Many older adults in the United States may suffer from dementia but go undiagnosed.
Dementia is a group of brain conditions that make it harder to remember, reason, and communicate. Years
ago, dementia was often thought to be a normal part of aging. We now know that it is not normal. It is caused
by ongoing damage to cells in the brain.
With dementia, nerve cells in the brain are gradually damaged or destroyed. But over time, parts of the brain
begin to shrink. This often starts in the part of the brain that controls memory, reasoning, and personality.
Other parts of the brain may not be affected until much later in the illness.
A new analysis of data from a nationwide survey of about six million Americans aged 65 and older revealed
that 91 percent of people with cognitive impairment consistent with dementia did not have a formal medical
diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Did you know that dementia screening is often not a routine part of annual well visits for most older adults?
Now more than ever, these routine screenings and assessments are critical. It is particularly important to have
some baseline information available to providers of patients over 65. Family members of aging adults can ask
health care providers to screen for low cognitive functioning during routine health assessments, when possible.
Caring for the health of a family member with dementia:
- Medicines are a key part of treatment. Some types can help slow the progression of symptoms, such
as memory loss. Others can help ease mood, behavior, and sleep problems. These medicines work
for some people but not all.
- Simple, repetitive activities or exercises
are good for body and mind. They
may even help slow the progression
of the disease.
- Regular health care provider visits
help keep track of symptoms
and overall health.
- The sleep-wake cycle can be
mixed up in people with dementia.
They may function better being
up at nighttime and sleeping
during the daytime.
- Social interactions are
important to maintain.
Educate family members
and friends about dementia.
Plan social situations so
they are not stressful to the
person. Limit the number
of visitors or the length
of the visit.