Skip to Main Content

Dementia Guide

icon: medical

Dementia is the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decision that interferes with daily life. Symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Most common symptoms are problems with memory, attention, reasoning and vision beyond typical age-related changes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. 

Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging. Nearly 14 million people will have dementia by 2060. 

Learn more about dementia.

icon: checkmark

Dementia treatment depends on the cause. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease have no cure. However, there are medications that can protect the brain or manage anxiety or behavior changes. Regular exercise and healthy eating can decrease the chances of developing chronic conditions.

If you believe a loved one is showing signs of dementia, follow these tips:

  • Discuss with your loved one. Encourage your loved one to see their primary care doctor.
  • Medical assessment. Ask your loved one’s provider to conduct an annual wellness exam.
  • Family meeting. Start planning and gather documents like an advanced directive and durable power of attorney.
icon: resources

  • Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association provides Alzheimer’s care, support and advocacy for those with dementia and their caregivers.
  • UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program: This resources has educational videos created by the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program that cover sundowning, wandering, bathing, repetition, hallucinations and refusal to take medications.
  • The Family Caregiver Alliance put together a fact sheet to help caregivers understand behaviors typical of those living with dementia.
  • Krames Staywell Health Library: Easy access to more than 4,000 health sheets on health and medications. Search for ‘Dementia’ for information and tips on how to manage this condition.
  • Learn caregiving tips, safety information, common medical problems, and how to care for yourself. Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • PA Health & Wellness is using the Johns Hopkins' Maximizing Independence (MIND at HomeTM) Program, which was developed to help you and your caregivers support your brain health. This care coordination program was developed through research at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Through this program, you will be assigned a Memory Care Coordinator and/or an RN Care Manager who will help to address unmet needs that may be barriers with your memory disorders to allow you to remain to stay safe in your own home. To learn more about this program call Participant Services at 1-844-626-6813 (TTY 711)
  • It can be difficult to explain behaviors brought on by Alzheimer’s or Dementia to those you do not know or are unfamiliar with the disease. To ease this challenge, you can utilize the Participant Cards (PDF). These notes are in business card form to discreetly alert others that you may exhibit unusual behavior due to Alzheimer’s or Dementia.