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
How do you know what is “normal aging” and when should you be concerned? Because our brain ages along with the rest of our body, we should expect some changes as we age. However, we should not expect to develop a brain disease like a type of dementia. 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
Resource Corner: Navigating Caregiver Resources on ADRC’s Website
Navigating through web-based materials can be overwhelming and leave us feeling overloaded with information. ADRC's website has easy to find resources that will eliminate that issue. Prefer your information on paper? We are happy to provide a copy for you. Remember,...
The Cost of Caregiving
Caregiving is rewarding but comes at a cost; emotionally, physically, and financially. ADRC offers programs to help. Research shows caregivers have higher stress levels than non-caregivers and are more likely to suffer health problems. • Emotionally, they might feel...
Wandering and Dementia
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander. As the brain changes during the progression of the disease, even some very important details are lost, such as the layout of their neighborhood, what their house looks like, their...
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 the ADRC, these screens can be done in our office or your home.
Communication Guide for Caregivers
Communication tips you can implement right away to improve communication and reduce frustration. Links to on-line resources for caregivers of person with dementia.
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.
Memory Cafe Locations
Listing of locations for Memory Cafes in Brown County includes days and times they meet as well as contact information for the facilitator.
Memory Cafes Cancelled
Memory Cafes are cancelled as a preventative measure to reduce social contact and keep persons safe.
Go to this Dementia Coalition COVID-19 Newsletter link. Scroll down a bit to find virtual support, educational opportunities, activities, and self-care tips for caregivers.
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.
Support Groups - Dementia
Although in-person support groups have been suspended there are options by phone and computer. Click the button below to learn more. Support groups specially designed for persons caring for people with Alzheimer’s or other type of Dementia. A variety of locations, days, times. Some are affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association.
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