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dementia. Dementia is not a disease but a term used to describe a wide range of symptoms. The words "senility" and "dementia" often are incorrectly used interchangeably. However, serious mental decline is not a normal part of aging. Dementia presents itself through various symptoms, and memory loss alone is not enough to lead to a dementia diagnosis. Dementia can affect thinking and social abilities, but the Mayo Clinic notes that some dementias may be reversible. The following are some common symptoms of dementia: • Trouble communicating or finding words. • Difficulty completing complex tasks. • Challenges with planning and organization. • Episodes of confusion and disorientation. • Memory loss, which is often noticed by a third party. • Personality changes that can include agitation, anxiety, inappropriate behavior and even hallucinations. Apart from Alzheimer's disease, which is a progressive disorder most common in people age 65 and older, there are other types of dementia. The second most common is called "vascular dementia." This results from damage to vessels that supply blood to the brain. This damage can be the result of stroke, smoking and other blood vessel conditions. Brain imaging can often detect blood vessel problems implicated in vascular dementia. Dementia with Lewy bodies, or slowness, gait imbalance or other P a r k i n s o n i a n m o v e m e n t features, which can lead to misdiagnosis. If physicians suspect dementia was caused by various factors, a person may be diagnosed with mixed dementia. Unfortunately, there are no cures for progressive dementias that are linked to plaque tangles in the brain and changes in the way the brain processes the protein alpha-synuclein. Patience and various medications may be needed to help those with dementia live fuller lives. Cholinesterase inhibitors are mainstays in dementia treatment. These medications prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger important for learning and memory. Acetylcholine supports communication among nerve cells by keeping acetylcholine levels high. Physical therapy and cognitive therapy may be used in conjunction with medication to assist those with various dementias. Helping individuals with dementia remain comfortable is a priority for caregivers, and understanding the symptoms and treatments can help caregivers make patients and loved ones as comfortable as possible. Dementia related disorders often lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. It is common for senior citizens to feel isolated, lonely, experience a loss of their ability to live independently, or suffer from chronic pain, all of which can be a catalyst in developing mental health issues. Mental health in our elderly population can be improved in several ways including maintaining an active lifestyle, if possible, and being provided with social support and interaction. Fayetteville Senior Activity and Wellness Center successfully delivers on both of those aspects. Located at 945 S. College, the center is conveniently situated near historic downtown Fayetteville and offers an array of activities to engage the senior citizens of the community. "Here at the center, we have a wonderful exercise program," stated Center Director Cayla Wilson. "We have our drumming program, which is evidence based to help with coordination, dementia, and depression. It's a really wonderful exercise to make you feel really less stressed and very happy." The center also has a billiards room where seniors can play a game of pool. "They love to play pool," noted Wilson. "It is great for mental health because of the hand-eye coordination involved and it really helps stimulate the brain." Social interaction also plays a large role in the mental health of senior citizens and the center offers many opportunities for the older community to engage with one another. "We have a lot of seniors who are widowed, or they don't have any family here in the area, so they come to the senior center and actually rebuild their family here," stated Wilson. "We have folks that come here daily for a meal and socialization." Meals on Wheels is a program the center offers that also promotes social interaction, primarily with those senior citizens who are homebound. Wilson explained, "Our Meals on Wheels program is wonderful for homebound seniors because there is a lot of depression and there are some mental issues that go along with being homebound. With the program, the client gets a daily check-in and a friendly hello, which really boosts the spirits. We depend on volunteers to run our meal routes – we are always looking for volunteers for this program." The 12 year-old center boasts a fitness center, dining hall and kitchen, exercise/ yoga room, art/game room, library, outdoor patio seating area, and garden. There are plenty of activities to keep any visitor engaged and having fun. "The goal of the senior center is to provide a very positive and caring atmosphere for seniors in our community," added Wilson. The Fayetteville Senior Activity and Wellness Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. pitfalls of caregiver stress, individuals should always put their needs first and find ways to alleviate the added stress of caring for a loved one. These suggestions are just a start. Don't strive for perfection It isn't possible to maintain a patient attitude and get everything done perfectly each and every day. People are not perfect and mistakes will be made. Do not punish yourself if you lash out or simply need a break Eat healthy As anyone who has dealt with a hungry toddler can attest, failure to eat well and frequently can result in an emotional meltdown. Be sure to always make time for nutritious meals. This will help keep up energy stores and enable you to better cope with caregiver stress. Pay attention to mood changes Anxiety or depression can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Ask for help if you feel your tasks are becoming too overwhelming. Seek the help of a doctor if changes in mood, sleeping patterns, appetite, and the like become noticeable. Take frequent breaks Getting a break from caregiving and setting aside time for yourself can increase patience levels and the ability to bounce back from stress. Whenever possible, have a friend or another relative step in for you so you get a break. Explore resources available for professional aides to come and take some of the responsibilities off of your shoulders. Being a caregiver can be a rewarding, but challenging role to play. Caregivers should keep their health a priority. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2017 | DECEMBER - SENIOR CELEBRATIONS NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 11