As we age, we all start to wonder

1. The Aging Brain and Maintaining Health A Caregiver Town Hall Forum August 4, 2011 Carlsbad, California Presented by ActivCare at Bressi Ranch Slide Show Developed by The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers

2. Dr. Daniel Sewell, Geriatric Psychiatrist Medical Director of the UCSD Senior Behavioral Health Program at the UCSD Medical Center Dr. Neil Levine, Internist Specialist in Geriatric Medicine Medical Director of Rancho Vista Retirement Community and Health Center & Hospice Physician Both also are on the George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers’ Medical Advisory Board Information Provided by

3. Normal Memory Loss vs. Dementia

4. Normal Memory Loss vs. Dementia Brains shrink as we age and impact our cognitive abilities Dementia is severe impairment due to damage to neurons in the brain

5. Alzheimer’s Disease Most popular form of dementia; affects more than 50% of all dementia patients Characteristic: Rapid forgetting Frontal Temporal Dementia Retain short-term memory but experience changes in personality Most Popular Types of Dementia

6. Lewy Body Hallmark is a change in the way muscles work; mimics Parkinson’s Disease tremors; absence of facial expressions Vascular Dementia Caused by a stroke Most Popular Types of Dementia

7. It’s important that families understand the difference between types and what type their loved one has since each runs a different course. Family and others in a support system must educate themselves to what to expect and what is typically prescribed. Most Popular Types of Dementia

8. NORMAL Being outspoken Normal Aging vs. Dementia

9. ABNORMAL Being inappropriate Normal Aging vs. Dementia

10. NORMAL Less concern with what others think Normal Aging vs. Dementia

11. ABNORMAL Disrespectful of others’ rights & boundaries Normal Aging vs. Dementia

12. NORMAL Become more mellow Normal Aging vs. Dementia

13. ABNORMAL Become more hostile Normal Aging vs. Dementia

14. NORMAL A bit of a hypochondriac Normal Aging vs. Dementia

15. ABNORMAL Delusional about non-existent illnesses Normal Aging vs. Dementia

16. NORMAL More vigilant about safety Normal Aging vs. Dementia

17. ABNORMAL Avoidance to the point of disabling anxiety Normal Aging vs. Dementia

18. Exercise Even if confined to a wheelchair, get out and move around for at least 20-30 minutes daily. A strong heart keeps blood flowing to the brain and protects against dementia. What You Can Do

19. Hang Around Positive People Surround yourself with those who embrace a positive attitude. Limit or eliminate interactions with those that make you feel like a failure or try to humiliate you. People who are always negative should be avoided. What You Can Do

20. Create a ‘Senior-Friendly’ Environment Make sure your living quarters function well as you age. For instance, ensure there’s adequate lighting in rooms since aging eyes cannot adjust as well to dimness. What You Can Do

21. Control Your Blood Pressure Doing so helps prevent strokes, which can cause vascular dementia. What You Can Do

22. Watch What You Eat The brighter colored the fruit or vegetable, the better it is for you What You Can Do

23. Watch What You Eat Eat vitamin- and mineral-packed whole foods instead of seeking daily nutrition in pills. What You Can Do

24. Watch What You Eat Get enough protein. Eggs are excellent source and now lower in cholesterol. If vegan or strict vegetarian, eat beans and rice together for similar protein impact. What You Can Do

25. Get Outdoors You need at least 20 minutes of sunshine to start making Vitamin D. A lack of Vitamin D has been linked to dementia in scientific studies. What You Can Do

26. www.alzheimerhelp.org More Information The George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers Chula Vista ■ Hillcrest ■ Encinitas Providing Adult Day Care for Those With Memory Impairment Since 1982