8 facts about Alzheimer's and dementia

Editor's note: Dr. Nick DenBesten of Firelands Health specializes in neuropsychology and practices in Sandusky. According to Alzheimer's Association, "More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million." Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, which can be defined as the progressive loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills. No matter the stage, Alzheimer's disease and dementia can be challenging and emotional. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, consider doing something kind for yourself or that person. Fact No. 1: Alzheimer's disease and dementia are not two synonymous, interchangeable conditions. Think of dementia as an umbrella term meaning "progressive decline in cognitive faculties with many different causes. The most common form or cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, but there are many other causes with different ages of onset, course of decline and cognitive profile, such as Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and vascular dementia. Fact No. 2: Many factors can cause memory loss. Depression, anxiety, stress, life changes, distractibility, fatigue and sleep quality, medication side effects, diet, thyroid disorders, low vitamin B12, alcohol and illicit substance use and other factors can interfere with optimal memory. Several neurological conditions — including dementia, stroke, brain tumors, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis and other conditions — can also impact memory. The patient's entire medical history, along with a thorough workup, must be taken into account when generating a diagnosis for an individual's memory concerns. Fact No. 3: Alzheimer's dementia is not curable. Alzheimer's dementia is neurodegenerative. It cannot be cured or reversed. There are, however, certain medications that attempt to temporarily slow cognitive decline. Fact No. 4: Your lifestyle impacts your brain function. Current literature suggests that two of the largest factors impacting brain function as we age are social engagement and physical activity. Fact No. 5: Play brain games, but don't rely on them to prevent dementia. Based upon my professional experience and the current literature, brain games have not been shown to significantly impact brain health. The individual may simply become better at playing those games. There is very little functional carryover in day-to-day function. Fact No. 6: There are many ways to take care of your brain as you age. Your brain is the most complex part of your body. Strive to take good care of it by getting an adequate amount of sleep every night, managing your mental health, taking part in regular physical activities, staying socially engaged, attempting new hobbies, learning new skills, maintaining a healthy diet, limiting your alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking and tobacco use. You can also prioritize brain use with improved organization and establishing a daily routine. Designating a single location for personal items such as keys, phone, purse, wallet, etc. can free up concentration and memory for more important things. Similarly, utilizing organizational features on your smartphone — such as calendar, notes, alarms or reminders, maps, shopping lists, etc. — can help keep routine information accessible. Lastly, active listening, such as repeating and summarizing information back to the presenter when learning important information for future recall, as opposed to passive listening may be beneficial for your brain. Fact No. 7: If you or your loved one is concerned about dementia, help is available. Seek help from a primary care provider, neurologist or psychiatrist if symptoms of dementia begin interfering with day-to-day activities, such as self-care, bathing, housework, cooking, cleaning, financial and medication management, driving, etc. Help should also be sought if symptoms of dementia begin to impact family or peer relationships, work and social interaction. If cognitive impairment is suspected, a referral to neuropsychology should be placed for an objective assessment of their concerns to delineate etiology, provide diagnostic clarification and receive the appropriate recommendations. Fact No. 8: A neuropsychologist is in the ideal position to make an objective assessment and diagnosis of any cognitive concerns. A neuropsychologist has been trained to assess and treat patients who seem to be experiencing difficulties with memory, concentration, planning, language, reasoning and other aspects of learning and understanding. There are many reasons why an individual may be experiencing memory loss or forgetfulness, some of which are treatable or reversible. A thorough neuropsychological evaluation can determine the cause of such concerns and provide the appropriate treatment options Bio blast DenBesten's office is located in Sandusky. He earned his doctorate in clinical neuropsychology from Nova Southeastern University. He interned at Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center for one year and then completed a two-year fellowship in Houston at TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation and Research Hospital. He entered the field of neuropsychologyafter after becoming fascinated by how the brain works. He takes an investigative and research-oriented approach regarding patient diagnosis and treatment. A Michigan native, DenBesten enjoys meeting and evaluating patients who are young adults and older through the geriatric population. For more information about DenBesten, and to schedule an appointment in his office on Tyler Street, please visit our website or call 419-557-7400.