Dementia Basics
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.
Contact ADRC (920) 448-4300 to speak to the Dementia Care Specialist.
Brain Check-Up
Communication Strategies
Purple Angel
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Dementia
ADRC Brain Check-up
Discover how a FREE, simple, ten-minute Brain Check-up can help you stay on top of your brain health. Given by trained staff at ADRC, these screens can be done in our office or your home.
Communication Tips, Strategies, & Video Resources
Video resources available on re-enactments of challenging situations, caregiver series specific to improving communication, practical tools, and information on online training for family caregivers.
Dementia Care Specialist Brochure
Serving individuals, families, and the community, your local Dementia Care Specialist can help you with any questions regarding dementia in your family or at large in Brown County.
Dementia Resource Guide
A diagnosis of dementia can bring about feelings of fear, worry, stress and confusion. This Dementia Resource Guide was put together by the Brown County Dementia Friendly Community Coalition to help you and your loved ones find answers to your many questions. This guide covers information about dementia and resources on advance directives, support systems, respite options, medication/treatment, education, safety in the home, avoiding crisis, financial assistance, and end-of-life planning.
Memory Cafes
A fun way to get out with your loved one who has early stage memory loss in a comfortable, accepting environment. Monthly cafes are run on different times and days of the week in a number of locations and include an activity and time to socialize.
Check out the Dementia Coalition Newsletter. Scroll down a bit to find virtual support, educational opportunities, activities, and self-care tips for caregivers.
Memory Concerns: Next Steps for Further Testing
An early diagnosis can lead to better treatment and quality of life outcomes, plus resolve the anxiety of wondering, "What is wrong with me?" It can also give you more time to plan for the future, allowing you to make decisions regarding care, living arrangements, financial & legal matters, and other important issues.
Understanding Dementia Behaviors
All behavior is communication. Because of physical changes in the brain, a person with dementia may no longer have the ability to express their own needs, wants, or feelings. Instead, your loved one may use their behavior to communicate.
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