Dementia is best described as a collection of symptoms related to decreased memory function, changes in a person's speech and language abilities, personality changes, and an impaired capacity to reason. The causes of dementia are many and it comes in many forms. ​Some causes can be treated - such as depression, the side effects of medication, and vitamin deficiencies -  but most changes to the brain that cause dementia are permanent. Read more about dementia here.

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Assessment Tools

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Allen Cognitive Group is a group of occupational therapists who serve the needs of individuals with cognitive disorders and differing cognitive abilities. The organization developed a screening tool "The Allen Cognitive Level Screen" used by social workers and others who work with persons with dementia and their caregivers. The assessment tool can be found here. View The Allen Cognitive Group's assessment videos, here.

 

Read more about the Allen Cognitive Group on their website.

allencognitive.com

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Educational Materials 

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The National Institute on Aging offers information on dementia disorders, the forms it takes, causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and management. Increasing your health literacy on dementia disorders will help you discuss symptoms and treatment plans with primary care physicians and neuropsychologists and may help you feel more prepared for the journey ahead. Read the article "Frontotemporal Disorders: Information for Patients, Families, and Caregivers", here.

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More information from the National Institute on Aging can be found on their website.

www.nia.nih.gov

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Educational Videos