Out of the 5 million people in America living with Alzheimer’s disease, 1.1 million live in California. As a nonprofit serving older adults in Northern California, Eskaton offers flexible care options for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. We are committed to partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association to find a cure and provide support for those living with the disease.

Your fundraising dollars directly benefit those living with Alzheimer’s disease in your community. Every year we walk alongside our residents, family members and care associates to advocate for those living with dementia. We are committed to breaking down the stigma of the disease and spreading awareness that living well remains possible even with a diagnosis.  To learn more about Eskaton’s Dawn of a New Day Memory Care Program, download our brochure.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is one type of dementia where a person experiences changes with memory, thinking and performing complex tasks. Changes usually develop slowly and progress over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

What is Dementia?

Often the term is interchanged with Alzheimer’s disease. However, Alzheimer’s disease is just one type of dementia that accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. There are many types of dementia ranging from Parkinson’s disease to vascular dementia to Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). The term dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of changes that might occur in the brain. Dementia is complex, but a person may experience the following: changes in memory, judgment, difficulty speaking and completing complex tasks. Dementia may also interfere with a person’s ability to perform day-to-day activities over time. Eskaton believes that with the right supportive environment and adaptive strategies living well with dementia is possible.

What can I do following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia?

First define dementia in a way that is understandable. Eskaton defines dementia as a shift in the way a person experiences the world. The best education is to understand that although your brain may experience changes in executive function, attention, memory, perception, motor skills and language there will also remain many strengths. Your brain will create new ways of communicating, growing and learning.

There are support groups available for both persons living with dementia and family care partners that discuss the lived experienced and ways to continue living meaningful lives. If you are looking for an early-stage support group contact Judy Filippoff, MSW, Early Stage Program coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900. For a list of the Alzheimer’s Association support group and education calendar, click here. Remember, you are not alone in your diagnosis. Watch video.
 

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