Dementia is an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills that affect a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Memory loss is an example. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia.
                                                                                                                                              - Alzheimer's Association

New Resource from the Virginia Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (click title to view or download):
VIRGINIA DEMENTIA ROAD MAP: A GUIDE FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY DEMENTIA
​1st edition October, 2021

Overview of Dementia - (click on the blue boxes below)

Dementia defined
Dementia is an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking skills that affect a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Memory loss is a example. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. - Alzheimer's Association

Often when one thinks about dementia they relate it to Alzheimer's Disease, which is one of the leading causes. That's because, according to the Alzheimer's Association, 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. But there are many causes of dementia. Click on the logos below for more expansive definitions of dementia.
Symptoms of Dementia
Though there are sometimes when a person might experience symptoms of dementia that can be reversed with proper help, most forms of dementia, like Alzheimer's, are not reversible. Click on the Mayo Clinic logo to read about different forms of dementia and symptoms.

​Click HERE for the Mayo Clinic's ​overview of dementia and symptoms.

The 10 signs of Alzheimer's Disease

The Alzheimer's Association has established 10 warning signs for Alzheimer's Disease with the idea that early detection can make it more manageable for the person and their caregivers. Click on the video at right to listen, or click the button below to view a graphic.
How your brain works
If you are interested in how a normal healthy brain works, and how disorders can affect it, visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Click on the logo.
The NIH offers several phamplets on the brain and brain health. Click the buttons to view or download the topics below.
Treatment and finding a doctor
​There is no treatment currently available to cure dementia or to alter its progressive course. Numerous new treatments are being investigated in various stages of clinical trials. However, much can be offered to support and improve the lives of people with dementia and their caregivers and families. The principal goals for dementia care are:
  • early diagnosis in order to promote early and optimal management
  • optimizing physical health, cognition, activity and well-being
  • identifying and treating accompanying physical illness
  • detecting and treating challenging behavioural and psychological symptoms
  • providing information and long-term support to carers.
​(From the World Health Organization (who.int)

Click on the next tab, Diagnosis, to get help if you feel you or someone you know may have symptoms of dementia.
DIagnosis and getting help
Diagnosing a specific disease like Alzheimer's is difficult. But doctors have a number of methods they use to detemine this and other diseases of dementia. The National Institutes on Aging has some good information about diagnosing Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases.​
If you are concerned about a loved one who has symptoms of dementia, speaking to a doctor is the best beginning. They can examine a person and detemine likely causes of symptoms. Then they can offer suggestions and medical treatments that might help. Creating a plan is the best way to remove some of the stress of dementia.
Start with your own general practitioner or geriatrician who can guide you in next steps.
​
Or to find a doctor: 
Novant Health UVA Health System (Culpeper)
https://www.novanthealthuva.org/
Click on Orange "Find a Doctor" box. You can use search terms like "dementia", or "Alzheimer's". 

Fauquier Health
https://fauquierhealth.org/
Go to "Find a Doctor", enter a search word such as "Alzheimer's" and then click the "search" box.​ ​
UVA HEALTH SYSTEM
The Neurosciences and Behavioral Health Center in Charlottesville has a clinic devoted to Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders. 
​434-924-0000 / Click on logo at right for their information.

Regional & Other Dementia Resources

Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
​Whether you are living with Alzheimer's or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available. ​
Adult Day Services
Adult Day Services was formerly referred to as "Adult Day Care". Adult Day Services are centers which are regulated facilities that provide a variety of health, social and related support services.  They provide a protective setting for part of the day for adults with cognitive impairment such as dementia, or other disabilities.

Generations Central Adult Day, Culpeper
Located at 318 S. West Street, Culpeper (Culpeper Baptist Church)
540-825-8192 / Email: adultday@generationscentral.org

A new care solution for senior adults. Generations Central Adult Day Center serves senior adults and their caregivers in Culpeper, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Orange and Madison Counties. Senior adults living with age related disabilities and cognitive decline or who are at risk for social isolation can benefit from this engaging day time program while their caregivers take respite. A major highlight of the program is the regular opportunities for seniors to interact with children from the Culpeper Baptist Child Development Center through the intergenerational program. If you are interested in learning more about the Adult Day Center eligibility requirements, daily rates, and activities, please contact Generations Central at 540-403-0557. 

