Hope in the Hard Conversations about Alzheimer’s and Dementia
A Series brought to you by The Jung Center’s Community for Conscious Aging
Jung wrote that “as far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.” But what can we do, what consciousness can we bring to light, when the brain and nervous system are directly affected by the symptoms of cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia? Join us throughout October as we discover that, even in the darkest of situations, there is still hope for self-discovery, meaning-making, and finding sources of joy – for everyone involved.
Decoding Dementia: Types, Risks, and the Power of Cognitive Examination
Dr. Hannah Combs of Houston Methodist continues the Community for Conscious Aging’s discussion of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join us for a brief overview of the most common kinds of dementia, including their risk factors and causes. Learn about the early and advanced warning signs of different kinds of dementia, and when it would be prudent to get a cognitive evaluation for oneself or a loved one. We’ll learn about the role of the neuropsychologist, what the process of dementia assessment looks like, and how testing helps both to identify what kind of dementia someone has, and to determine what the immediate next steps are in its treatment.