Dementia presentation given at Appomattox Health & Rehab

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, a presentation about dementia was given by Dr. David Danner at the Appomattox Health & Rehabilitation Center for residents and guests.

Danner, whose father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, has an independent practice and works in five area nursing homes. He frequents Appomattox Health & Rehabilitation several times per week.

The presentation included a slideshow as well as vocal interaction by Danner, who described each slide and answered questions from attendees.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a “general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.”

As Danner stated during the presentation, Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia. Around five million people in the United States are diagnosed with the disease, which is the fourth leading cause of death. It affects 10% of the U.S. population. Of those with Alzheimer’s, 10% of which are over age 65, and 20-50% over age 85. Treatment and care for patients is expensive, the third most costly in the country.

Possible symptoms to be aware of are apathy, aggression, psychosis, pacing, wandering, decrease of daily activities, and atypical rudeness and offensive behavior.

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