“Wait...now why did I come in this room?”   

Yep, it happens to all of us. Subtle shifts in our memory are a normal part of aging. However, shifts in our cognition (reasoning, insight, calculation, processing) and/or more pronounced and consistent memory deficits (especially for new information) may signal a progressive, neurological condition such as a type of dementia.

 

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder (progressive decline in the brain) which effects mental functions that can complicate all areas of our daily activities/living. There are different types of dementia with the most prevalent type, Alzheimer's Dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) also causes changes in the brain, however an individual can still carry out activities of daily living (ADLs). In some individuals, MCI may lead to early stage dementia. Diagnosis of dementia or MCI is given following assessment by a primary care physician, neurologist or neuropsychologist. In some individuals with mild memory loss or early dementia, providing education, teaching compensatory strategies and designing a program of functional activities can help with mental flexibility, stimulation and recreation.

 

In addition to 16 years of experience working with individuals with dementia, their families and caregivers, Craig has experienced the challenges of dementia firsthand through his grandmother, father-in-law and currently, his mother.  Craig is a Evergreen Certified Dementia Care Specialist (ECDSC) and is a trained and certified administrator of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). 

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