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Crisis Support: 988
Your compass for dementia resources in Escambia County, Florida
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Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide. This comprehensive guide explains over 20 different types of dementia, from the most common to rare conditions.
Causes: Abnormal protein deposits (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) accumulate in the brain, disrupting communication between neurons.
Early Symptoms: Memory loss affecting daily activities, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, trouble understanding visual images, problems with words in speaking or writing.
Progression: Mild → Moderate → Severe over 4-20 years. Memory problems worsen, followed by language difficulties, behavior changes, and eventually loss of basic functions.
Risk Factors: Age (doubles every 5 years after 65), family history, head trauma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lack of exercise.
Treatment: Cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne), NMDA antagonist (Namenda), newer drugs (Aducanumab, Lecanemab).
Causes: Reduced blood flow to brain due to strokes, mini-strokes, or chronic conditions affecting blood vessels.
Types: Multi-infarct dementia (multiple small strokes), single-stroke dementia, subcortical vascular dementia (small vessel disease).
Symptoms: Problems with planning, reasoning, judgment, memory. May occur suddenly after stroke or gradually. Walking difficulties, frequent falls, mood changes.
Progression: Often "stepwise" - periods of stability followed by sudden decline after new strokes.
Prevention: Control blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol. Don't smoke. Exercise regularly. Eat healthy diet.
Definition: Two or more types of dementia occurring simultaneously, most commonly Alzheimer's + vascular dementia.
Prevalence: May be present in 50% or more of people with dementia, especially those over 80.
Diagnosis: Often difficult to diagnose during life; confirmed at autopsy. Brain scans may show signs of multiple pathologies.
Symptoms: Combination of features from each type present. May have more severe symptoms than single-type dementia.
Causes: Alpha-synuclein protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in brain cells affect thinking, movement, behavior, and mood.
Core Features: Visual hallucinations (often of people or animals), fluctuating cognition, REM sleep behavior disorder, movement problems similar to Parkinson's.
Symptoms: Unpredictable changes in concentration and alertness, detailed visual hallucinations, depression, sleep disturbances, delusions.
Medication Sensitivity: Extreme sensitivity to antipsychotic medications can cause dangerous side effects.
Treatment: Cholinesterase inhibitors often very effective. Careful medication management essential.
Causes: Degeneration of frontal and temporal lobes. Often genetic (40% have family history).
Subtypes:
Age of Onset: Usually 40-65 years (younger than Alzheimer's). Equal rates in men and women.
Early Signs: Changes in personality, behavior, or language rather than memory problems initially.
Definition: Dementia that develops in people who have had Parkinson's disease for at least one year.
Frequency: About 50-80% of people with Parkinson's eventually develop dementia.
Symptoms: Problems with attention, executive function, visual-spatial processing. Memory usually less affected initially.
Difference from LBD: Motor symptoms appear first, then cognitive symptoms (opposite of Lewy body dementia).
Treatable Condition: Fluid buildup in brain ventricles causes pressure on brain tissue.
Classic Triad: Walking problems, urinary incontinence, dementia ("wet, wacky, wobbly").
Treatment: Shunt surgery to drain excess fluid. Success rate 60-90% when caught early.
Importance: One of the few potentially reversible causes of dementia.
Causes: Prion disease - misfolded proteins cause rapid brain degeneration.
Types: Sporadic (most common), inherited, acquired (very rare).
Progression: Extremely rapid - usually fatal within one year.
Symptoms: Rapidly progressive dementia, jerky movements, visual disturbances, difficulty walking.
Genetics: Inherited genetic disorder caused by faulty gene on chromosome 4.
Symptoms: Progressive movement, cognitive, and emotional disorders. Usually begins 30-50 years of age.
Cognitive Effects: Problems with organization, planning, multitasking. Memory usually preserved longer.
Inheritance: 50% chance of inheriting if one parent has the gene.
Cause: Severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often related to chronic alcohol abuse.
Symptoms: Severe memory problems, confabulation (making up stories), difficulty learning new information.
Prevention: Adequate nutrition and thiamine supplementation.
Cause: HIV infection affects the brain directly and through immune system dysfunction.
Range: From mild cognitive impairment to severe dementia.
Improvement: Often improves with effective HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy).
Common Culprits: Anticholinergic drugs (Benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants), benzodiazepines, opioids, anticonvulsants.
Mechanism: Many medications interfere with neurotransmitters needed for memory and thinking.
Reversibility: Often improves when medications are reduced or changed under medical supervision.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Causes memory problems, confusion, depression. Common in older adults.
Thyroid Disorders: Both overactive and underactive thyroid can cause cognitive problems.
Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar affects brain function.
Kidney/Liver Disease: Toxin buildup affects mental function.
Depression: "Pseudodementia" - severe depression can mimic dementia, especially in older adults.
