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Community Corner

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE JUST ONE OF MANY TYPES OF DEMENTIA

It’s Important to Diagnose Whether It’s Alzheimer’s Disease or Another Form of Dementia


    Do you know the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
    Dementia is actually an umbrella classification, under which there are nearly ninety different types of medical issues. Some of these forms of dementia can create similar challenges for people, but others can have a very different set of symptoms. Importantly, the treatment regime and medications prescribed can also be very different. So, it is very important that people who exhibit signs of dementia have a thorough neuropsychological examination.   
    “It is also critical that there is a proper diagnosis, because it is not unusual that symptoms that look like dementia are actually being caused by other factors - many of which can be relatively easily treated,” says Bob Tucker a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP), co-owner of Senior Helpers serving the north and northwest suburbs, “and if  it is dementia, it is important to be able to identify which type of dementia it is such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body Primary Progressive Aphasia, Frontotemporal Lobe or Vascular Dementia.”
         Alzheimer’s disease is a major cause of dementia accounting for more than 50 percent of the dementia cases. It is a progressive brain disease that causes the gradual destruction of brain cells, which results in forgetfulness, confusion, a lack of communication skills and often many other symptoms. Some of the other types of dementia often result in similar symptoms-but that is not always the case.
 
    What can be done for people exhibiting dementia-like symptoms?
     Many of the medical issues that look like a form of dementia -but actually are not-can be treated and even reversed if they are caused by an infection, depression, Vitamin B12 deficiency, medication interactions, malnutrition or a thyroid imbalance. These conditions must be ruled out before you assume someone has dementia.

            What can be done for Alzheimer’s patients?
           “The brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s is progressive and irreversible. However, there are two classes of medicine-which can sometimes-slow the rate of decline caused by this disease. There is no cure,” says Abbie Tucker senior advocate and client services director, certified senior advisor (CSA), a qualified dementia care provider (QDCP) and co-owner of the local Senior Helpers office. “Alzheimer’s is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death-and the only major cause of death growing at an accelerated pace.”
    “Scientists have been working for decades to find better treatments but presently, physicians only have two pharmaceutical options to try to treat the symptoms,” points out Bob Tucker. “However, techniques, communication approaches, appropriate activities, routines and the best possible physical environments for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be learned and can dramatically improve the quality of life for those diagnosed ...and their families and friends.”
    “This is what our Senior Gems® Dementia Education Program does for many people. The program, created by Teepa Snow, an occupational therapist and one of the foremost dementia educators in the U.S. Today, is a powerful tool in successfully dealing with dementia,” explains Abbie Tucker.
    Senior Helpers is the affiliate office for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in the Chiagoland area, and has specially trained caregivers who care for seniors-including people with  dementias. Senior Helpers provides more than 50 types of services such as medicine reminders, help with walking, bathing, toileting, feeding and dressing. In addition, Senior Helpers provides housekeeping services such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, transportation, companionship and much more.
    If you would like to know more about the Senior Gems Program their other programs for helping seniors, or to discuss your loved one’s condition, please contact Bob Tucker at Senior Helpers: (847) 564-7500 or email him at: rtucker@seniorhelpers.com.


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