Vitality - Spring 2014 - (Page 14)

Q+A: Dementia The Tough Questions Straight answers about dementia and Alzheimer's, and what you can do When a loved one forgets what day it is, is it just a momentary lapse or a sign of dementia? Dementia is what happens when a person's thinking declines enough to affect daily life. About 50 to 80 percent of all dementia cases are Alzheimer's disease. Other dementia cases are related to blood-ﬂow blockages, thyroid issues or a lack of certain vitamins in the body, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Here, we answer your top questions. tive Interac Can dementia be prevented? "CURRENTLY NO, but we are trying prevention trials to determine how we can slow, stop or prevent the disease," says Dean M. Hartley, Ph.D., the director of science initiatives, medical and scientiﬁc relations for the Alzheimer's Association. Several research studies are identifying brain changes in people who are genetically predisposed to develop dementia but who haven't shown signs yet. Such research can shape future studies that can help prevent Alzheimer's or dementia from developing in the ﬁrst place or progressing. Hartley says people can take steps for more successful aging even before there are signs of dementia. Exercise, eat a healthy diet, stay socially engaged, and treat obesity and depression, he recommends. "A healthy lifestyle is important for brain health." When should I worry about a loved one? 14| SPRING 2014 For an interactive tour of how the brain works and how Alzheimer's disease affects it, go to alz.org and search "Inside the Brain." term memory loss is a ﬁrst indication of a problem. When it affects daily life, it means something is wrong. "It can be very subtle at ﬁrst, and sometimes individuals don't realize it themselves," he says. What can help those with dementia? WHILE RESEARCH IS ONGOING to prevent or slow the progression, there are currently no treatments or cures, Hartley says. Support groups for people with mild to moderate dementia have been shown to be helpful. People with early stage memory loss in such groups said their quality of life was higher and they felt less depressed than those who did not take part. -By Cheryl Alkon PHOTO BY SUPERSTOCK "FAMILY MEMBERS are often the ones who notice something is wrong ﬁrst," Hartley says. "They understand individuals best and understand when behavior is different." If your mother loves to do crossword puzzles but suddenly can't complete one, that's a sign of cognitive impairment, he says. Often, short- GET A TOUR OF THE BRAIN http://www.alz.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vitality - Spring 2014

Vitality - Spring 2014