Introducing Activity Lending Kits!

Everything you need for hours of engagement all in one neat kit! Don’t struggle to try to think of things to do that will engage your loved one—just check out one of our activity kits! Each kit has hours of different activities and there are tons of themes to choose from! We make it simple: keep your kit for up … Read More

Assisted Living Checklist

Looking for a new home for a loved one can be a daunting process. Assuring that your loved one gets quality care is not only your responsibility but your right. This checklist is very comprehensive and is intended to help guide you toward making the best choice possible. Some of the questions on this checklist may be more important to … Read More

Lending Library

Our lending library contains books, videos, and pamphlets regarding various aspects of dementia and the caregiving process.

Speaker’s Bureau

A speaker is available to community groups, churches, etc. — regarding Alzheimer’s-related issues. Please call if you’d like a speaker for your group, club, civic organization, church, and more.

Toll-Free Telephone Support

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana offers confidential telephone service that provides emotional support, disease information, caregiving tips and support, and referral to local community services. Call 888-303-0180 or 574-232-4121.

Definitions

Normal Age-Associated Memory Loss Slowdown of the ability to process new information (e.g., learn a new card game Slowdown of short-term memory (e.g., where did I put my keys, glasses?) Slowdown of search and retrieval functions (e.g., forgetting names, words Dementia The loss of cognitive or intellectual function, such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning, so severe that it interferes with … Read More

About Alzheimer’s Disease

What is Alzheimer’s Disease? NOT a normal part of aging (senility, hardening of the arteries, or organic brain syndrome were terms used years ago to describe what we now call dementia) The most common form of dementia A progressive, degenerative neurological illness Marked by gradual onset Destroys brain cells, results in structural and chemical changes. Brain cells are not replaced. … Read More

Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

How is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed? Currently, there is no one clinical test that can determine whether a person has Alzheimer’s disease. There seems to be some hope on the horizon that a test will be developed in the future. Many conditions exist which exhibit similar symptoms to Alzheimer’s; some are treatable and reversible, some are not. Several tests must be … Read More

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

There are many models used to explain the disease process, some using only 3 stages with others using 7 or more stages.  Each is useful in it’s own way.  We will present a model with 4 stages indicated. As with all models, this information is provided for instructional purposes only.  Persons with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may exhibit symptoms from … Read More

Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

Coping Techniques Take a break or “time out” when you get frustrated or upset. Let it go. Talk with someone to let out feelings, and seek advice. Laugh – look at the lighter side! Know that misplaced items will turn up. Use calendars, watches, and daily lists as reminder aids. Get help with tasks that are causing anxiety or frustration. … Read More