Dementia and Memory Loss in Later Life

By Tom Rollis, Licensed Professional Counselor Life Counseling Network, an outreach of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (ELCA)

Memory loss of one degree or another is something that many older adults will experience during their lifetimes. It can be a frustrating and heart-wrenching thing both for the afflicted loved one as well as the entire family. In my experience with American society, this subject falls second only to grief and loss as the most avoided and least comfortable topics of discussion.

What is dementia?
It is frightening for the individual and the family. Dementia is a term used by doctors to refer to a group of cognitive-related symptoms. It is not the name of a specific disease or diseases that cause the symptoms. The symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion, and disorientation. Someone with thyroid disease may develop dementia, which can often be addressed by correcting the person's thyroid abnormality. Some of the conditions that can cause dementia include: vitamin B12 deficiencies, traumatic brain injury, infections, not enough oxygen, too much carbon monoxide, or toxic metal poisoning. Someone with a degenerative disease such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, vascular disease (stroke), autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, may experience dementia. And folks who struggle with depression, schizophrenia, or Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may also exhibit dementia.

Dementia and Delirium
Many of the same symptoms can be found in a person suffering from delirium, which is often treatable. The main difference between dementia and delirium is that the delirious person will show a changed level of consciousness. Dehydration or over hydration can cause delirium. A person with delirium may become confused or irritable. The person may become incontinent, fearful, or agitated. By the way, is it any wonder? The thought of losing my memory scares the daylights out of me! Too often delirium is perceived to be a worsening of dementia. This can be a dangerous assumption if the underlying cause turns out to be drug interactions or overmedication, which may continue untreated.

Things to Keep in Mind
Slight forgetfulness is common, but extreme memory loss is not part of the aging process for most of us. If you have a family member with dementia, there is no need to feel shame or embarrassment. Dementia cuts across race, income, and status. If a loved one experiences changes which concern you, the first step is to seek a complete diagnostic examination. This can be a scary thing, but an accurate diagnosis will help the whole family to know what to expect and the best treatment options.

Even though the disease cannot be stopped, there are many things that can be done to maintain quality of life for the loved one and the whole family. Most dementia related illnesses progress slowly, and it is not unusual that the impaired person's ability to love and enjoy life may remain intact. However, care for the caregiver is extremely important and, all too often, overlooked. You may at times feel overwhelmed and it is not uncommon to experience difficulties negotiating new family rules and roles as you begin your own journey as one touched by dementia. It is more than OK to seek the help of doctors, clergy, counselors, support groups, etc.

Helpful Resources:

Northern Arizona:
Northern Arizona Council of Governments-- http://www.nacog.org
NACOG Area Agency on Aging: 928-774-1895
NACOG Family Caregiver Program: 928-213-5245
NACOG Long-term Care Ombudsman Program: 928-649-6868

Health Screening and Geriatric Assessments: C.A.S.A. Senior Center: 928-772-3337

Adult Day Health Services: Margaret T. Morris Center: 928-445-6633

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Groups: 928-771-9257

In Central Arizona:

SouthEastern Arizona Government Organizations
http://www.seago.org/
This one-stop website provides web connections and information on a range of resources to put individuals in contact with agency that can assist and advocate individuals with elder issues.

Area Agency on Aging, Region One
Phone: 602.264.2255
Toll Free: 888.783.7500
http://www.aaaphx.org/

The Area Agency on Aging, Region One, plans, coordinates, develops and delivers services for seniors (60 years and older), persons of any age who are HIV positive, adults (18-59 years) with disabilities and long-term care needs, and family caregivers of older adults.

24-Hour Help Line to find resources and information
AZ Links to Disabilities and Aging Community Resource Guide
Home & Community Based Services
Benefits Assistance
Family Caregivers
Late Life Domestic Violence
Training and Volunteer Programs
Elder Rights
Education

Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens
Phone: 520-836-2758 or 800-293-9393
http://www.pgcsc.org/AgingAndHealt-priv-AAz.asp
Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens (PGCSC) is a non-profit organization designated as the Area Agency on Aging for Region V, which includes Pinal and Gila counties. PGCSC's mission is to assist seniors and persons with disabilities to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency and dignity by providing a wide range of community and home-based services. They also represent the interests of the elderly and act to advocate for change in public and private attitudes, policies, and regulations.

Pima Council on Aging
Help Line: 520-790-7262
Business: 520-790-0504
Medicare: 520-546-2011
help@pcoa.org

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Groups:

Area Agency on Aging in Phoenix-
http://www.aaaphx.org/CAREGIVER+SUPPORT+GROUPS

Courtesy of KAET & PBS-
http://www.azpbs.org/theforgetting/areaagency_groups.html

AZ Department of Health, Licensing Services: Assisted Living/ Adult Day Health Centers

http://www.azdhs.gov/als/hcb/index.htm
This state website provides a facilities and inspection report search Consumer information to include a guide on how to select a facility and other information that is useful in understanding regulations governing these facilities. Assisted Living Concerns: Division of Licensing Services, Office of Assisted Living: 602-364-2639

http://lifework.arizona.edu/ec/links.php
Maintained by University of Arizona this website features educational, research, and informational resources on a variety of aging, health and caregiving topics. The sites are reference tools and are not endorsements of products of diagnostic resources.

Books:

Eldercare for Dummies: Friendly, Practical Advice to Help you Take Care of your Elderly Relatives
By Rachelle Zuckerman, PhD
ISBN 0-7645-2469-0

The complete Eldercare Planner, 2nd Edition
By Joy Loverde
ISBN 0-8129-3278-1

The 36-Hour Day: A Family guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life, 4th Ed.
By Nancy Mace, M.A., and Peter V. Rabins, M.D., M.P.H.
ISBN 13:978-0-8018-8509-9