November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness and Family Caregivers month. Did you know that over 5 million Americans are living with dementia, including an estimated 53,000 in Mississippi? By 2050, that number is expected to be 16 million Americans.

Dementia affects people regardless of sex, race, ethnic group or socioeconomic circumstances. Not only are the individuals who are diagnosed affected, but their friends and family as well. In America in 2012, 15.4 million families and friends provided 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care to those with dementia — care that is valued at $216.4 billion. In Mississippi in 2012, 198 thousand families and friends provided 226 million hours of unpaid care to those with dementia — care valued at $2.6 billion.

Dementia is an umbrella term for several symptoms related to a decline in thinking skills. Common symptoms include a gradual loss of memory, problems with reasoning, judgment disorientation, loss of language skills and decline in the ability to perform routine tasks.

There are several disorders that can cause dementia; some are more familiar than others, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Each disorder involves processes that destroy brain cells that can cause dementia.

No one knows exactly what causes dementia and researchers are learning more about what happens to brain cells as we age.

Studies have shown that the greatest risk for developing dementia is age, nearly one out of three people 85 years and older have the disease.

A family history of the disease is another known risk factor. Having a parent or sibling with the disease increases an individual’s chances of developing dementia.

Much research has also been focused on vascular risk factors, which are factors related to the blood circulatory system. A great deal of evidence shows that disorders such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure may increase the risk for developing dementia as well.

So what can you do? If you suspect that you or someone you care about has developing dementia, the first step is to be diagnosed. Your primary care doctor or a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of dementia can diagnose and recommend treatment options.

A complete medical evaluation for memory loss should include  a medical and psychiatric history, a physical and neurological exam, lab test, a mental status exam and a family or caregiver interview. Together with your doctor, you can select what treatment plans are best for you or your loved one.

The Mississippi Alzheimer’s association is a great resource for those affected by a dementia diagnosis. They can provide valuable information and referrals, as well as support to those affected by dementia. The website for information can be located at: www.alz.org/ms, or the phone number to call is 1-800-272-3900.

Merit Health Natchez has a behavioral unit designed to diagnose, treat and provide support for those with a dementia diagnosis. Information for Merit Health can be obtained by calling 601-443-2366

Merit Health Natchez also offers a dementia/Alzheimer’s support group that includes information, education and the opportunity interact with other individuals and caregivers affected by dementia.

The group meets at 5:15 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month in the Magnolia Room. Meetings are facilitated by me and Alicia Norris. The next meeting will be Dec 13.

Jenny Townsend is the Behavioral Health Unit business development specialist at Merit Health Natchez. She can be reached at 601-443-2365 or by email at Jenny.Townsend@merithealthnatchez.com.