Anxiety: Severe anxiety can impair concentration and memory.
Treatment: Often reversible with appropriate psychiatric treatment.
Brain Infections: Encephalitis, meningitis, brain abscesses can cause cognitive problems.
Syphilis: If untreated, can cause dementia in later stages.
UTIs in Elderly: Can cause acute confusion that mimics dementia.
Definition: Tau protein tangles without amyloid plaques, often found in "normal" aging.
Symptoms: Mild memory problems, slower processing speed.
Recognition: Recently identified dementia type that mimics Alzheimer's disease.
Prevalence: May affect 20-50% of people over 80.
Cause: Repeated head injuries, especially in contact sports.
Symptoms: Memory problems, confusion, aggression, depression, eventually dementia.
Note: Can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
Symptoms: Visual processing problems, difficulty reading, spatial awareness issues.
Relation: Often an atypical presentation of Alzheimer's disease.
Symptoms: Loss of word meaning, difficulty recognizing familiar objects and people.
Classification: Subtype of frontotemporal dementia affecting language.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
Early intervention and support significantly improve outcomes for families dealing with dementia. Education and resource connection reduce caregiver stress and improve quality of life.
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
Council on Aging of West Florida: (850) 432-3336
Crisis Support: 988
Escambia County Social Services: (850) 595-2840
Early connection with support services improves long-term outcomes.
Pensacola Area Support Groups:
• Azalea Trace Caregiver Support Group
📍 10100 Hillview Drive, Pensacola, FL 32514
🗓️ Second Friday of every month, 1:30-2:30 PM CT
📞 Call 1-800-272-3900 to register
• Council on Aging Support Groups
📍 875 Royce Street, Pensacola
📞 (850) 432-1475 for current meeting schedule
Online Support:
ALZConnected - 24/7 Online CommunityFind More Local Groups:
Alzheimer's Association Support Group Finder📞 Call 1-800-272-3900 for help finding support groups in your area
Medical Center Clinic Memory Disorder Center
Comprehensive evaluation and ongoing care
Sacred Heart Hospital
Support groups and educational programs
Baptist Health Care
Memory care services and family support
Council on Aging Adult Day Care (875 Royce Street): (850) 432-1475
Florida Alzheimer's Disease Initiative: Up to $4,000/year for respite care
SHINE Medicare Counseling: Free insurance guidance
Veterans Benefits: Special programs for veterans and spouses
Florida Medicaid Waiver Programs: Support for home and community-based care
Early financial planning reduces family stress significantly.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
Support groups provide emotional support, practical advice, and reduce isolation. Both in-person and online groups are beneficial for caregivers and people with dementia.
📍 Meeting Location: Azalea Trace, 10100 Hillview Drive, Pensacola, FL 32514
🗓️ Schedule: Second Friday of every month, 1:30-2:30 PM CT
📞 Registration Required: Call 1-800-272-3900
👥 For: Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or dementia
📍 Location: 875 Royce Street, Pensacola
📞 Contact: (850) 432-1475
📧 Email: info@coawfla.org
💬 Support Groups: Call for current meeting schedules and times
Free online message boards for everyone affected by Alzheimer's or dementia. Available in over 200 languages.
Phone and video support groups available at multiple times to accommodate different schedules.
Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
Available 24 hours a day in over 200 languages
They can help you find:
Online Group Directory:
Search Support Groups by LocationAvailable Topics:
Find Local Programs:
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
Structured planning tools improve care coordination and reduce caregiver burden. Families who use systematic approaches have better outcomes.
Home modifications can prevent 30-50% of falls in people with dementia.
Escambia County Transit: (850) 595-1080
Council on Aging Transportation: (850) 432-1475
Medical Transport Services: Specialized transportation for medical appointments
Safe transportation is essential when driving becomes unsafe.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
Clinical trials offer access to cutting-edge treatments and contribute to scientific advancement. Participants often receive closer monitoring and care.
ClinicalTrials.gov: Official database of clinical studies
Alzheimer's Disease Trials: Pre-filtered search for AD studies
Alzheimer's Association TrialMatch: Free personalized matching service
Brain Health Registry: Online platform connecting participants with studies
Trial participation can provide hope and potentially slow progression.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
Recent studies show significant advances in understanding and treating dementia. We are entering a new era of precision medicine for brain diseases.
New blood tests can detect Alzheimer's changes 15-20 years before symptoms appear with 96% accuracy.
Clinical Impact: This could revolutionize early detection and intervention.
Lecanemab (Leqembi): Targets amyloid plaques and may slow progression by 27%.
Important: Careful monitoring is required due to potential brain swelling.
The 2024 Lancet Commission identifies 14 modifiable risk factors that could prevent up to 45% of dementia cases.
Key Finding: It's never too late to start protective lifestyle changes.
