Dementia Support

Dementia is a general term that describes a variety of symptoms related to loss of memory, language and other thinking abilities. There are many different types of dementia including alzheimer’s (the most common), vascular dementia, lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia. There are over 100 other forms of dementia, but these are the most common.

There are multiple warning signs that you or your loved one may have dementia including:

• Memory loss – especially forgetting information that has been recently learned.
• Changes in the ability to follow a plan or work with numbers.
  Trouble concentrating or following instructions easily done in the past.
• Difficulty driving to a familiar location or using a grocery list.
• Trouble keeping track of dates, times and places.
• Challenges finding words or expressing thoughts clearly.
• Mood and personality changes such as being easily upset.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one showing signs of dementia, schedule an appointment with your doctor. The earlier you get diagnosed, the more support HopeWest can offer to help you maintain your independence and plan for the future.

HopeWest Dementia Support will help you and your loved one through all stages of dementia.

Early Stage (mild): Noticeable problems with memory, communication, and concentration, along with changes in mood or personality and losing track of place and time. Many people still live independently. Lasts about 2 to 4 years on average.

Middle Stage (moderate): Usually the longest stage. Memory problems grow more obvious, everyday tasks and finding words become harder, and mood or behavior changes are often evident, sometimes with sleep difficulty or restlessness. Lasts about 2 to 10 years on average.

Late Stage (severe): Communication becomes very difficult and the person grows increasingly frail and dependent on others for daily care. Lasts about 1 to 3 years on average.

Not everyone gets dementia and while there is no cure for it, there are ways to maintain your brain health for as long as possible by:

• Controlling high blood pressure
• Managing blood sugar
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Staying physically and mentally active
• Staying connected with family and friends
• Getting enough sleep
• Less alcohol and no tobacco

Leading a healthy lifestyle may help control any risk factors you may have for this disease. If you do receive a dementia diagnosis, HopeWest can help you plan for the future to prepare you and your family.

Dementia is an overall term for a group of symptoms like declining memory. There are many types of dementia, one of which is Alzheimer’s. While Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, there are also other types such as frontotemporal dementia often caused by a head trauma, dementia caused by Lewy Body Disease, and vascular dementia caused sometimes by a stroke.

You can receive a dementia diagnosis by talking with your Primary Care Provider or your Neurologist. They conduct a screening and then you’ll take it one step at a time. The Dementia Support program can help facilitate an appointment and has a Provider who can complete a dementia evaluation in person or via telehealth.

HopeWest offers monthly support groups for caregivers of people with dementia in Mesa, Montrose and Delta Counties to connect with others who are facing similar challenges. Led by a Certified Dementia Support Care Navigator, this free group offers support, conversation, and community. No registration is required.

HopeWest is here for you! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Our program offers resources, check-ins and respite care in certain situations so you can have some time for yourself – take a walk, visit with a friend, keep up with a hobby or just have some alone time.