Dementia and Aging

 On Saturday we celebrated my brother in law’s 50th Birthday with family and friends and we all had a fabulous time.  There was music, warm conversation, good food, a few gifts and lots of funny birthday cards that focused on “turning 50″ with a few stereotypes about getting old.   During dinner a friend happened to ask a question about dementia and I have to say I thought about this topic as it relates to the normal aging process since we’re all getting older. 

I’m reminded of the classes I took last month focused entirely on working with seniors, we covered a lot of ground and in the normal aging process there’s a decline in mental processing speed.  A key point to remember is that “seniors can process information as well as younger people if they have adequate time,” basically seniors store information slower and their reaction time is slower which also has implications for driving.  I notice when I take my senior client to the clinic the staff allows ample time for her to answer questions and to retrieve her medical card, when she is frustrated because she can’t quickly recall something they are patient and reassuring allowing her to retain her dignity. 

Dementia is NOT a part of the normal aging process and is defined as a loss of intellectual abilities over time, it affects many areas of cognitive function and interferes with daily life.  Some dementia’s are treatable, caused by alcohol, drugs, thyroid, depression or medication induced and of course some dementias are irreversible; including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, vascular/multi-infarct, Huntington’s or trauma.  I think we hear so much about Alzheimer’s Disease it’s important to note it is only one form of dementia and what is most important in supporting or caring for our loved one with any form of dementia is to get a good diagnosis. For more information on dementia vs. Alzheimer’s disease follow this link http://www.alzheimerscaregiverresource.com/Dementia-Vs-Alzheimers-Disease-Ways-to-Distinguish-the-Two.html 

A good diagnosis includes a medical history, physical, neurological exam, lab tests, mental status assessment, MRI, psychiatric evaluation and ruling out other causes.   During our class discussions it was evident that every individual is different and something as simple as a urinary tract infection could cause confusion or temporary dementia but once treated the senior is back to their normal functioning.  There is so much more that can be said and I haven’t even scratched the surface regarding aging and dementia but the key point I make today is to seek answers for your loved one, get a good diagnosis so the appropriate solution is applied – they deserve it and so do you. 

If I can be of any assistance in supporting your senior please feel free to contact me.

Mary

Grateful acknowledgement to the Society of Certified Senior Advisors Training Material on Cognitive Aging http://society-csa.com/aboutandcontact.aspx