Welcome to our blog post on aging and dementia. As we age, it is common to experience some forgetfulness, like misplacing keys or forgetting names, but typically, our knowledge, experiences, old memories, and language skills remain intact, according to the CDC.
Take the case of Angel Guzman, who initially overlooked symptoms like forgetting phone passcodes and misplacing items frequently when he was 59 years old.
Concerned, Angel sought a second opinion, leading to a diagnosis of dementia by a neurologist.
Dementia is a broad term referring to an impairment in memory, thinking, or decision-making skills that hinders daily activities, as per the CDC website.
Angel was diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies, which affects various brain functions, leading to cognitive decline.
The Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, typically affects individuals aged 75 or older, unlike Guzman, who showed early symptoms.
Dr. Geidy Serrano, the director of the neuropathology lab at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, explains the impact of dementia on the brain, highlighting the differences between a healthy brain and one affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Serrano’s research focuses on studying normal and abnormal aging processes, including neurodegenerative diseases. The institute conducts various studies on donated organs to better understand cognitive and motor impairments.
Hispanics face a higher risk of dementia-related diseases, with Alzheimer’s being almost 50% more common in the Hispanic community. Dr. Jeremy Pruzin of Banner Health stresses the importance of early intervention and seeking medical help promptly if symptoms persist.
Angel Guzman emphasizes the importance of not ignoring symptoms and seeking medical assistance early. Prevention through an active lifestyle, proper nutrition, and social engagement is key. Dr. Serrano echoes the significance of Hispanic participation in research studies to find potential cures for these diseases.
If you want to learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia, join us on Saturday, September 21, at the Peoria Community Center for a bilingual event providing resources and information. Register for the event at 602-230-CARE or visit www.BannerHealth.com/AlzheimersHispanicCommunity.
