Who We Serve

Adults with Early to Moderate
Memory Loss

Most of the adults attending Amazing Place are between the ages of 55 and 95 with a diagnosis of early-moderate Alzheimer’s Disease or vascular dementia. Our participants are active and enjoy learning new skills, making friends, sharing common interests and having fun. A diverse group of men and women with different life experiences, our participants enjoy fellowship with peers. In addition, participants benefit from the services offered by the center:

Dementia: Definition and Specific Types

Dementia is characterized by loss of or decline in memory and other cognitive abilities. It is caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells. In addition to memory loss, a diagnosis of dementia must also include impairment of one of the following:

Furthermore, the decline in cognitive abilities must be severe enough to interfere with daily life.
(2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, p 5)

Common Types of Dementia affecting Older Adults and Their Typical Characteristics

  1. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease is the term used for cases of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed before the age of 65. This represents only 5-10% of all Alzheimer’s sufferers. About half the cases of Early-Onset have a genetic predisposition that leads to the disease. (Wikipedia, Early-Onset Dementia, 2009)
  2. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia in adults over the age of 65 and accounts for 60-80% cases. Alzheimer’s Disease is unique for each individual although there are many common symptoms. It causes a slow decline in cognitive abilities over an average span of 7-10 years. It eventually affects nearly all brain functions. Early clinical symptoms include: apathy and depression. (Wikipedia, Early-Onset Dementia, 2009)
  3. Mild Alzheimer's disease – short-term memory loss, lapses in judgment, changes in personality. Beginning changes in personality and orientation. Familiar words are forgotten, and a tendency to withdraw from social situations is common.
  4. Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease – Difficulty organizing thoughts and following instructions. Assistance needed with activities of daily living due to confusion. Incontinence begins. Continued disorientation leads to anxiety, agitation and challenging behaviors (i.e., pacing, and repetitive verbalization).
  5. Vascular Dementia – 2nd most common type of dementia. Impairment is caused by decreased blood flow to parts of the brain, often due to a series of small strokes that block arteries. Symptoms overlap with those of Alzheimer’s although memory might not be as affected (2009 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures)

Families with a Loved One Experiencing Memory Loss

The Caregiving Burden.

The role of the main caregiver is usually taken on by the spouse or a close relative – most often it is a daughter or daughter-in-law. Alzheimer’s is known for placing a great burden on caregivers, which can include social, psychological, physical or economic aspects. Home care is often preferred in the early stages. Caregivers suffer high rates of physical and mental disorders. Many factors can increase stress including caring for a person with challenging behaviors, i.e., sleep problems, depression.

Cognitive behaviors therapy and the teaching of coping strategies, either individually or in a group, have demonstrated their efficacy in improving caregivers’ psychological health. Amazing Place offers families: