It is a rare person who does not know or has not been impacted personally by someone who suffers from Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia.
And often, a person does not quite know what word to use to define what is occurring.
Personnel at the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation in New York City indicate that sometimes, some in the medical community may prefer to use the word “dementia” because the term Alzheimer’s is frightening. What is more, Alzheimer’s is but one form of dementia.
The big difference – Alzheimer’s is currently degenerative, incurable and irreversible. Other forms of dementia can often be treated and the effect ameliorated.
Joseph Griffin, M.D., a well-known geriatric specialist who founded Internal Medicine at the Crossing in Prescott, explains, “Dementia is loss of cognitive functioning and can be caused by several factors. Dementia also can often be treated through drugs and therapy. In contrast, Alzheimer’s is a disease, and there is no cure. We can use drugs to stabilize its progress, but it cannot be reversed. We simply need more research, but such research is expensive. And the research needs to be for all forms of dementia.”
Griffin studied at Northwestern University in 1977 and then was on the teaching faculty. He moved to Prescott in 1993.
No matter which word is used, the economic, social and psychological or physiological impacts of caring for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia are increasing. For example, data collected by the Desert Southwest Chapter, Northern Arizona Region (NAR) of the Alzheimer’s Association indicate in just Arizona and Southern Nevada, more than 145,000 individuals from all socioeconomic and ethnic groups are afflicted with Alzheimer’s.
In just Coconino County, the NAR works with hundreds of people. In Yavapai County, the number is even greater – more than 1,000, NAR reports show.
That number of people identified with dementia is increasing, too, in part because of improved diagnostic methodologies and a population that is living longer.
Already, the emotional, physical and financial impact of caring for those with Alzheimer’s/dementia is staggering. In just Medicare and Medicaid costs alone, the nation spent $153 billion in 2015. Nearly one of every five Medicare dollars is spent on someone with Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that by 2050, that number will change to one of every three dollars. It is also estimated that by 2050, more than 200,000 Arizonans 65 and older will suffer from Alzheimer’s, a 53.8 percent increase.
Personnel and Resources Available Locally
Meg Fenzi is regional director of the Alzheimer’s Assertion Desert Southwest Chapter, Northern Arizona Region. Her office is at 3111 Clearwater Drive in Prescott.
“We already know that one in 10 persons at age 65 is affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia. By age 85, it’s one out of every two persons. Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death in Arizona. Not only that, Arizona has the seventh highest Alzheimer’s death rate in America. We’ve had a 128 percent increase in Alzheimer’s death since 2000.”
Fenzi says the primary mission of the center is to provide support for individuals, families, caregivers and communities that are affected by dementia in any or all of its forms.
As a non-profit organization, she says she is appreciative of donations and support through groups like the Arizona Community Foundation and its affiliates in Flagstaff, Sedona and Prescott.
“What we take pride in with our office is that 87 percent of all the money we get is used directly for programs to help people. Not only that, there are absolutely no charges to the individuals, families or caregivers we serve. We are honored to be a community-based service organization.”
With only four employed staff members, much of the work is carried out by volunteers. “We make every effort to meet the interests, skills and schedule for those who want to volunteer. We currently have about 15 volunteers in Coconino County and 75 in Yavapai County. We can always use more.”
Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Medical authorities generally agree that the following 10 items are possible warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Difficulty performing familiar or routine tasks – preparing a meal or using household appliances.
- Memory loss affecting job skills – becoming confused and unable to perform normal job functions.
- Problems using language – substituting unusual words or phrases for forgotten words, becoming less fluent, having difficulty writing coherently.
- Disorientation to time and place – forgetting what month or year it is, becoming lost on familiar streets.
- Loss of good judgment—wearing inappropriate clothing (pajamas only in outside cold weather) or giving away items for no apparent reason.
- Problems with abstract thinking—not understanding numbers, signs or symbols or how to use them.
- Misplacing things—putting things in unusual places, like keys in the refrigerator or a cell phone in the sugar bowl.
- Rapid mood swings—unexpected anger, unexplained crying spells.
- Personality changes—sudden or dramatic shifts in personality and demeanor.
- Loss of initiative, interest in usual activities—staying in bed longer than usual, not taking part in routine daily activities.
Support Groups Serve Coconino and Yavapai Counties
The NAR has seven support groups serving residents in Yavapai and Coconino counties. Trained facilitators meet with small groups to share information and offer ideas.
Sites are listed below.
Yavapai County
- Prescott
Unity Church, 145 S. Arizona, 10 a.m., every Monday each month;
Veterans Administration Hospital, 500 N. Hwy 89, 1:30 p.m., every Friday each month.
- Prescott Valley
Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center, 3407 N. Windsong Drive, 10 a.m., every Monday each month.
- Clarkdale
Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 330 Scenic Drive, 10 a.m., 1st Wednesday each month.
Coconino County
- Flagstaff
Brookdale Senior Living, 2100 S. Woodlands Village Blvd., 6 p.m., 3rd Wednesday each month;
San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, 1600 E. Route 66, 10 a.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month.
- Sedona
Sedona Methodist Church, 110 Indian Cliffs Road, 9:30 a.m., 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month.
For more information about resources or support regarding Alzheimer’s or dementia contact the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Northern Arizona Region at
at 928 771-9257; or at the 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, or visit alz.org/dws. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Photo by Ray Newton