NIAGARA, Wis. — Those of us who have reached Medicare age know that we are now asked to complete two cognitive tests each year during our annual physical check-up with our doctor. First, we are given a name and an address to repeat and to remember. Then we are asked to draw the face of a clock inside a blank circle. We talk about a few more things and then are asked to repeat the name and address we were given just a few moments earlier. So far, my husband and I continue to pass this test so, despite the fact that dementia runs in both of our families, we have managed to escape it so far. Our fingers remain crossed, and we continue to challenge our brains in the hopes of preventing this dreaded disease from catching up with us.

What exactly is dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term that describes the symptoms of several different brain disorders that can interfere with one’s ability to live independently. Sometimes dementia symptoms are treatable, but, in other cases, they are permanent or progressive. It is important to detect this cognitive decline early because in some instances, proper medical treatment can at least relieve symptoms and slow its progression.

There are some signs of a potential onset of dementia so be aware of them. Alert your medical provider if any of the following symptoms have become apparent: trouble remembering new information, confusion particularly related to time or place, disorientation, changes in mood or personality, getting easily irritated, growing depressed and withdrawn, having trouble problem-solving, having trouble completing tasks, having trouble organizing, increased anxiety, having trouble communicating (in verbal or written form), having trouble with physical coordination, getting lost (especially on one’s way to familiar places), routinely misplacing commonly-used items, exhibiting signs of paranoia, and exercising poor judgment.

To make a diagnosis, a physician such as a neurologist, geriatrician, or mental health professional will complete a comprehensive evaluation that includes a physical exam, a review of one’s medical history, blood tests, and assessments related to behavior and overall function. Identifying dementia early might alleviate symptoms and allow patients to participate in clinical drug trials and plan for life in the future.

There are several causes, or types, of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease represents 60% to 80% of dementia-related diagnoses. While aging does increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, 200,000 people living with it are younger than age 65. These individuals have what’s known as early-onset Alzheimer’s. One of the first signs people with Alzheimer’s disease report having is trouble recalling information they’ve recently learned. This occurs because Alzheimer’s compromises the area of the brain involved in learning processes. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms will worsen over time, but medical treatment can help manage them. 

There are other forms of dementia, and each has its own unique manifestations. Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia. It occurs due to 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. Frontotemporal dementia occurs when nerve cells in the parts of the brain involved in behavior, communication, and personality begin to degenerate. Consequently, people with this condition typically have symptoms that impact their behavior, reasoning, communication, and/or movement. Lewy body dementia is also a common form of dementia. With this type, wads of protein accumulate in the brain. People with this form of dementia might hallucinate, have trouble concentrating, or experience physical coordination and movement difficulties. Finally, it is also possible to have a combination of dementia types.

The million-dollar question remains: can dementia be prevented? Research continues in this arena so physicians can give us a more definitive answer than currently exists. Many causes of dementia are genetic, and the likelihood of exhibiting signs increases with age. However, experts still recommend that people do what they can to reduce the odds of experiencing symptoms. Currently, forming lifestyle habits that respect and protect the brain is our best bet to the prevention of dementia. Abstain from excessive drinking and smoking in any quantity. Manage conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Eat healthy foods and exercise.

While the jury is still out regarding the usefulness of exercising the brain through such activities as crossword puzzles, word finds and the newly popular Wordle, such activities certainly cannot hurt. So go for it! My husband and I do both at breakfast every day. Once we retire, it is easy to stop using our minds so engage your brain in new activities. I belong to both a book club and a study group so am reading a lot. My husband reads the newspaper daily.

Speaking of reading, I highly recommend the book, “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” by Walter Mosley. It tells the story of a man in his 90s who participates in a type of pharmaceutical trial to alleviate his dementia symptoms. By doing so, he is able to find the clarity he needs in order to take care of the final details of his life. The author does a beautiful job of illustrating what life becomes for a person with dementia. One of my favorite descriptions is as follows:

“That’s how Ptolemy imagined the disposition of his memories, his thoughts: they were still his, still in the range of his thinking, but they were, many and most of them, locked on the other side of a closed door that he’d lost the key for. So, his memory became like secrets held away from his own mind. But these secrets were noisy things; they babbled and muttered behind the door, and so if he listened closely, he might catch a snatch of something he once knew well.”

Dementia research is ongoing. Until more is known, the best we can do is to live the healthiest lifestyle we can. And maybe we should begin to keep a journal. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or long… just something in which we can note the highlights of each day. Something that made us laugh or cry. Something that happened in the news. Something for which we are thankful. Then, if in the future we do find ourselves living in a state of confusion, we will have something to look back on that will remind us of our life. A door we can open… behind which we can still find some comfort.

