Medical Rounds with Patty O'Brien

Patty O'Brien, Alzheimer's and Dementia Specialist, from Hartford HealthCare's Center for Healthy Aging, talks about the symptoms and treatments for dementia.

Q. What are some of the signs of Dementia?
A. First thing most people recognize is short term memory loss, like the individual repeating the same story or asking the same question. Communication difficulties - being unable to remember the proper word and making up words to use can’t follow a conversation or a story line. Mood changes - depression or moodiness are typical. Loss of function - the inability to perform more complex routine tasks such as balancing a check book or managing a calendar and forgetting appointments. Loss of interest in activities they used to do. Difficulties coping with change - new situations become more difficult.

Q. Tell us more about the quarterly event you hold for seniors with Dementia or who experience some memory loss called, “Memories and More?”
A. Hartford Healthcare Senior Services has a dementia committee made up of professionals from each of its assisted livings, nursing homes and Center for Healthy Aging. The committee has put together this program called “Memories and More”. Quarterly, we bring folks who are diagnosed with memory loss or a form of dementia to a specialized program in the community. The program is designed to use long term memories that these individuals still can utilize. Recently, the program was based on TV or movie clips such as I love Lucy and Fiddler on the Roof… It is amazing to watch an individual who struggles with language and memory start singing every word to songs that are in their long term memory.

Q. Tell us about the Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging?
A. The Center is an information and referral free service for seniors and their caregivers. Seniors or caregivers call and can talk with a Resource Coordinator about finding a new doctor, housing, transportation and help in the home.

Q. What happens if you suspect your loved one might be exhibiting the first signs of Dementia and they call… what happens then?
A. (a) A referral comes to the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Specialist. One of the first things we talk about with a family is do they have a good doctor. There are many things that can cause memory loss and you want to make sure you are treated what is the cause. (b) We may have the family come in to the center or go out and do a home visit. (c) We discuss what type of behaviors the individual exhibiting and what is the caregiver finding most difficult to handle. (d) The Center recommends that the family get good education about dementia. The center offers a 5 week dementia class and has put together a Dementia Resource Guide for the family caregiver.

For more information

Visit: Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging

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