New Responses to Dementia

Article submitted by Robin Rosenzweig, MA, LPC. She is a Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor, and Nat'l. Board Certified Counselor. She has worked with seniors for the Dept. of Preventive Medicine, University of TN Health Sciences Center, and is the Director of the Cognitive Retention Program with Mountain Life Care. Contact her at 877-286-3023 or at Memory@MountainLifeCare.com.

We all want a rewarding, independent and healthy future. But sometimes our plans are interrupted when the diagnosis of dementia enters our lives. An estimated 4.6 million people worldwide are given that news each year.

What is dementia?

The term describes symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by diseases, including Alzheimer's, stroke, traumatic brain injuries and many other conditions. Symptoms include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding. For a loved one, symptoms can be devastating, oftentimes leaving families feeling helpless.

Different areas of the brain are responsible for specific skills and abilities. The changes in behavior, memory and thought in people with dementia may be a direct result of the way the disease or injury affects their brain. It is important to note, that just because a disease or accident has affected one portion of the brain, many areas may remain unaffected. These untouched areas, no matter the person's age, may remain capable of functioning normally and can even gain new skills-a concept called Neuroplasticity.

Treatments

For years, the treatment for dementia was purely pharmacological, using drugs such as Aricept or Nemenda. Unfortunately, medication does not work for all-for others, troubling side-effects limit the benefits. Over time, treatment alternatives have expanded to incorporate behavioral as well as psychosocial interventions. Despite efforts to include strategies for the person as a whole, treatments fell short of hopes and expectations from loved ones, leaving large gaps in advancement, and much to be desired in outcome - but each day brings new knowledge of preventive measures, alternate therapies and innovations in treatment.

With the advancement of cognitive studies, researchers and medical specialists have determined that regular use of structured therapeutic approaches can significantly improve the quality of life for the individual. Sensory Stimulation, Memory Training, Spaced-Retrieval, Reminis-cence and Reality Orientation, are just a few of the therapies that not only enhance quality of life but prolong social connectedness with loved ones and the community.

To learn more about home and community based cognitive therapies, as well as local resources and new treatment developments, please visit www.MOUNTAINLIFECARE.com or call 877.286.3023.