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
How is Dementia Diagnosed?
Though it is true that Alzheimer’s disease can only be truly diagnosed at autopsy, medical research has come a long way and has identified different methods of testing to determine the probable cause of dementia symptoms. Though sometimes the probable cause of...
Importance of Early Detection: Why would I want to know if I have dementia?
This question is asked often when people identify memory concerns. People may put off or avoid seeking out further testing for a variety of reasons. Whether this avoidance is out of fear, nervousness, anxiousness, or other reasons, there are many benefits of to...
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 for March
Memory Cafes are cancelled through the end of March as a preventative measure to reduce social contact and keep persons safe.
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 Cancelled at ADRC through April 30
Support groups specially designed for persons caring for people with Alzheimer’s or other type of Dementia. A variety of locations, days, times. Affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association.
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