ABOUT DEMENTIA

 

Dementia is not a disease, but a group of symptoms, that causes the loss of intellectual abilities affecting daily functioning. High cholesterol, Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus, Parkinson’s, Huntington,   Pick’s Lewy Body disease, or Multi-Infarct or Vascular Dementia caused by a stroke, are among many other conditions that affect brain cells causing Dementia.  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of Dementia, and it affects about 5 million Americans.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include problems with memory, judgment, and thinking. Memory loss and dementia will progress as the stages of Alzheimer’s advance.

The symptoms are mild at first but get worse over a number of years. Your friend or relative might:

• Be confused about where he is or what day or year it is
• Have problems speaking or writing
• Lose things and be unable to backtrack to find them
• Show poor judgment
• Have mood and personality changes.

 

If your family member is living with Alzheimer’s, remember that you aren’t alone! Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support is where you find the help, support, and advice you need.