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I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
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III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment. You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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Dementia is progressive but if caused by a stroke than the brain improves as it heals and directs functions to other areas. Im no brain specialist but after my mom's major stroke we were told she would not move, eat or do anything besides watching blankly into space...so much of her left temporal love was damaged. This was not the case. After we took the hairy plunge of getting her off the respirator, things started improving, but it took a lot of dedication and patience, and honestly lots of, at least mine - life force, but there are plenty of benefits, memories and successes. After about a year we'd play soccer on the beach, go to restaurants and she'd climb 3 flights of stairs everyday at the age of 80. We'd read, write, paint, copy; watch movies, opera and theatre. Her speech never became clear or coherent, but meanings were construed, and we have been having 24 hours assistance since practicaly day one...and remember ... it takes a village to raise and old wo/man :) I just wish the rest of the world would realize that...but most dementia patients - millions of them around the world, fine men and women with experience and knowhow, mostly reduced to a brave demeanor to the world walk around us hidden from sight, for only those in the know to recognize...much like cancer patients btw, while the world gives far away kudos, or in other cases wants to call the police. Now alas, things are not the same. We cherish happy moments and invest effort to help steer the ship on course. It's been 6 years now and if only I'd keep myself happy and active, whihc is hard in these parts lately, I believe we can have lots of fun still.
We are Here to Help --- Our programs bring much-needed education, local resources, and life enrichment to individuals and families impacted by Dementia. We recognize Dementia caregivers and innovators and raise HOPE by spotlighting relevant research to discover cures and causes and encourage early detection and meaningful interventions.
Dementia Society of America is your volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity serving the nation for all causes of Dementia, including: Alzheimer's (AD), late & young-onset Vascular Dementia Mixed Dementia Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) CTE, TBI, NPH, HIV, L.A.T.E. & others...
Do you need basic Dementia information?_________________
As a Voluntary Health Organization, we focus broadly on all forms of Dementia, sometimes also referred to medically as Major Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD). We have collected top resources from across the country and around the globe for you! We're like a Dementia association, Dementia foundation, and Brain Health resource center - all rolled into one. The Dementia Society of America is here for everyone.
Sign up for their newsletter________________________
Subscribe to Monthly eNews - By sharing these resources, we bring HOPE through education about what Dementia is and what it isn't and help people who live with Dementia continue to lead meaningful lives and support their care partners.
Vascular dementia has a wider and more variable range of symptoms than the other types of dementia. It is caused by a range of different diseases of the blood supply to the brain.
Sometimes vascular dementia follows a major stroke, in which a large area of tissue on one side of the brain dies because the blood supply is suddenly cut off. Symptoms are often seen in problems with planning, concentrating and thinking or memory. In addition, the person may be left with weakness down one side of the body or problems with vision or speech. With rehabilitation, some degree of recovery may be possible.
Vascular dementia can also follow several mini-strokes over time. Each mini-stroke creates a small patch of dead brain tissue, called an infarct, in the cortex. Early symptoms can be very specific to where the tissue is lost. For example, problems with episodic memory can be caused by an infarct in the hippocampus, and problems with executive function can be caused by an infarct in the frontal lobe.
A different kind of vascular dementia, called subcortical vascular dementia, follows disease of the small blood vessels deep in the brain. This disease often causes widespread damage to white matter beneath the cortex. These nerve fibres carry signals between different parts of the cortex, including the frontal lobes. A person with subcortical vascular dementia will therefore often have slowed thinking and problems with executive function.
Frontotemporal dementia
In all forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the frontal and/or temporal lobes shrink. The different sub-types of FTD - which affect the person's behaviour and language - reflect different patterns of damage.
In behavioural variant FTD, the areas of the brain affected early on are in the frontal lobes.
Damage to the upper-middle surfaces of the frontal cortex is linked to becoming withdrawn and losing motivation.
Damage to the front under-surface is linked to losing inhibitions, meaning the person might make inappropriate comments, for example.
Damage to the frontal lobes may also mean the person repeats the same word, phrase or action over and over again. It is important to appreciate that none of these things are done by choice.
"Over time, the disease causing the dementia spreads to other parts of the brain. This leads to more symptoms because more of the brain is unable to work properly. At the same time, already-damaged areas of the brain become even more affected, causing symptoms the person already has to get worse."
Below is from: https://carehomeselection.co.uk/7-stages-signs-of-dementia-what-to-look-for/#:~:text=Stage%20seven%20is%20the%20final,dressing%2C%20bathing%2C%20and%20toileting.
Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) is an assessment tool used to determine which stage of dementia a person is experiencing. The tool is used as a rough outline to determine the best course of care or treatment for the person diagnosed with dementia. While not everyone will experience the same symptoms there is a 7-stage progression most individuals will follow.
These 7 stages are then categorised by 4 diagnosis, No dementia, early-stage dementia, mid-stage dementia and late-stage dementia.
No Dementia, Stages 1-3
Stage 1 – In this stage there are no signs of dementia. The person functions normally and there are no signs or symptoms.
Stage 2 – Very mild cognitive decline. In this stage people start to experience ‘normal’ forgetfulness. This is sign is normally associated with aging resulting in loved ones and professionals not noticing the underlining cause.
