Ten Dementia Warning Signs
- Memory loss that interferes with daily life
- Challenges with planning and problem solving
- Difficulties with familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Visual and spatial issues
- Problems with words
- Misplacing things
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Ten Dementia Risk Factors
- Age
- Health Factors (hypertension, heart health, diabetes, inflammation, hearing)
- Lifestyle Factors (sleep, diet, obesity, inactivity, smoking, stress)
- Family History
- Genetics
- Gender – Women
- African Americans/Latinos
- Social Isolation
- Lifecourse Factors (childhood, nutrition, education, poverty, rural vs. urban)
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Ten Dementia Risk Reducers
- Exercise (check with your doctor first)
- Diet (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins)
- Sleep (check with your doctor before taking sleep aids)
- Heart/Brain Health (monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, weight)
- Mental Health (discuss depression with doctor, manage stress)
- Hearing (discuss hearing loss, treatment/aids with doctor)
- Social Interaction (volunteer, join groups)
- Continual Learning (take classes, learn a language or instrument)
- Brain Training (engage in new pursuits, brain games, and puzzles)
- Helmets/Seat Belts (protect your most precious asset)
Top Ten Quality of Life Issues for Those with Dementia
- To continue to do things I enjoy
- To maintain relationships with those important to me
- To continue to communicate and interact with others
- To laugh often
- To feel safe
- To feel valued, respected, and included
- To continue to be physically active
- To have a sense of purpose
- To prevent loneliness and isolation
- To continue to experience new things
Top Ten Quality of Life Issues for Dementia Caregivers
- Engage in regular exercise to stay healthy and fit
- Practice good nutrition to maintain well being and energy
- Get adequate sleep to rest and restore body and mind
- Maintain own health through doctor visits and treatment
- Mind mental health through counseling/stress management
- Socialize with others to stay engaged and refreshed
- Continue to participate in enjoyable activities and pastimes
- Pamper self to reward efforts – self-care is not selfish!
- Ask for and accept help from others – delegate as appropriate
- Arrange respite care for well-deserved breaks
