What is Dementia?

Are You at Risk for Dementia?

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia.

Dr. Sharon Brangman MD, of Upstate Geriatrics and the Central New York Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease, speaks with attendees at the Seniors Take Charge luncheon at the Dunbar Center.

Research shows that older African Americans are almost twice as likely as whites to develop Alzheimer’s disease for genetic, biological and socioeconomic reasons.

Other risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia include:

  • Aging
  • Family history
  • Heart health

You cannot prevent aging or change your family history, but you can work with your doctor to monitor your heart health and to treat conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Know the 10 Warning Signs of Dementia

There are 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Any person may experience one or more of these warning signs to a different degree.

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems.
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure.
  • Confusion with time and place.
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
  • New problems with words in speaking or writing.
  • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
  • Decreased or poor judgment.
  • Withdrawal from work or social activities.
  • Changes in mood and personality.

If you or someone you care for is experiencing any of these warning signs, they may be caused by other medical conditions.

Early diagnosis is the key.

What Can You Do? Get checked

  • Find a doctor you feel comfortable with. Many people contact their regular primary care provider about memory loss.
  • Your doctor may refer you to a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, like a neurologist or a geriatrician.

If your are caring for someone with dementia, these programs are also available:

  • Caregiver support groups through your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
  • Funding for caregiver respite services through your local Office for Aging
  • In-home respite services can be purchased from agencies like At Home Independent Living

For more information, contact the African American Dementia Caregiver Support Program by calling: 315-876-2338 or by emailing: genesis@syr.edu.