Resources
This resource library is designed to help patients, families, and referring providers better understand common cognitive concerns and what to expect from evaluation.
New articles and educational resources will be added over time.
Caregivers and Family Members
Education
www.Alz.org is the official website of the Alzheimer’s Association. It is an excellent place to learn more about different types of dementia—not just Alzheimer’s disease. This website includes education, resources for help and support, and current research and clinical trials being held.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has resources and tools for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease. The link below contains a list of several articles that outline how to do things like help your loved one bath, dress, and groom. The list also includes articles that outline how to care for yourself (as a caregiver), how to find long-term care for your loved one, and how to adapt activities for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Davis County Senior Services has several senior centers located in Davis County, including Bountiful, Kaysville, and Clearfield. Davis County Senior Services also provides educational programs as well as supports such as medical transportation, financial assistance for equipment/devices, and Meals & Wheels, among other supports.
Local Support Groups
Caring for someone with memory loss or dementia can be demanding. The following local groups provide opportunities to connect with other caregivers, share experiences, and learn practical strategies.
Bountiful — South Davis Senior Activity Center
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
First Thursday of each month, 3:00–4:30 PM
726 S 100 E, Bountiful
801-451-3660
Clearfield — North Davis Senior Activity Center
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
First Wednesday of each month, 3:00–4:00 PM
42 S State St, Clearfield
801-525-5080
Layton — Fairfield Village
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00 PM
1205 N Fairfield Rd, Layton
801-876-1611
Support-group schedules can change. Consider calling the host organization before attending for the first time.
Memory loss and Aging
Age-related Forgetfulness or Signs of Dementia?
As people age, memory function changes in normal, predictable ways. You may find that it takes longer to recall a name. You may notice that you lose your train of thought and it takes a moment to come back to you. Many notice that they walk into a room and forget why. At what point should you be concerned that memory loss is a sign of something more?
The National Institute of Aging (NIA) suggests that you may want to speak with your doctor if you are asking the same questions over and over again, getting lost in familiar places, having trouble following recipes, or experiencing confusion about who familiar people are or what time it is. Learn more by visiting the National Institute of Aging’s website:
Signs of Alzheimer’s DIsease
Many individuals specifically worry about the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term, used to described a group of brain diseases classified as ‘neurodegenerative conditions,’ or, in other words, conditions that involve progressive brain decline. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is typically associated with memory loss; however, there are other symptoms associated with this condition that you may not have heard about. Click on the link below to learn more about signs of Alzheimer’s disease (both early and late signs) from the National Institute of Aging:
Adults with ADHD
The CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has excellent information and resources specific to adults with ADHD.
More information can be found at the CDC Webpage:
Highlights:
Symptoms of ADHD that adults often experience include:
Managing attention
Completing lengthy tasks (unless they are personally interesting)
Staying organized
Controlling behavior
Hyperactive symptoms, such as feeling internally restless and fidgety
Current treatment of ADHD among adults typically involves:
Medication management
Psychotherapy
Behavioral interventions (e.g., developing structures, routines, calendars)
A combination of these
Data on ADHD in adults:
15.5 million (6%) of adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD
More than half of adults with ADHD were diagnosed in adulthood
About 1/3 of adults are not receiving any type of treatment for their ADHD
1 in 3 adults with ADHD report taking stimulant medication; however, 71.5% reported difficulty getting prescriptions filled due to lack of availability
Neuropsychological Testing
What does a neuropsychologist do?
A neuropsychologist is a psychologist with specialized training in how brain functioning relates to thinking, behavior, and emotions. Neuropsychologists evaluate abilities such as memory, attention, language, processing speed, and executive functioning to help clarify diagnoses, understand cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and guide treatment or other recommendations.
Learn more from the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN):
What is a neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of thinking and cognitive functioning. It typically combines a clinical interview, review of relevant history and records, and standardized testing of abilities such as memory, attention, language, processing speed, and executive functioning. The goal is to identify patterns of strengths and weaknesses, clarify possible diagnoses, and provide recommendations for treatment, accommodations, or next steps.