Are you concerned a loved one may have dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease? Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe the loss of cognitive functioning; planning, thinking, reasoning, and remembering so much that it interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Contrary to popular belief, dementia is not a normal part of the aging process.
Often family and friends are the first to notice changes in someone else’s behavior so, it’s important to know the difference between normal age-related changes and possible warning signs of dementia. For example, it’s normal for an elderly person to occasionally misplace the remote control or forget a doctor’s appointment. If they get lost retracing their steps to find the remote or can’t recall ever calling to schedule the missed appointment in the first place, it may be a signal to keep an eye out for similar changes.
While some common signs and symptoms of dementia have been identified, dementia affects every individual differently. If you are concerned a loved one may be showing signs of dementia, it can be difficult to determine the next best step. Our local Alzheimer’s association is an excellent resource for such concerns. Along with support groups, fundraising, a 24/7 hotline, and various research opportunities, the Alzheimer’s Association offers multiple educational programs.
Becky Vogel is an experienced legal assistant on my team as well as a community educator for the Alzheimer’s Association. Becky leads association-sponsored courses including Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia and 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. In these courses she not only explains common personality changes to be on the lookout for, but also discusses ways to approach your loved one with your concerns and when to involve a doctor.
If you are interested in attending these courses or if you’d like Becky to host a course at your organization, church, nursing facility or business, you can contact Becky at beckyvogel@evansvilleattorney.com, call her at 812–423-1500, or contact our local Alzheimer’s organization by calling 812–475-1012 or visiting their website at ALZ.org and searching for the Greater Kentucky/ Southern Indiana chapter.