Memory loss and caregiver support

Dementia is a general term for memory loss that disrupts daily life. It can include problems with:

• Language
• Problem-solving
• Thinking 

Alzheimer’s is a brain illness and the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer's causes brain cells to die and the brain to shrink. 

In the U.S., 6.2 million people ages 65 and older have Alzheimer's. Worldwide, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

There are several types of memory loss care:

• In-home care
• Long-term care centers
• Respite (a type of care that offers a break for caregivers)

Our care team is here for you to talk about memory loss care and to support you and your loved ones as you make care decisions. 

Schedule time with our care team if you notice any signs of memory loss that disrupt daily life, such as:

• Challenges in planning or problem solving
• Confusion with time or place
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks 
• Misplacing things 
• Not being able to retrace steps 

It's normal to feel uncertain or nervous to talk about memory loss. But these are serious health concerns. It's important to be proactive and talk to your doctor as soon as possible. 

Call or send a message to your doctor in MyChart and ask for an appointment to talk about memory care. At the visit, don't be shy to talk about your memory loss concerns. 

When you’re ready, your doctor can connect you to our specialized memory loss care team. Our care team will talk to you about:

• Care decisions 
• Resources
• Tests 

Your care team can help as much or as little as you would like. We're here for you when you need us. 

Our care team works together and includes you, your family or caregiver, your doctor and your doctor’s team. Our care team may also include: 

• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Social workers
• Specialists, such as neurologists (brain doctors) or psychiatrists (mental health doctors)

We’re ready to offer you or your loved one the care that's most helpful to you. 

Many people have strong ideas about the care they want if they have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. We're here to talk to you about memory loss, the types of care available and advance care planning. 

An advance care plan is also called an advance directive. Most advance directives don’t deal with dementia. But dementia is the main reason people can no longer make their own care decisions. 

Learn more and download an advance directive for dementia at no cost.

Cognitive impairment is a health problem that makes it hard to think clearly. It's often an early stage of dementia. 

Once someone shows signs of cognitive impairment, it can be hard for them to fill out an advance care plan or advance directive. It's best to fill one out before cognitive impairment starts.

It's important for people ages 60 and older to have an advance directive filled out. 

If you fill out an advance directive before age 60, you should review your directive as you get older. If your situation or health care wishes change over time, you should fill out a new form.

Hearing loss and dementia have an interesting relationship. Did you know that people with hearing loss have greater chances of getting dementia? 

Learn more about our hearing services at The Polyclinic.

Here are resources about Alzheimer's and dementia:

• Alzheimer's Association
• Dementia Action Collaborative, Washington State