Also see: Community Resource Finder, below.
Community Resource Finder
The Alzheimer’s Association & AARP Community Resource Finder is a database of dementia and aging-related resources that makes it easy for individuals and families to find programs and services in a specific location. Click on the Search button and enter your zip code to find housing options, medical services, community services, care options for home, and more, in your area. 
https://www.communityresourcefinder.org/
MedicAlert ID with wandering support
If an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia wanders and becomes lost, caregivers can call MedicAlert’s 24/7 Emergency Response Team to report it. MedicAlert will create a missing person report and activate a community support network including local law enforcement and hospitals to help locate the person who wandered. MedicAlert will share vital information with first responders as needed. If someone with dementia is found wandering, citizens or first responders can call MedicAlert’s toll free number on the person’s MedicAlert ID to identify the individual and initiate outreach to their emergency contacts. In either case, the goal is to quickly reunite the person who wandered with their family and loved ones.
Call 1-800-432-5378 or click on the button below for more information.
Respite support
Respite is temporary relief from duties for caregivers, ranging from several hours to days. It might be provided in-home or in a residential care facility. Respite allows a caregiver to take a break and get away, maybe for a doctor appointment, grocery shopping or a weekend getaway with family. There are organizations that offer limited funding specifically to help caregivers pay for someone to be with their loved one, and care for them, while they are away. 

Cornerstone Cares
www.cornerstoneva.org/caregivers
40 Rock Pointe Lane Suite 202, Warrenton
540-497-1208
A ministry of Cornerstone Baptist Church that provides funding and other opportunities for family caregivers to participate in respite. 

Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Progam (VLRVP) 
https://www.vda.virginia.gov/vlrv.htm
800-552-3402
The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program (VLRVP) provides reimbursement vouchers to Virginia caregivers who resides full-time, in the same household as the person receiving care, for the cost of temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals, of any age, with a documented disability or special need. VLRVP is focusing on people with dementia and grandparents or relative caregivers providing care to a child not more than 18 years of age or an individual 19 to 59 years of age with a severe disability.
Priority will be given to assist those caregivers with the greatest social and economic need. Respite funding is limited to $400 per family thru July 31, 2021, or until funds are exhausted. Funds may NOT be used to reimburse household expenses or so the caregiver can go to work. Due to limited funds, not all eligible applications will be approved.
Click the button below to read Virginia Lifespan's flyer. 
Support Groups
There are several support groups in our region to help those living with dementia and their caregivers. See our Support Groups page for current groups around our 5-couny region. Many are virtual for the time being.
​
Virginia Dementia Roadmap
The 1st edition of the Virginia Dementia Roadmap came out in October 2021. It is a production of VADARS (Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilitate Services). Virginia Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Commission, and the Virginia Department of Health

​Dementia Safety Information Toolkit 
A production of VADARS (Virginia Department for Adult and Rehabilitative Services)

​Recorded Programs, Videos, Podcasts

Teepa Snow / Recorded Presentation for Aging Together
Aging Together sponsored a webinar on April 3, 2020  by renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow. To view the 4-hour recorded version, click on the button below. Due to copyright requirements, you will need to fill out the form to receive a password which will connect you to the presentation. It's well worth watching!
Anne Basting on Connecting with those who have dementia / video
Gerontologist Anne Basting helps families reconnect with loved ones who have dementia. Listen to her TED Talk about asking "beautiful questions", or those that don't have right or wrong answers. She inspires!
Five Key messages from those living with dementia / video
Men and women living with dementia speak candidly about their experiences as they relate to key messages of the Dementia Friends program: 1) Dementia is not a normal part of aging. 2) Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain. 3) Dementia is not just about having memory problems. 4) It is possible to have a good quality of life with dementia. 5)There’s more to the person than the dementia. From Dementia Friends Minnesota 
Ellen Phipps on the power of personalized activities for those living with dementia / recorded video​
From June 25, 2021: Hear Aging Together's Executive Director speak on The Power of Personalized Activities for Persons Living with Dementia as part of the "Mason Music and Memories Initiative" speaker series. Ellen speaks about what the "person centered approach" means in terms of caring for someone living with dementia, and offers tools to formulate activities around person centered care. A great listen for any caregivers, family or professional, who are looking for better ways to successfully communicate with, and help those living with dementia. (Once you hit Play, there is a 5-second stall before video starts.)
​The Mason Music & Memory Initiative (George Mason University)  improves the quality of life of persons living with dementia by using personalized music to access long-held joyful memories and positive emotions.  Music has been found to successfully soothe and comfort persons with dementia, as well as reduce negative states such as agitation and depression. When implemented consistently over time, this person-centered approach of using music to soothe and comfort persons with dementia has the potential to reduce the need for costly pharmacologic interventions.

