1. Alzheimer’s Disease Joy Spahn, MPA Alzheimer’s Association
Greater Michigan Chapter *

2. What is Dementia?
A general term for the loss of mental abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Dementia symptoms can be caused by many different medical conditions impacting the brain.
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia symptoms (70% of cases)

3. What is Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s Disease: is a brain disorder
is a progressive disease
has no cure
is eventually fatal
affects over 5 million Americans

4. Typical changes as we age:
Making a bad decision once in a while
Missing an occasional monthly payment
Forgetting which day it is and remembering later
Sometimes forgetting which word to use
Losing things from time to time

5. Problematic changes: Memory changes that disrupt daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time or place
Trouble with visual images or spatial relationships

6. Problematic changes: New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

7. Steps in a dementia assessment:
Medical history
Mental status evaluation
Series of evaluations that test memory, reasoning, visual- motor coordination and language skills
Physical examination
Psychiatric evaluation
Interviews with family to get more information about changes

8. Community Resources Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM)
3215 Eagle Crest Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 or
Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter
2944 Fuller Ave. NE, Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or