About the Program - What is the Alzheimer’s Program?

The ADRD program at Laredo Public Health works with community partners to increase awareness and provides educational initiatives on early warning signs of dementia.  We also promote early detection, provide community resources and referrals as needed and provide support for caregivers and families affected by dementia. 

 

About Alzheimer’s - What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and it is the most common form of dementia. This disease affects cognitive skills such as memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s has many causes but a common thread within the disease is the abnormal buildup of amyloid and tau proteins. When abnormal buildup occurs, these proteins clump up and form plaques and tangles respectively.

Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

Stages of Dementia:

1. Early Stage (Mild Dementia)

In the early stage of Alzheimer's or dementia, individuals may experience:

• Memory loss: Difficulty remembering recent events, names, or appointments.
• Language problems: Struggling to find the right words or remembering common phrases.
• Disorientation: Becoming confused about the time, place, or the people around them.
• Judgment and decision-making issues: Trouble managing finances or following instructions.
• Mood and personality changes: Becoming more withdrawn, anxious, or irritable.

People with early-stage Alzheimer's can often live independently but may need help with some daily tasks.

2. Middle Stage (Moderate Dementia)

The middle stage is typically the longest and often lasts for years. Symptoms may include:

• Increased memory loss: Forgetting details about personal history or close family members.
• Difficulty recognizing loved ones: Confusion about the identity of family members and friends.
• Language issues: Speaking less, using incorrect words, or difficulty following conversations.
• Impaired judgment and reasoning: Difficulty planning or organizing tasks, may become lost even in familiar places.
• Behavioral changes: Increased irritability, aggression, confusion, anxiety, or mood swings.
• Difficulty with daily tasks: Needing help with dressing, eating, bathing, or other personal care.

People in the middle stage often require assistance with daily activities, and caregivers may need to offer more support.

3. Late Stage (Severe Dementia)

In the late stage, Alzheimer's or dementia leads to profound cognitive and physical decline. Symptoms include:

• Severe memory loss: No longer recognizing loved ones or remembering their own name.
• Loss of ability to communicate: Limited ability to speak or communicate, sometimes only able to say a few words or none at all.
• Total dependence on others: Requires assistance with all activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing.
• Physical decline: Difficulty walking, swallowing, or controlling bladder and bowel movements.
• Personality changes: Severe mood swings, agitation, or restlessness. Some may become nonverbal or unresponsive.
• Other health complications: Risk of infections, including pneumonia, due to immobility or difficulty swallowing.

In this stage, individuals need full-time care and support from caregivers or health professionals.Each person's experience with Alzheimer's or dementia can vary, and some may progress through these stages more slowly than others. Early diagnosis and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Types of Dementia

Symptoms of These Diseases

Typical Age of Diagnosis

Link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/understanding-different-types-dementia

Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Dementia:

Services We Offer - Services for All Stages

Family Support: We offer Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Workshops every 3^rd Tuesday of the month.                            Please call for more information (956) 770-1536
Educational Materials and Workshops: We provide community resources for mental health, counseling, Healthy Living, chronic diseases, primary care services, housing, food insecurity, Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, and DSHS information.

Helpful Resources for Families and Caregivers

Alzheimer’s Disease Information:

Texas Department of State Health Services: www.dshs.texas.gov/alzheimers

National Institute of Health: www.alzheimers.gov

Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org

Support Groups:

Alzheimer’s Association currently has a support group every first Tuesday of the month at 6PM on 1937 E. Bustamante

Respite Care: 

Rippl Care: https://ripplcare.com/

South Texas Development Council/Area Agency on Aging: https://stdc.cog.tx.us/area-agency-on-aging/

Caregiver Tips:

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving

https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/tips-caregivers

https://www.cdc.gov/caregiving/about/index.html

Get Involved

We’re looking for local organizations to collaborate in spreading awareness and providing resources.

Contact Us - We’re Here to Help
Phone: (956) 770-1536

Email: dareyes@ci.laredo.tx.us        

Laredo Public Health - 2600 Cedar Ave.