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Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

Learn to Reduce your Risk of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear later in life. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 6 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for help with basic activities of daily living. (Attributed to NIH)  On these page you will find the portal to a wide range of local and national resources, information, support groups, and the state plan for Utah to help disseminate these resources and provide professional training. 

Dementia UmbrellaWhat is the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia?

Dementia is an "umbrella" term used to  describe an individual's changes in memory, thinking or behavior. 

Types of Dementias

Types of Dementias

Utah's Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias State Plan

Utah State Plan

Coordinating Council

Coordinating Council

Resources

Utah State Univeristy

Utah's collaborative research and resource center based at Utah State University in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.

alz.org

The premier source of information and support for Utahns living with Dementia.

LEAD Guide (English)

LEAD Guide (Spanish)

A guide to help persons with dementia think about, document and share their preferences for their end-of-life care.

mini-cog.com

mocatest.com

alz.org

nia.nih.gov

mayoclinic.org

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services suggest utilizing the Mini-Cog as the first tool for screening. There are many options out there, here are a few evidence based options that may assist you in diagnosis along with articles that may be helpful.

Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging: What's Normal and What's Not?

An explanation from the Institute on Aging about these differences 

ncoa.org

fda.gov

At this time, dementia cannot be cured. There are medications, treatments and strategies for symptoms that can be very helpful. Studies have show that individuals with dementia can live a happy, fulfilling life after diagnosis. There are promising medications such as Aduhelm that can treat Alzheimer's disease if caught early enough. We suggest you speak with your healthcare provider about questions or concerns regarding your memory, thinking, behaviors or treatments.

Benrose.org

Alzheimer's Association

Articles on how to talk to your doctor about possible dementia symptoms. 

 
Ideas to help you live a full and happy life with Dementia

aarp.org

nia.nih.gov

alz.gov

There are many lists available. Here are some of our favorites.

Utah Area Agencies on Aging

eldercare.acl.gov "Elder Care Locator"

The best first step is to reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). There is a Federal Caregiver Support Program that each of them offer. They will have the most up to date info for you! You can find the Utah AAAs on UtahAging.Org or find one anywhere in the US by visiting the Eldercare website.

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Glossary of Terms

Words and their explanations that often come up when talking about Dementia. 

Utah AAAs

State, regional and local programs and services helping older adults remain healthy and independent.

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AARP

12 Weeks to a Sharper You - Sanjay Gupta

Changing The Narrative

Ways you can sharpen your brain and possibly prevent dementia.

 

Research and Education

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Last Updated: 7/26/24