Memory Support

Alzheimer's & Memory Support Services
Alzheimer and Memory Support Services (AMSS) is made up of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families suffering from Alzheimer Disease or related memory disorders. Support services include diagnostic evaluation and follow-up, adult day health services, and education for families or community groups.

MDH is designated by Southern Illinois University as a Memory and Aging Network site in assisting with diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.

In addition, MDH works cooperatively with the Alzheimer’s Association, a national organization dedicated to research, education and services for Alzheimer’s Disease.

For more information on these services, call MDH Alzheimer’s and Memory Support Services, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 309-833-4101, extension 13610 or Outreach Services at 309-836-1584. You may also download a complete brochure to learn more about our services.

What is Dementia?
Dementia is the loss of intellectual functions (such as thinking, remembering and reasoning) of sufficient severity to interfere with a person’s daily functioning.

It is not a disease in itself, but rather a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or physical conditions.

Some well known diseases that produce dementia are:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Multi-infarct (stroke) dementia
• Parkinson’s Disease

Other conditions that may cause or mimic dementia include depression, brain tumors, nutritional deficiencies, head injuries, infections, drug reactions, and thyroid problems.

What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. It causes abnormal proteins to accumulate in and around nerve cells throughout the brain, causing them to die. Loss of nerve cells results in memory loss, impaired thinking and behavior, and finally death.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease are:

• Gradual memory loss
• Decline in ability to perform routine tasks
• Impaired judgment
• Disorientation
• Personality / behavioral changes
• Loss of language skills

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease is made only after other illnesses that result in memory loss have been ruled out. Early diagnosis enables patients and caregivers to be given helpful information about the disease and what to expect in the future.

Available Services
McDonough District Hospital offers many services for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related memory loss disorders.

Diagnostic Evaluation
MDH, in affiliation with Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and a patient’s primary care provider, provides a series of  medical and functional assessment tests. Annual evaluations are recommended and scheduled on request to assess the progression of the illness. Patients and family members will be advised of educational materials and community resources available.

Day Health Services
This program is designed to help older adults maintain independence in their home or family environment. It provides a supportive staff that encourages socialization, wellness, individualism and freedom of choice in a warm, friendly environment.

Educational Presentations
McDonough District Hospital offers educational presentations and services to individual family members or community groups upon request.

Memory Walk
McDonough District Hospital has been a sponsor of the annual Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk in Macomb since 1998.

Related Links
www.alz.org
www.alzheimers.org