Since 2019, the Mason Music & Memory Initiative researchers have been contacting nursing homes throughout the state of Virginia to recruit participants for a study on the effectiveness of Music & Memory. The purpose of the study is to measure the impacts of personalized music on the mood, behavior and quality of life of persons with dementia.  Through funding from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), Mason Music & Memory Initiative researchers hope to provide this person-centered program to residents in at least 144 Medicaid-funded nursing homes in the state of Virginia.

If you are interested in learning more about the Mason Music & Memory Initiative, contact them at musicmem@gmu.edu 
​or 703-993-1913.
Brain Connection cafe - from Teepa Snow and A Positive Approach to care
https://teepasnow.com/services/webinars/brain-connection-cafe/
Join Teepa Snow every Monday at 3:00pm for a free virtual session that is open to anyone as an opportunity to get connected with others, practice existing skills, and exercise one’s brain. This session is held every other Monday from 3:00-4:00pm ET through the end of 2021.
“Doors” open (virtually) at 2:45pm ET.
If you have questions, please contact them at registration@teepasnow.com.
Compassion Fatigue Recorded Program for Caregives
This recorded session from Aging Together is about the care and support of caregivers, especially as they navigate the unforeseen and unexpected changes that are encounted with the progression of dementia.
​
Dementia: Seasons of change Recorded programs
Join in with Dr. Eric De Jonge for a focus on dementia, its signs and stages of progression. This informational session is intended for all caregivers, both those who take care of loved ones and family members, and those who are professional caregivers. 

Caregiver Help

Dementia Caregiver checklist
From the Being Patient Website:
"Taking on the role of caregiver to a family member may happen with little warning, and many find themselves diving in unprepared. Here are a few steps to getting off on the right foot." 
Visit this website to read about important factors of being a caregiver including assuring your identity is documented in your loved ones medical records as well as having access to medical records, understanding what you are actually able to do as a caregiver and what you might need help with, finding resources, and more. 
​
https://www.beingpatient.com/caregiver-checklist/
Activity ideas for those living with dementia
Sing Along with Susie Q
https://www.youtube.com/user/beemusicstudios/videos
​Susan McAllister-Bee, better known as Susie Q, is a music teacher and musician from St. Thomas, Canada. This channel is dedicated to the elderly and their caregivers. Enjoy hours and hours of singing along to favorite songs - lyrics subtitles included. Also good for group activity.
Explore.org Live Cams
​https://explore.org/livecams/currently-live/guide-dogs-mobility-cam
Watch Puppies! And other animals on the various live cameras on this site. There are also recorded highlights. Entertaining and absorbing especially for animal lovers.  Accessible 24 hours.
BLACK OUT POETRY
Take a newspaper article, old book page or magazine and black out words until only a few are left forming a poem. Who cares it if doesn't make sense? For an example, click the button. 
​
COLLAGING
Most simply, collaging is taking torn-up pieces of paper and gluing them onto a larger paper to make some sort of picture. This is a great way to use old magazines lying around the house. It's a also a good way to allow people living with dementia to express themselves. All you need is paper and glue for starters! For a simple guide on creating collages with elders living with dementia, click the blue button below.

Other useful pages on this website

Caregiver support
Caregiving for a loved one living with dementia can be stressful and often it's hard to know how to help. Visit our Caregiver Support page for resources and other websites that offer many levels of information. Updated regularly!
Housing
Find resources to help with transitions into long-term care, including Memory Care
housing options. 
Elder ABuse
If you're concerned about the treatment of a loved one who is under the care of an individual or facility, there are resources to help. 

I've been diagnosed with Dementia

Tips from the national institute on aging
​https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/tips-living-alone-early-stage-dementia

​"Have you been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, or a frontotemporal disorder and live alone? Or, do you have mild cognitive impairment (MCI)? If so, these tips are for you.''  Click on link above.
​Are YOU a care partner caring for a loved one living with dementia at home? Interested in learning how to effectively manage stress?
Check into Mason CARES:
Mason CARES is a research study assessing the effect of an evidenced-based virtual education program on care partner stress-management.
  • Don’t miss out on an opportunity to join a virtual community of individuals with this shared experience.
  • Participate in a FREE online 9-week evidence-based Stress-Busting Program (SBP) for Family Caregivers™
  • Continue in the program for one-month following SBP
  • Receive $50 and much more for completing the research study
  • Recruitment is ongoing and our next sessions will start during the week of March 28th
For inquiries, contact us: gerorsch@gmu.edu • 571-492-4188
Please check out our website for additional information - https://gerontology.socialwork.gmu.edu/masoncares
Rice University in Texas is seeking participants for a remote study examining "The Impact of Emotions on Social Distancing" among family caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
​For more info: http://bmed.rice.edu/current-projects/project-care/​

How Can I help?
Become a Dementia Friend!
​Click Here.

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