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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. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents.

Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/find the difference, 10 a.m.; devotional reading.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; room visits, 1:30 p.m.; coffee chat, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; jam workout, 10:30 a.m.; horse racing, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Baking, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; decorating for Paris, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Going to Paris — all day traveling.

Friday: Coffee hour, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Crosswords/self-activities; bingo with Lisa and Paul, 6 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; hangman, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Cooking/DT luncheon/exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.; jokes and floats, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party/music, cake, fun, 2 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, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; outdoor reminisce, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare (formerly Manor Care/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.

Sunday: Balloon ball, 9:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; manicures, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; what’s news? 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.

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

Saturday: Men’s social, 9:30 a.m.; leisure cart, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; painting, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Crafts, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; baking part one: friendship bread, 10 a.m.; “Price Is Right,” 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; coffee and news, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; baking part 2: friendship bread, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Short stories, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Coffee and trivia, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana — grape Popsicle day, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

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, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; craft class, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Crystal Hogan, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

Monday: Lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; painting, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Menu committee, 10:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; mind joggers, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.; Sorry, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Manicures, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; word search, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; fish fry outing,11:30 a.m.; spa treatments, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Ladder ball, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

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. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Their new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, California vegetables and salad.

Wednesday: Grilled chicken sandwich, potato salad and coleslaw.

Thursday: Patty melt and cheesy vegetable soup.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Pasty pie and chef choice vegetable.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff over noodles and peas.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and carrots.

Thursday: Cod, baked potato and coleslaw.

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 to 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: Baked chicken with rice pilaf.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Chicken a la king and dinner rolls.

Home Delivered Meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu).

Monday: Tater tot casserole, cream corn and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Tuna casserole, broccoli and spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Smothered pork chops, mixed vegetables and dinner roll.

Thursday: Chicken Ruben, noodles and green beans.

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: Tater tot casserole, cream corn and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Tuna casserole, broccoli and spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Smothered pork chops, mixed vegetables and dinner roll.

Thursday: Chicken Ruben, noodles and green beans.

Friday: Taco salad, chips and refried beans.

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

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

Thursday: No activities at this time.

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: Wet burrito, Mexican corn, tortilla chips with salsa and sour cream.

Tuesday: Polish sausage, fried potatoes and candied carrots.

Wednesday: Lasagna, breadsticks and Italian blend vegetables.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home delivered —

Monday: Tater tot casserole, cream corn and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Tuna casserole, broccoli and spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Smothered pork chops, mixed vegetables and dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef and noodle casserole, broccoli, side salad and fruit.

Tuesday: Homemade pizza, pea and cheese salad and fruit.

Wednesday: Pulled pork on a bun, macaroni and cheese, western baked beans, fruit and lemon bars.

Thursday: Chicken tater bake, stewed tomatoes and fruit.

Friday: Baked chicken, baked sweet potato, cauliflower and 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.

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: Spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans, fresh fruit and bread stick.

Tuesday: Bratwurst, bun, oven potatoes, corn on the cob and watermelon.

Wednesday: Barbecue ham balls, white rice, peas and carrots and pineapple.

Thursday: Chicken penne casserole, broccoli, side salad and fruit cup.

Friday: Ham and Swiss cheese on whole wheat bread, California medley vegetable soup, fresh vegetables and peaches.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. — salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Oriental chicken, rice, Mandarin oranges and egg roll.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork, potato wedges and baked beans.

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo with noodles, carrots and dinner roll.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

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 $7

for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Beef stroganoff, egg noodles, green beans and fruit muffin.

Tuesday: Chicken stir fry, rice, Oriental vegetables, dinner roll and apple crisp.

Wednesday: Sliced ham, scalloped potatoes, peas and strawberry shortcake.

Thursday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, fruit cocktail, bread and dessert.

Join us for Bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating starting at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar 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: Biscuits and gravy, hash brown potatoes and sausage links.

Tuesday: Bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Liver or burger with onions, mashed potatoes with gravy and vegetables.

Thursday: Ravioli, vegetables and breadstick.

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 906-563-5587 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. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Pot roast, mashed potatoes and carrots.

Wednesday: Italian chicken, buttered noodles and salad.

Thursday: Beef stew, beets and biscuit.

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

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Tater tot casserole, cream corn and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Tuna casserole, broccoli and spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Smothered pork chops, mixed vegetables and dinner roll.