NIAGARA, Wis. — One of the biggest concerns for most of us as we age is the increasing threat of developing dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term under which a number of similar conditions are grouped; each condition is a bit different. Each has a different cause; some can be treated and some are permanent or progressive. It is important to recognize when problems begin so if there is treatment that can eliminate the disease, or at the very least slow its progression, we can obtain it. So, let’s spend some time today understanding a little more about dementia.

My husband and I both have family histories of dementia. My husband’s father died of Alzheimer’s disease in his early 80s, and his mother suffered from it in her later years. Her coordination was greatly diminished, and she suffered from repeated falls. She was easily confused, and repeatedly checked and rechecked the contents of her purse. Her dining room table was covered with reminder notes and check lists as she tried valiantly to keep the details of her life straight. She died at the age of 92 as a result of complications from a fall.

My mother, like her own mother, suffered some form of dementia. It became more pronounced at the end of the day as the sun was setting. I would receive phone calls from her saying that the nursing home had “moved her to the basement again.” I gave up trying to explain to her that there was no basement level and, instead, assured her that things would appear more normal in the morning and that I would come to see her then. She would always respond, “Well, I hope you can find me.” I always assured her that if I couldn’t, I would just stop in the office and ask. The saddest day, however, was when I realized she could no longer read — an activity she had loved her entire life. She could read the words but could not hold their meaning long enough for anything to make sense to her. My mom lived relatively comfortably, with her sense of humor intact, until she was 91. She died peacefully in her sleep. My grandmother died just five months prior to her 100th birthday.

There are many signs and symptoms that a person may have developed dementia. Symptoms include: trouble remembering new information; confusion, particularly related to time and place; disorientation; changes in mood or personality — becoming easily irritated, growing depressed and withdrawn; trouble problem-solving; trouble completing tasks; trouble organizing; increased anxiety; difficulty communicating in either verbal or written form; impaired physical coordination; getting lost, especially on the way to familiar places; routinely misplacing commonly used items; showing signs of paranoia; and exercising poor judgment. Not everyone will notice these symptoms right away. And a checklist alone cannot determine if a person has a dementia-related disorder. To date, there is no diagnostic test that can determine the onset of dementia.

So, how is dementia diagnosed? A physician — such as a neurologist, geriatrician, or mental health professional — will complete a comprehensive evaluation that includes a physical exam, a review of the patient’s medical history, blood tests and assessments related to behavior and overall functionality. Once we reach Medicare age, there is a routine memory test that becomes part of every annual physical exam. I am sure many of you have taken it. My husband and I have both been told John Brown’s address and have entered conversations with our physician only to be asked to repeat the address later. So far, we have been able to do it. At my last exam, I suggested to my doctor that she test using a new name and address because soon John Brown and his location were going to become part of my long-term memory and prove nothing.

Despite the challenges associated with the determination of a definitive diagnosis of dementia, it is important to be regularly evaluated. Identifying dementia early might alleviate symptoms and allow patients to participate in clinical drug trials and be able to plan for life in the future. Medical intervention for dementia or dementia-like symptoms depends on the source of the problem. It is also important to know that people of any age can experience dementia symptoms because the causes are related to a variety of health conditions — from traumatic brain injury to Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most widely known form of dementia and is also the most common cause; it represents 60 to 80% of dementia diagnoses. While advanced age increases the risk for developing this disease, 200,000 people living with it are younger than age 65. One of its first signs is difficulty recalling information that has been recently learned. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, which means it worsens over time, but medical treatment can help manage it.

Frontotemporal dementia causes the degeneration of nerve cells in the parts of the brain involved in behavior, communication and personality. Consequently, people with this condition have symptoms that impact their behavior, reasoning, communication and movement.

Lewy body dementia occurs when wads of protein accumulate in the brain. The same proteins can be found in patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. These patients may hallucinate, have trouble concentrating, or experience physical coordination and movement difficulties.

Vascular dementia is second only to Alzheimer’s in its prevalence in people with dementia. It occurs as a result of problems with the blood vessels that involve the brain. While people with this form of dementia may have difficulty recalling, their most obvious symptoms are likely to be trouble with organization, reasoning, concentration and thinking quickly.

Several conditions have been found to lead to dementia. Traumatic brain injury, which develops after repeated head injury, is common in athletes who have played aggressive contact sports such as football, rugby or boxing and even in volleyball, cheerleading and water polo. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty communicating, depression and rage.

Parkinson’s disease occurs when nerve cells within the brain become damaged. Patients with this disease suffer tremors, move slowly, and have trouble with balance and coordination. Huntington’s disease is an inherited disorder in which cells within the brain actually deteriorate. Symptoms include forgetfulness, depression, communication difficulties, and difficulty with physical movement. This condition generally appears in one’s 30s and 40s.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is also inherited and, thankfully, rare. It is the human equivalent to mad cow disease and is caused by the build-up of proteins within the brain. Signs include confusion, disorientation, depression, coordination problems and difficulty speaking and concentrating.

There are a few conditions associated with dementia that are reversible when accurately diagnosed and treated. These include: a brain tumor, nutritional deficiency, thyroid problems and immune disorders.

Many causes of dementia are genetic, and our increasing age will likely contribute to the development of signs and symptoms. Medical experts still recommend, however, that we do what we can to reduce the odds of experiencing the diseases just discussed in this column today. Abstain from drinking and smoking to any degree. Manage conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Eat well and exercise. Healthy habits observed today can help pave the way to a healthier tomorrow.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing and doors are unlocked for visits. We welcome anyone who would like to entertain our residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/resident self-activities, 10 a.m.

