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As we age, we all start to wonder
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The Aging Brain and Maintaining Health
A Caregiver Town Hall ForumAugust 4, 2011
Carlsbad, California
Presented by ActivCare at Bressi RanchSlide Show Developed by The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family
Centers
Dr. Daniel Sewell, Geriatric PsychiatristMedical Director of the UCSD Senior
Behavioral Health Program at the UCSD Medical Center
Dr. Neil Levine, InternistSpecialist in Geriatric Medicine Medical Director of Rancho Vista Retirement Community and Health Center & Hospice
Physician
Both also are on the George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers’ Medical Advisory Board
Information Provided by
Normal Memory Loss vs. Dementia
Normal Memory Loss vs. DementiaBrains shrink as we age and impact our
cognitive abilitiesDementia is severe impairment due to
damage to neurons in the brain
Alzheimer’s DiseaseMost popular form of dementia; affects
more than 50% of all dementia patientsCharacteristic: Rapid forgetting
Frontal Temporal DementiaRetain short-term memory but experience changes in personality
Most Popular Types of Dementia
Lewy BodyHallmark is a change in the way muscles
work; mimics Parkinson’s Disease tremors; absence of facial expressions
Vascular DementiaCaused by a stroke
Most Popular Types of Dementia
It’s important that families understand the difference between types and what type their loved one has since each runs a different course.
Family and others in a support system must educate themselves to what to expect and what is typically prescribed.
Most Popular Types of Dementia
NORMALBeing outspoken
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
ABNORMALBeing inappropriate
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
NORMALLess concern with what others think
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
ABNORMALDisrespectful of others’ rights & boundaries
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
NORMALBecome more mellow
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
ABNORMALBecome more hostile
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
NORMALA bit of a hypochondriac
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
ABNORMALDelusional about non-existent illnesses
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
NORMALMore vigilant about safety
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
ABNORMALAvoidance to the point of disabling anxiety
Normal Aging vs. Dementia
ExerciseEven if confined to a wheelchair, get out and move around for at least 20-30 minutes daily. A strong heart keeps blood flowing to the brain and protects against dementia.
What You Can Do
Hang Around Positive PeopleSurround yourself with those who
embrace a positive attitude. Limit or eliminate interactions with those that make you feel like a failure or try to humiliate you. People who are always negative should be avoided.
What You Can Do
Create a ‘Senior-Friendly’ EnvironmentMake sure your living quarters function well as you age. For instance, ensure there’s adequate lighting in rooms since aging eyes cannot adjust as well to dimness.
What You Can Do
Control Your Blood PressureDoing so helps prevent strokes, which can cause vascular dementia.
What You Can Do
Watch What You EatThe brighter colored the fruit or vegetable, the better it is for you
What You Can Do
Watch What You EatEat vitamin- and mineral-packed whole foods instead of seeking daily nutrition in pills.
What You Can Do
Watch What You EatGet enough protein. Eggs are excellent
source and now lower in cholesterol.If vegan or strict vegetarian, eat beans
and rice together for similar protein impact.
What You Can Do
Get OutdoorsYou need at least 20 minutes of sunshine to
start making Vitamin D.A lack of Vitamin D has been linked to
dementia in scientific studies.
What You Can Do
www.alzheimerhelp.org
More Information
The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers
Chula Vista ■ Hillcrest ■ Encinitas
Providing Adult Day Care for Those With Memory Impairment Since 1982