Stage 3 – Mild cognitive decline. In this stage, loved ones may begin to notice the increase in forgetfulness, difficulty in concentration and speech difficulty. This is the final stage in this category prior to the onset of dementia. Early-Stage Dementia, Stage 4
Stage 4 – Early-stage dementia. In this stage, professionals can detect cognitive decline problems during a patient appointment. The person will begin to have trouble concentrating, performing daily tasks such as finances, increase in forgetfulness and memory issues.
Mid-Stage Dementia, Stages 5-6
Stage 5 – Moderately severe cognitive decline. In this stage, signs and symptoms will be easy to identify. The person will have major memory issues and they will now need assistance with daily living activities.
Stage 6 – Severe cognitive decline. In this stage the symptoms of dementia will be having a profound effect on the individual. They will start to forget names and have little memory of events or earlier memories. In this stage the individual will have personality/ emotional changes, bladder control issues and anxiety. Late-Stage Dementia, Stage 7
Stage 7 – Very severe cognitive decline. Stage seven is the final stage of the dementia progression. At this stage, most people will have no ability to speak or communicate. They will require assistance with most daily activities including walking, dressing, bathing, and toileting. This stage requires 24-hour care and assistance.
I found the book, The 36-hour Day, by Nancy Mace, MA and Peter Rabins, MD extremely helpful. My husband suffered from dementia for over 10 years. The first 8 years, I saw gradual decline. The last 2 years, he declined rapidly. The last 6 months, he was in a MC facility - I was no longer able to keep him safe at home. It's a very sad journey. I'm praying for you, Penguin, that God will give you wisdom while walking this hard path with your loved one. ❤️
Another vote for the 36 Hour Day! I’m meeting a friend for lunch today and giving him a copy of that book to help him and his mom with his dad who has Lewy Body dementia. I’ve given away so many copies that I should start buying them in bulk. It’s a fantastic resource that told me more about cognitive decline & how to cope than any of my husband’s three neurologists ever did!
Also it can depend, if it's due to a bladder infection, and you meditate the infection., the absolutely. My mom has a sinus infection, that he thought was allergies, then when the sinus infection finally came to ahead and I got her in antibiotics, the decline statertd improving, slowly. But a definite improvement on her cognitive health .
Sometimes pain can make decline worse from lack of sleep or just the pain. And it can improve if you deal with the pain
If you are talking about any of the forms of dementia then yes the cognitive loss will get worse. There are medications that can slow the progression but they can not repair the damage already done nor will the medications stop the progression.
If you are talking about cognitive loss due to a concussion, the cognitive issues should lessen over time but it may take a year. And there may not be a complete return to the "baseline".
If the cognitive loss is due to a stroke that may also improve but the stroke may be due to Vascular dementia and if that is the case there may be many mini strokes that go unnoticed or undiagnosed. Vascular Dementia can worsen literally over night. It might be that the person was able to walk yesterday but can not walk today, or could feed themselves yesterday and not today.
There is no predicting dementia at all. Some go for long periods of time without getting worse, some it's a gradual decline, and sometimes you see a sudden decline.
Have you read up on dementia, Google , books, there is a lot of information out there. I would start with Teepa Snow, on YouTube. If she doesn't help you there are plenty of other places to find more info
But more information would help us answer in a less generic way.
Always. It NEVER gets better, only worse. You may want to start educating yourself about the horrible disease of dementia, so you are better prepared for what lies ahead.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
Now alas, things are not the same. We cherish happy moments and invest effort to help steer the ship on course. It's been 6 years now and if only I'd keep myself happy and active, whihc is hard in these parts lately, I believe we can have lots of fun still.
Look at this website:
https://www.dementiasociety.org/
Dementia Society of America
In part, it says:
We are Here to Help --- Our programs bring much-needed education, local resources, and life enrichment to individuals and families impacted by Dementia.
We recognize Dementia caregivers and innovators and raise HOPE by spotlighting relevant research to discover cures and causes and encourage early detection and meaningful interventions.
Dementia Society of America is your volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity serving the nation for all causes of Dementia, including:
Alzheimer's (AD), late & young-onset
Vascular Dementia
Mixed Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
CTE, TBI, NPH, HIV, L.A.T.E. & others...
Do you need basic Dementia information?_________________
As a Voluntary Health Organization, we focus broadly on all forms of Dementia, sometimes also referred to medically as Major Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD). We have collected top resources from across the country and around the globe for you! We're like a Dementia association, Dementia foundation, and Brain Health resource center - all rolled into one. The Dementia Society of America is here for everyone.
Sign up for their newsletter________________________
Subscribe to Monthly eNews - By sharing these resources, we bring HOPE through education about what Dementia is and what it isn't and help people who live with Dementia continue to lead meaningful lives and support their care partners.
Gena / Touch Matters
Lots of information available (on how the brain changes due to dementia).
You might want to buy a book. Or call
See this website:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/how-dementia-progresses/symptoms-brain
In part, it says:
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia has a wider and more variable range of symptoms than the other types of dementia. It is caused by a range of different diseases of the blood supply to the brain.
