| 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, an Alzheimer Resource library,
and education for families or community groups.
MDH
is designated by Southern Illinois University as a “Primary
Provider” 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 3204 or Outreach
Services at 309-836-1584.
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 physical, 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.
Alzheimer’s
Resource Library
The Resource Library provides educational materials
including books, pamphlets, videotapes, and problem-solving
information to the community.
The
library is conveniently located on the first floor of
the hospital in Outreach Services and is open from 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.
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
|
