Illinois Cognitive Resources Network

Connecting to resources throughout your dementia journey

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What’s the connection between Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome?

A message from the National Institute on Aging… Many, but not all, people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease when they get older. Scientists are conducting basic studies, biomarker studies, and clinical trials to better understand why some people with Down syndrome develop dementia while others do not, measure cognitive and biological changes, and developContinue reading “What’s the connection between Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome?”

Too Soon to Forget Documentary Airs on American Public Television

Posted for Susan Frick, MSW: For many years, the Without Warning support group of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center has been creating a documentary on the experience of younger onset Alzheimer’s disease, called Too Soon To Forget. Selected by American Public Television, the documentary aired on Public Television for the first time on Sunday, May 6, 2018. The messageContinue reading “Too Soon to Forget Documentary Airs on American Public Television”

NIA’s Alzheimer’s Caring Guide in Spanish

Looking for Alzheimer’s caregiving information in Spanish? Check out Cómo cuidar a una persona con la enfermedad de Alzheimer: Una guía fácil de usar del Instituto Nacional Sobre el Envejecimiento. This new book from the National Institute on Aging (part of the National Institutes on Health) has helpful tips on topics including: changes in behavior;Continue reading “NIA’s Alzheimer’s Caring Guide in Spanish”

How Alzheimer’s affects the brain

In Alzheimer’s disease, changes to the brain likely start a decade or more before memory and other cognitive problems appear. This new video developed by the National Institute on Aging shows what we’ve learned about the brain in Alzheimer’s, and where research on treating or curing the disease is headed. Learn more about what happens toContinue reading “How Alzheimer’s affects the brain”

How do doctors diagnose dementia?

To diagnose dementia, doctors do a medical assessment to determine whether changes are because of an underlying treatable condition like depression or vitamin B12 deficiency. Then, they will assess whether there are signs of dementia. A medical assessment for dementia generally includes: Patient history. Typical questions about a person’s medical and family history might include askingContinue reading “How do doctors diagnose dementia?”

What to do when a person living with Alzheimer’s disease hides things

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may start rummaging or searching through cabinets, drawers, closets, the refrigerator, and other places where things are stored.

Managing sleep problems in people with Alzheimer’s — Tips

Alzheimer’s disease often affects a person’s sleeping habits. It may be hard to get the person to go to bed and stay there. Someone with Alzheimer’s may sleep a lot or not enough, and may wake up many times during the night.

Understanding Frontotemporal disorders (FTD)

You may not have heard of frontotemporal disorders (FTD) such as frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia, and movement disorders, but scientists estimate that they make up about 10% of all cases of dementia, and are more likely to strike at an earlier age. Though we hear more about Alzheimer’s disease, FTD can also rob peopleContinue reading “Understanding Frontotemporal disorders (FTD)”