What is Dementia?
Dementia is not a specific disease or diagnosis. “Dementia” is an umbrella term that describes trouble with memory, thinking, reasoning, language, planning, and more. There are many types of dementia, but some of the most common include:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Frontotemporal Dementia
Dementia vs. Normal Aging
What is “normal aging” and when should you be concerned? Because our brain ages along with the rest of our body, some changes can be expected. However, a brain disease, like a type of dementia, is not a normal part of aging.
Dementia Care Specialist (DCS)
The Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) can help educate family members, provide support and connect caregivers to services, and problem-solve challenging situations.
The mission of the Dementia Care Specialist Program is to support people with dementia and their caregivers in order to ensure the highest quality of life possible while living at home. In order to accomplish this mission, the DCS has three main goals:
- Ensure ADRC staff and volunteers are trained and competent about dementia so customers are met with understanding and support
- Provide education and support to family members and friends who are caregivers
- Help develop Dementia-Friendly Communities where people with dementia can remain active and safe, and caregivers can feel supported
This is done through phone calls, office visits, and even home visits if necessary.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Are you caring for a loved one with dementia or other memory impairments? Are you experiencing caregiver burnout?
The DCS, in partnership with Interfaith Caregivers of Jackson County and the Alzheimer’s Assiciation, hold a support group for anyone who would like to meet in person with others experiencing the same concerns.
For additional information, including time and location, please reach out to our Dementia Care Specialist at: 715-284-3978
Memory Screens
A Memory Screen is three short activities that test how different parts of your brain are functioning. It is not a diagnostic tool, but it is sensitive enough to detect subtle changes in memory and cognition.
We recommend that everyone over the age of 60 get a Memory Screen annually. This is a great way to get a baseline – even if you are not having any concerns!
If you would like, we can fax your results to your doctor as well.
