Dementia in Focus: Understanding Insights, Symptoms, and Support

Dementia is a complex term that encompasses a range of cognitive impairments that can significantly impact daily life. At Alzheimer’s Arkansas, executive director Stephenie A. Cooke and education and family support specialist Carolyn Berry help people understand dementia, its distinctions from other conditions, and the critical role of mental health assessments.

People often associate any form of cognitive impairment with the term dementia because it covers a wide range of symptoms and conditions.

“To the general public, common symptoms or complaints related to memory, difficulty concentrating, decreased motivation, and feelings of hopelessness can sometimes be mistaken for conditions under the dementia umbrella,” Carolyn says. However, dementia may not always be the cause of these symptoms.

Pseudo-dementia is a term often used to describe cognitive impairment that resembles conditions similar to those under the dementia umbrella but is caused by a mental health condition, such as depression.

Dementia refers to the loss of intellectual functions such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning that interferes with daily life. It is not a disease but a set of symptoms associated with various conditions, including:

• Alzheimer's Disease: The most common form, characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.
• Multi-Infarct Dementia (MID): A type of vascular dementia resulting from multiple strokes in the brain, often with sudden onset of symptoms.
• Parkinson’s Disease: A central nervous system disorder that can lead to dementia in later stages, affecting muscle control and movement.
• Huntington’s Disease: An inherited disorder causing mental decline and involuntary movements, usually diagnosed with genetic testing and imaging.
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): A rare, fatal brain disorder marked by rapid mental deterioration, typically diagnosed post-mortem.
• Pick’s Disease: A rare condition presenting with significant changes in personality and behavior, often confirmed at autopsy.

“Sometimes you cannot tell the difference between cognitive decline caused by dementia and those caused by other mental health conditions,” Stephenie says. “But, symptoms may be caused by something treatable like a UTI infection or some thyroid imbalances.” This underlines the necessity for caregivers to remain vigilant and consult healthcare professionals when they notice changes in behavior or cognitive function.

“For healthcare professionals, continuing education on dementia versus pseudo-dementia and conducting thorough evaluation and assessment are important to the public’s understanding,” Carolyn says. Understanding the differences and tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs and perspectives allow for more personalized and effective care, improved communication, increased patient trust, and better health outcomes.

Dementia Doesn’t Always Run in the Family

“Research reveals that certain demographic groups are more likely to develop dementia,” Carolyn says. Compared to White Americans, Black Americans are twice as likely, and Hispanic Americans are 1.5 times as likely to develop dementia. People who live in areas with limited access to resources and services are also at higher risk.

Dementia is not solely dictated by genetics. Many non-genetic factors contribute to the development of dementia, including, but not limited to, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, depression, brain injuries, and hearing loss. “Some studies suggest that about 70% of whether we receive a diagnosis is within our control,” Stephenie says.

“Many aspects of an individual’s lifestyle can influence their risk of developing dementia,” Carolyn adds. “Poor lifestyle choices, such as lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption, all contribute to the increased risk of dementia.”

The National Library of Medicine determined in 2020 that individuals without a family history of dementia are also greatly affected by exposure to harmful environmental factors, such as toxins like air pollution, heavy metals, certain pesticides, and chronic stress.

“These can all contribute to brain damage and cognitive decline over time, increasing an individual’s risk for developing dementia even without a genetic predisposition,” Carolyn says.

Assessments Help Certify Diagnoses and Reduce Delays in Treatment

“It is important to discuss changes in mood, behavior, and relationships with medical professionals,” Stephenie stated. “Mental health assessments are a tool to help determine various forms of dementia.” Given that dementia can often be challenging to diagnose, thorough evaluations can guide better treatment paths.

“Early detection and intervention for those without a family history can help change the course of the disease,” Carolyn says. “By receiving early treatments, making lifestyle modifications, and establishing a support system, caregivers can better plan for future care.”

Many with Dementia Suffer Alone

Isolation is another pressing concern for individuals living with dementia, which can greatly impact their mental and emotional well-being. “Social connections are very important for physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” Stephenie said. Isolation can exacerbate mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, leading to a need for more comprehensive treatment and support.

For those facing dementia alone, Stephenie outlined several available resources, stating, “There are many online or hybrid style support groups. Depending on the geographic location, there may be senior centers or senior day programs in the local area individuals can contact.” Resources from Area Agencies on Aging and outreach programs from local churches can also provide much-needed assistance.

Alzheimer’s Arkansas provides caregiver resources, downloadable materials, and important facts on Alzheimer’s and dementia. They also have several programs to support the public, including caregiver workshops, brunch and learns, and Alzheimer’s support groups.

AARP also has resources for individuals to learn how to lower risk and get care. They also provide information on warning signs, care and treatment, living with dementia, and the latest dementia research.

Community Engagement Plays an Important Role

Research shows that community involvement often helps those with dementia increase their social skills, exercise their cognitive abilities, and live healthier lives.

“Community programs can help bridge the gap for those who lack family support by providing resources and services,” Carolyn adds. “Social engagement, volunteer companionship, transportation assistance, and access to professional care coordination can support those lacking family support.”

“We can raise awareness about the challenges faced by those living with dementia who do not have family assistance by advocating for increased access to community-based support services,” Carolyn says. “We can also lobby for government funding to increase programs related to care and support.”

“Friends, neighbors, and healthcare professionals can also offer help,” Stephenie suggests. Simple gestures like checking in regularly, providing meals, assisting with errands, and connecting individuals with local services can make a substantial difference.

Early detection and intervention can greatly influence the course of dementia. “We now have some treatment options available for early stages of dementia, like Alzheimer’s, which provides some hope and positivity,” Stephenie remarked.

As our understanding of dementia continues to evolve, support and resources from organizations like Alzheimer’s Arkansas provide valuable guidance for navigating its complexities. By fostering awareness and offering support, we can improve the quality of life for those impacted by dementia. Nobody should have to suffer alone.

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