DementiaanAlzDisease_The Basics_PPT.pptx

## Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Guide

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are terms often used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings. This guide explores both conditions, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and available support resources.

**Dementia: An Umbrella Term**

Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a general term for a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily activities. It affects memory, thinking, reasoning, communication, and social skills. Dementia can be caused by various underlying conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

**Symptoms of Dementia:**

The specific symptoms of dementia vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common signs include:

* **Memory loss:** This is often the first noticeable symptom. It may start with forgetting recent events, names, or appointments, and progress to more severe memory impairment.
* **Difficulty with thinking and reasoning:** Problem-solving, decision-making, and focusing become increasingly challenging for individuals with dementia.
* **Changes in communication:** People with dementia may struggle to find the right words, have difficulty with language comprehension, or exhibit repetitive speech patterns.
* **Disorientation:** Confusion about time, place, and even personal identity can occur as the disease progresses.
* **Personality changes:** Individuals with dementia may become withdrawn, anxious, or exhibit mood swings.
* **Behavior changes:** Wandering, restlessness, or difficulty completing daily tasks may become more common.

**Causes of Different Types of Dementia:**

* **Alzheimer's disease:** This is the most common form of dementia, accounting for roughly 60-80% of cases. It's a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the buildup of protein plaques and tangles in the brain, leading to the progressive loss of brain cells and cognitive decline.
* **Vascular dementia:** This is the second most common type of dementia and occurs due to damage to blood vessels in the brain. Strokes or other vascular problems that restrict blood flow to the brain can cause this type of dementia.
* **Lewy body dementia:** This type involves the presence of abnormal protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, in the brain. These deposits disrupt brain chemicals like dopamine and acetylcholine, leading to movement problems, cognitive decline, and hallucinations.
* **Frontotemporal dementia:** This form affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, primarily impacting personality, behavior, and language skills.

**Risk Factors for Dementia:**

* **Age:** The risk of developing dementia increases with age, although it's not an inevitable part of aging.
* **Family history:** Having a close relative with dementia increases your risk.
* **Genetics:** Certain genes may increase susceptibility to dementia, including the APOEO

1. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics Developed by: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Center for Community Development, Engagement and Training  (CCDET) Wisconsin Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) www.uwosh.edu/caregiver September 2018

2. Introduction Review the Learning Points Caring for Residents with Cognitive Disorders Activity: Thinking about Dementia

3. What is Dementia? Dementia general term that describes a group of symptoms Alzheimer’s Disease t he most common type of dementia ©2018 Alzheimer's Association. www.alz.org. All rights reserved. Illustrations by Stacy Jannis .

4. Alzheimer’s Disease: A Video Tour of the Brain www.aboutalz.org What is Dementia?

5. Other Types of Dementia

6. Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia

7. Activity: Recognizing Behavioral Symptoms

8. Other Conditions That Affect Behavior Delirium Usually causes abrupt changes May be caused by infection, medication, etc. Most common cause: urinary tract infections Depression Affects mood; symptoms include sadness/loss of interest At least five symptoms must be present for diagnosis

9. Managing Behavioral Symptoms Changes can produce challenges Agitation, aggression, hallucinations, wandering, etc. Person-centered approaches can help calm residents Think of some approaches to help calm a resident in distress

10. Risk Factors Age, family history, genetics Lifestyle risk factors Alcohol abuse Smoking Diabetes Head injuries Heart disease Remember: What’s good for your heart  is good for your brain!

11. Workshop Closing Wisconsin Facts & Figures Wrap-Up: Changes aren’t something residents can control…and behaviors aren’t purposely directed at you Review Learning Points For additional training opportunities: www.uwosh.edu/caregiver or email [email protected]