Sometimes vascular dementia follows a major stroke, in which a large area of tissue on one side of the brain dies because the blood supply is suddenly cut off. Symptoms are often seen in problems with planning, concentrating and thinking or memory. In addition, the person may be left with weakness down one side of the body or problems with vision or speech. With rehabilitation, some degree of recovery may be possible.
Vascular dementia can also follow several mini-strokes over time. Each mini-stroke creates a small patch of dead brain tissue, called an infarct, in the cortex. Early symptoms can be very specific to where the tissue is lost. For example, problems with episodic memory can be caused by an infarct in the hippocampus, and problems with executive function can be caused by an infarct in the frontal lobe.
A different kind of vascular dementia, called subcortical vascular dementia, follows disease of the small blood vessels deep in the brain. This disease often causes widespread damage to white matter beneath the cortex. These nerve fibres carry signals between different parts of the cortex, including the frontal lobes. A person with subcortical vascular dementia will therefore often have slowed thinking and problems with executive function.
Frontotemporal dementia
In all forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the frontal and/or temporal lobes shrink. The different sub-types of FTD - which affect the person's behaviour and language - reflect different patterns of damage.
In behavioural variant FTD, the areas of the brain affected early on are in the frontal lobes.
Damage to the upper-middle surfaces of the frontal cortex is linked to becoming withdrawn and losing motivation.
Damage to the front under-surface is linked to losing inhibitions, meaning the person might make inappropriate comments, for example.
Damage to the frontal lobes may also mean the person repeats the same word, phrase or action over and over again. It is important to appreciate that none of these things are done by choice.
Gena / Touch Matters
"Over time, the disease causing the dementia spreads to other parts of the brain. This leads to more symptoms because more of the brain is unable to work properly. At the same time, already-damaged areas of the brain become even more affected, causing symptoms the person already has to get worse."
Below is from:
https://carehomeselection.co.uk/7-stages-signs-of-dementia-what-to-look-for/#:~:text=Stage%20seven%20is%20the%20final,dressing%2C%20bathing%2C%20and%20toileting.
Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) is an assessment tool used to determine which stage of dementia a person is experiencing. The tool is used as a rough outline to determine the best course of care or treatment for the person diagnosed with dementia. While not everyone will experience the same symptoms there is a 7-stage progression most individuals will follow.
These 7 stages are then categorised by 4 diagnosis, No dementia, early-stage dementia, mid-stage dementia and late-stage dementia.
No Dementia, Stages 1-3
Stage 1 – In this stage there are no signs of dementia. The person functions normally and there are no signs or symptoms.
Stage 2 – Very mild cognitive decline. In this stage people start to experience ‘normal’ forgetfulness. This is sign is normally associated with aging resulting in loved ones and professionals not noticing the underlining cause.
Stage 3 – Mild cognitive decline. In this stage, loved ones may begin to notice the increase in forgetfulness, difficulty in concentration and speech difficulty. This is the final stage in this category prior to the onset of dementia.
Early-Stage Dementia, Stage 4
Stage 4 – Early-stage dementia. In this stage, professionals can detect cognitive decline problems during a patient appointment. The person will begin to have trouble concentrating, performing daily tasks such as finances, increase in forgetfulness and memory issues.
Mid-Stage Dementia, Stages 5-6
Stage 5 – Moderately severe cognitive decline. In this stage, signs and symptoms will be easy to identify. The person will have major memory issues and they will now need assistance with daily living activities.
Stage 6 – Severe cognitive decline. In this stage the symptoms of dementia will be having a profound effect on the individual. They will start to forget names and have little memory of events or earlier memories. In this stage the individual will have personality/ emotional changes, bladder control issues and anxiety.
Late-Stage Dementia, Stage 7
Stage 7 – Very severe cognitive decline. Stage seven is the final stage of the dementia progression. At this stage, most people will have no ability to speak or communicate. They will require assistance with most daily activities including walking, dressing, bathing, and toileting. This stage requires 24-hour care and assistance.
Gena / Touch Matters
Sometimes pain can make decline worse from lack of sleep or just the pain. And it can improve if you deal with the pain
There are medications that can slow the progression but they can not repair the damage already done nor will the medications stop the progression.
If you are talking about cognitive loss due to a concussion, the cognitive issues should lessen over time but it may take a year. And there may not be a complete return to the "baseline".
If the cognitive loss is due to a stroke that may also improve but the stroke may be due to Vascular dementia and if that is the case there may be many mini strokes that go unnoticed or undiagnosed. Vascular Dementia can worsen literally over night. It might be that the person was able to walk yesterday but can not walk today, or could feed themselves yesterday and not today.
https://www.agingcare.com/topics/8/dementia-behaviors
There is no predicting dementia at all. Some go for long periods of time without getting worse, some it's a gradual decline, and sometimes you see a sudden decline.
Have you read up on dementia, Google , books, there is a lot of information out there. I would start with Teepa Snow, on YouTube. If she doesn't help you there are plenty of other places to find more info
But more information would help us answer in a less generic way.
Best of luck
You may want to start educating yourself about the horrible disease of dementia, so you are better prepared for what lies ahead.