SEATTLE — As people age, many become concerned about memory loss and brain health. It’s normal to occasionally forget details, like the name of an acquaintance or where you put your keys. But sometimes, these episodes are part of a more serious issue, like Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions that affect the brain and cognitive function.
“Dementia is broadly the umbrella term for what we see when an individual is experiencing cognitive changes that are to such a degree that it starts to impact their ability to take care of activities of daily living,” said Dr. Joel Peterman, neuropsychologist at Providence Swedish’s Center for Healthy Aging.
These daily activities include managing finances, taking medications regularly or making appointments. Underneath that dementia umbrella are its causes, including Alzheimer’s, which is the most common. Other causes include stroke and Lewy Body disease.
As people get older, changes to brain and cognitive function are normal. If you think your memory issues are becoming more frequent or loved ones start to notice, it’s important to talk with your doctor.
Dr. Peterman uses normative tests of cognitive function to evaluate patients. These tests compare an individual to other people their age in terms of cognitive function, memory, processing speed and language abilities. Brain imaging is also used to look at the structure for changes and abnormalities.
“Unfortunately, there is not a cure yet for dementia,” Dr. Peterman said. “However, there’s certainly things that we can do to help compensate for cognitive challenges.”
This includes cognitive rehabilitation to help an individual use the strengths they still have to compensate for areas they may have greater challenges. Providers assist patients with planning, organizing and strategy to develop new skills as memory changes.
Providence Swedish’s Center for Healthy Aging is located at its Cherry Hill Campus and offers neuropsychological evaluations and cognitive rehab.
“We work with individuals who are concerned about cognitive change,” Dr. Peterman said.
The Center for Healthy Aging also provides lifestyle and culinary medicine counseling and classes, time with social workers and behavioral health services.
Learn more about brain health, the Center for Healthy Aging and how to schedule an evaluation on the Providence Swedish website.
Sponsored by Providence Swedish
Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.