new connections  Neurogenesis ◦ Forming new cells throughout life

 Nutritional deficiencies  Infection  Dehydration  Kidney failure  Drug interactions  Uncontrolled diabetes  Brain injury  Alcohol If you see changes… it’s important to talk to your doctor.

 Alzheimer’s is the leading cause  Others include: ◦ Vascular dementia ◦ Lewy body ◦ Frontotemporal ◦ Parkinson’s ◦ Mixed / Combination ◦ Other diseases and conditions Progressive/degenerative/irreversible

1. Memory Loss that disrupts daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks 4. Confusion with time or place 5. Trouble understanding visual images 6. New problems with words – speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things and losing ability to re-trace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgment 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 10. Changes in mood or behavior

 Increasing understanding, acceptance and approaches  Encouraging compassion and empathy  Giving tools to better communicate and support people living with changes in memory and thinking abilities  Connecting people

 Slow down  Simplify  Pay attention to your non-verbal communication and theirs  Make good eye contact  Smile and re-assure  Approach from the front  Don’t argue  Every person is unique

 What motivates them?  Who motivates them?  Discuss potentially reversible causes  Take opportunities as they arise  Compassionate, gentle approach  Build the relationship and the conversation… …then discuss your concerns  Let them know about resources available

 Heart disease  Diabetes  Smoking  Excessive alcohol use  Head injury  Insufficient sleep / sleep apnea  Medications  Depression / chronic anxiety  Lack of physical activity  Lack of social activity

 Diabetes – monitor numbers ◦ Reduce sugar intake and take measures to reduce your risk of developing diabetes  Sleep issues ◦ Get adequate rest ◦ Treat sleep issues such as apnea  Medications ◦ Monitor and talk to your pharmacist about drug interactions  Depression & chronic anxiety ◦ Seek treatment for these issues

 Exercise your brain  Exercise your body  Eat healthy foods  Take care of your heart  Socialize  Remain active  Learn new things

 Information and referral  Dementia Specialists ◦ Cognitive screening ◦ Language Enriched Exercise Plus Socialization (LEEPS) ◦ Memory Care Connections ◦ Care planning assistance ◦ Connections to support groups ◦ Community support Dementia Friendly Communities

Aging & Disability Resource Center of Dane County