Finding: 53% reduction in Alzheimer's risk with high adherence to MIND diet.
Practical Application: Even partial adherence shows benefits - start with adding berries and leafy greens daily.
Results: 35% dementia risk reduction with regular physical activity, even when starting after age 70.
Recommendation: 30 minutes of walking 3 times per week provides significant brain protection.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
Many medications safe for younger adults can cause serious problems for people over 65. The Beers Criteria represents decades of research into potentially inappropriate medications for older adults.
📖 Source: 2023 AGS Beers Criteria Publication
First-Generation Antihistamines:
Tricyclic Antidepressants:
Antipsychotics (First Generation):
Anti-Parkinson Agents:
Short-Acting:
Long-Acting (Especially Dangerous):
NSAIDs (Increased Bleeding/Kidney Risk):
Muscle Relaxants:
1. Brown Bag Review: Bring ALL medications (including over-the-counter) to your pharmacist quarterly
2. Ask About Alternatives: Safer options are usually available
3. Never Stop Suddenly: Work with your doctor to taper medications safely
4. Read Labels: Many products contain hidden anticholinergic ingredients
5. Regular Reviews: Have medication reviews at least every 6 months
Free Resources:
Warning Signs to Watch For:
Emergency Actions:
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
Healthcare professionals use specific terminology when discussing dementia. Understanding these terms helps families communicate more effectively with medical teams.
Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter crucial for memory and learning. Many medications block this chemical.
Amyloid plaques: Protein clumps that build up between brain cells in Alzheimer's disease.
Anticholinergic: Medications that block acetylcholine, potentially impairing cognitive function in older adults.
Atrophy: Shrinkage of brain tissue, common in dementia.
Cognitive: Mental processes including thinking, memory, problem-solving, and learning.
Cortex: The outer layer of the brain where most thinking occurs.
Hippocampus: Brain region critical for forming new memories, often affected early in Alzheimer's.
Neurotransmitter: Chemical messengers that brain cells use to communicate.
Tau tangles: Twisted protein fibers found inside brain cells in Alzheimer's disease.
Cholinesterase inhibitors: Medications like Aricept that boost acetylcholine levels.
Drug interactions: When medications interfere with each other's effectiveness or safety.
Half-life: Time required for the body to eliminate half of a medication. This process slows with aging.
NMDA antagonist: Type of medication (like Namenda) that may help with moderate to severe dementia.
Polypharmacy: Taking multiple medications (typically 5 or more), increasing interaction risk in older adults.
Side effects: Unintended effects of medications, often more common in older adults.
Therapeutic window: The range between effective and toxic doses of a medication.
Biomarkers: Measurable biological indicators of disease processes in blood or spinal fluid.
CT scan: X-ray imaging that shows brain structure and can detect strokes or tumors.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): Procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid for analyzing disease markers.
Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE): Simple test that screens for cognitive problems.
MRI: Magnetic imaging that shows detailed brain structure and can detect changes over time.
Neuropsychological testing: Detailed assessment of thinking skills and abilities.
PET scan: Brain imaging that visualizes metabolism and protein deposits, detecting changes decades before symptoms.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Basic self-care tasks like bathing, dressing, eating.
Advance directives: Legal documents stating healthcare preferences for the future.
Aphasia: Difficulty with language and communication.
Apraxia: Difficulty performing learned movements despite having the physical ability.
Behavioral symptoms: Non-cognitive symptoms like agitation, depression, or sleep problems.
Delirium: Sudden confusion that can be reversible, often caused by infection or medication.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Memory problems beyond normal aging but not severe enough for dementia diagnosis.
Respite care: Temporary care relief for family caregivers.
Sundowning: Increased confusion or agitation in the late afternoon or evening.
Wandering: Aimless walking or movement, common in dementia.
Clinical trial: Research study testing new treatments or interventions.
Control group: Study participants who receive standard treatment or placebo for comparison.
Double-blind study: Neither participants nor researchers know who receives the experimental treatment.
Efficacy: How well a treatment works under ideal research conditions.
Incidence: Number of new cases of a disease in a specific time period.
Placebo: Inactive treatment used for comparison in research studies.
Prevalence: Total number of people with a disease at a specific time.
Risk factors: Things that increase the likelihood of developing a disease.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.
Important: This is for website feedback only. We cannot provide medical advice. For medical questions, contact your healthcare provider or call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
24/7 Alzheimer's Association Helpline:
Free, confidential support available 24 hours a day
Crisis Support:
📞 988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Local Emergency:
For questions about this educational resource:
Independent educational resource for dementia care in Escambia County, Florida
Rodney Guttmann, Ph.D. - Independent community education project
Carli Carrillo - Undergraduate research assistant
Developed with Claude AI assistance
This independent educational resource does not represent or reflect the views of the University of West Florida or any other institution.
For educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.