Monday: Craft, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; LCR dice, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Hair, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; music with Andy, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; coffee chatter, 11 a.m.; resident choice, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; dining music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice; color a nice picture, 1 p.m.; CNBC “Undercover Boss,” 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; “Name That Tune,” 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 pm.

Monday: Crazy hats crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; jokes and cocoa, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; coffee social/book club, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; flower planting, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:45 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; current events, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crazy hats crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; crazy hat party, 2 p.m.; drama movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/spelling bball, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; resident council, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; apple pie, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; St. Patty’s craft, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; who’s that? 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; lucky bark bake, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; string ‘n’ bling, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are now allowed to attend activities and are encourage to join in.

Sunday: Hot cocoa and news, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and snacks, 2 p.m.; church services, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary / communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; deal or no deal, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary / communion service, 9 a.m.; coffee and news, 10 a.m.; resident council, 1:30 p.m.; planting, 2 p.m.; Stations of the Cross, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; baking-chocolate chip cookies, 10 a.m.; ceramics with Craft on Central, 2 p.m.; Lenten reflections, 3:15 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; mugs and muffins, 10 a.m.; silly crafters-St. Patrick’s Day, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Men’s breakfast; “You Be the Judge,” 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour-Jim on piano-celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, 2 p.m.

Saturday: St. Urho trivia, 10 a.m.; parachute in the chapel, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; church services, 10 a.m.; chronicles, 11:30 a.m.; bunco, 2 p.m.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; who, what or where, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; tea time and social circle, 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “Name That Tune,” 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; kings in a corner, 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; reading with CNPS Elementary, 10 a.m.; Pictionary, 11:15 a.m.; off to the races, 2 p.m.; some punny math humor, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; bean bag toss, 4 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; lunch outing/cranium crunches, 11 a.m.; bunco, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; kick ball, 10:15 a.m.; drinks and trivia, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center at 415 Main St. is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, peas and carrots, broccoli salad

Wednesday: Crunchy cod and vegetable casserole, cucumber ranch salad, biscuit

Thursday: Boiled dinner, biscuit, pistachio dessert

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pasty pie, beets, fresh fruit

Tuesday: Shredded barbecue chicken, macaroni and cheese, baked beans

Wednesday: Liver or burger, parsley potatoes, California blend vegetables

Thursday: Boiled dinner, biscuit, applesauce

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is open on Mondays and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef chop suey, steamed rice or chow mein noodles

Tuesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes

Wednesday: Cheese cod, parsley boiled potatoes

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA – independent from above menu) —

Monday: Teriyaki chicken breast, squash, Asian rice, dinner roll

Tuesday: Liver and onions, roasted potatoes, corn, garlic biscuit

Wednesday: Fish, baked potato, sour cream, chef’s choice vegetable

Thursday: Corned beef and cabbage, sweet potatoes, cornbread

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Teriyaki chicken breast, squash, Asian rice, dinner roll

Tuesday: Liver and onions, roasted potatoes, corn, garlic biscuit

Wednesday: Fish, baked potato, sour cream, chef’s choice vegetable

Thursday: Corned beef and cabbage, sweet potatoes, cornbread

Friday: Broccoli cheese soup, side salad, orange

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played.

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Biscuits and gravy, fried apples, oven-browned potatoes

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes with gravy, winter blend vegetables

Wednesday: French bread pizza, cheesy breadstick with sauce, Jell-o with fruit

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Teriyaki chicken breast, squash, Asian rice, dinner roll

Tuesday: Liver and onions, roasted potatoes, corn, garlic biscuit

Wednesday: Fish, baked potato, sour cream, chef’s choice vegetable

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, Oriental vegetables, fruit

Tuesday: Chef’s salad with beans, garlic bread, cottage cheese, fruit

Wednesday: Beef tips over noodles, vegetable blend, cranberry spinach salad, berry cobbler

Thursday: Meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, beets, fruit, birthday cake

Friday: “Lazy” pierogi casserole, spinach orange salad, squash, breadsticks, fruit

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980 – RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals On Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Bourbon chicken breast, baked potato with sour cream, green beans, fruit cup, whole wheat bread

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff with mushrooms, seven-way mixed vegetables, applesauce

Wednesday: Corned beef, boiled cabbage, carrots, Mandarin oranges, whole wheat bread, pistachio dessert

Thursday: Sweet and sour pork with bell peppers, onions and pineapple, rice, Far East vegetable blend, fruit cup

Friday: Cream of vegetable soup, tuna sandwich with whole wheat bread, three bean salad, tropical fruit

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken divan, spiced applesauce, dinner roll

Tuesday: Enchiladas, fiesta corn, cheesy rice

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, French fries, cauliflower

Thursday: Reuben soup, biscuit, applesauce

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, broccoli, wheat dinner roll, fresh orange

Wednesday: Corned beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes and carrots, wheat dinner roll, pistachio dessert

Thursday: Lemon baked fish, cheesy hashbrown potatoes, baked beans, rye bread and apple crisp

The Niagara Senior Center/Café will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Homemade chili, corn, cornbread

Tuesday: Cranberry chicken wrap, sweet potato fries, vegetables

Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables

Thursday: Shepherd’s pie, biscuit, vegetables

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays – Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal

Monday through Thursday – Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. – call Joe at 563-5587 for information

Tuesdays – Quilting and sewing

Wednesdays – Ceramics and crocheting

Last Monday of each month – Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month – Birthdays and bingo

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

The menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, buttered noodles, buttered corn

Wednesday: Cheeseburgers, potato salad, baked beans

Thursday: Boiled dinner, biscuit, applesauce

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals –

Monday: Teriyaki chicken breast, squash, Asian rice, dinner roll

Tuesday: Liver and onions, roasted potatoes, corn and garlic biscuit

Wednesday: Fish, baked potato, sour cream, and chef’s choice vegetable