Dementia Institute of Grand Rapids

One in nine persons over 65 years old and one in three over 85 years old have dementia. Curt Gritters is from the Dementia Institute of Grand Rapids. This organization offers classes, consultation, respite care, support groups, and more.

Dementia is defined as a brain change that interferes with everyday activities. Alzheimers cases are ¾ of diagnosed dementia, but there are other diseases. The brain of the person will shrink to ⅓ of the size of a normal brain. Many other changes than memory are affected. Vision and judgement are other faculties that decrease with dementia.

Dementia is easily screened for by a cognitive (paper) test. There are some treatments that can delay the onset, but there is no cure. Alzheimers can last from 8-20 years.

Some techniques can help when interacting with dementia patients. It is important to involve the person in their care. The term “carepartner” is the preferred terminology. Many skills are still retained, such as rhythm and rhyme, wanting to engage with people, and needing to be active. You can help the person with dementia by:

• Approaching them from the front to compensate for their limited field of vision.
• Giving visual clues along with verbal directions. For instance, pointing along with saying “turn left”.
• Speaking in short sentences and providing ample time to allow a response.
• Reminisce about long-past memories. Don't demand that they remember things and ask questions when they bring up events or people.
• Singing or reading can bring responses.
• Try to connect them with other people in activities.

Genetics has only a minor contribution to Dementia risk, maybe as little as a 3% increase. The vascular component has a definite link. Keeping healthy by exercising, watching your weight, not smoking, and not drinking to excess can lower your chances of dementia.