Illinois Cognitive Resources Network

Connecting to resources throughout your dementia journey

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Alzheimer’s and Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia

Due to complex changes occurring in the brain, people with Alzheimer’s disease may see or hear things that have no basis in reality. If a person with Alzheimer’s has ongoing disturbing hallucinations or delusions, seek medical help. An illness or medication may cause these behaviors. Medicines are available to treat these behaviors but must be used with caution. TheContinue reading “Alzheimer’s and Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia”

Dementia Friends Massachusetts Hosts Virtual Event: “Let’s Talk about Dementia and Culture 2022”

Dementia affects every community, but not in the same way. Join us for a conversation about disparities, different needs, and specific strengths in many cultural and linguistic communities. Dementia educators and advocates in Black/African American, Chinese, Brazilian/Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Spanish-speaking, and Southeast Asian communities, as well as those working with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, willContinue reading “Dementia Friends Massachusetts Hosts Virtual Event: “Let’s Talk about Dementia and Culture 2022””

What Types of Care are Available for a Person With Dementia?

A person with dementia will need more care as symptoms worsen over time. Problems with memory, thinking, and behavior often present challenges for those with dementia as well as for their family members. Whether the disease is in early or late stages, there are support systems, resources, and services that can help. Several different typesContinue reading “What Types of Care are Available for a Person With Dementia?”

End of Life: How to Be There for a Person With Dementia

Dementia is a disease that causes the gradual loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning abilities, and eventually leads to death. However, even in the advanced stages of dementia, a person can benefit from emotional and spiritual help. Two different ways to support a person with dementia are through: Explore more ways you can help with end-of-lifeContinue reading “End of Life: How to Be There for a Person With Dementia”

Feeling lonely? These Simple Steps May Help You Feel More Connected

Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. As people age, they often find themselves spending more time alone. Loneliness and social isolation have been associated with higher rates of depression, a weakened immune system, heart disease, and an increased risk of dementia. However, there are things older adults can do to stay connected. WatchContinue reading “Feeling lonely? These Simple Steps May Help You Feel More Connected”

Alzheimer’s Disease in People With Down Syndrome

Many but not all people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease when they get older. People with Down syndrome are born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, which carries a gene that produces a specific protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP). Too much APP protein leads to a buildup of protein clumps called beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.Continue reading “Alzheimer’s Disease in People With Down Syndrome”