Teri Sellers
The PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Support Group is available to all residents who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or any related dementia. A support group provides an opportunity for caregivers to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies, and firsthand information on the disease or treatments in a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental place.
Once again, I have turned to the Alzheimer’s Association to share some very important information with the residents of PebbleCreek. Many people are confused and want to know what is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. The following information comes from the Alzheimer’s Association website:
“Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Dementia is not.
“Dementia describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning, or other thinking skills. There are many different types of dementia and many causes. People can also have mixed dementia when more than one type of dementia occurs simultaneously. Dementia is not a part of normal aging. It is caused by damage to brain cells that affect thinking, behavior, and feelings.
“Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time. The most common symptom is short-term memory loss.
“As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion, and behavior changes. Eventually speaking, swallowing, and walking become difficult. There is no way to prevent, cure, or even slow this disease.
“The greatest known risk factor is age. Most people with Alzheimer’s are over 65, but approximately 200,000 Americans under 65 have younger onset Alzheimer’s.
“Remember, not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s, but everyone with Alzheimer’s has dementia. It is very important to see your doctor when symptoms of dementia appear. You may be referred to a neurologist for further testing.”
Our group has not been holding our regular monthly meetings due to the pandemic, but starting in March, we are going to attempt to resume our breakfast social meeting outdoors and our monthly educational/support group meeting, also outdoors. Information on the meeting dates and times is shared with the group via our dedicated email.
You are not alone. Please feel free to call me, Teri Sellers, at 602-793-0299. I will share helpful resources and information with you and add you to our email list. Your information is always safe and confidential, and the benefits are priceless.