Dementias are degenerative disorders that develop primarily in the nervous system and selectively damage particular areas of the brain. Some dementias, like Alzheimer’s disease affect all areas of the brain simultaneously, while others, such as frontotemporal dementia, affect the parts of the brain involved in controlling one’s communications and emotions. Still others are caused by vascular disease, brain trauma, or chronic alcohol abuse (Korsakoff’s syndrome)
By 2030, 20% of U.S. population will be older than 65 years of age – about 50 million people. Dementia affects 1% to 6% of those older than 65, and between 10% and 20% of those older than 80 years of age. In the next 30 years, estimated 10-20 million seniors in U.S. will have mild to severe forms of dementia.
Seniors with history of moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a 2-3 times greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease – those with a severe TBI have a 4-5 times greater risk. Even healthy seniors are at risk for falls and head trauma, so any fall to the head, however minor, should be seen by a medical professional and documented.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 65% of all dementias. There is no direct diagnosis of Alzheimer’s – and while PET scans and other imaging techniques are being studied, none have yet been able to show the presence of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s onset often surprises families because vision, movement, and sensation remain untouched while a senior’s memories begin to slowly decrease. Recent memories are affected first, leading to “senior moments” that appear innocent because all other memories, including those from decades ago, remain intact. Eventually those remote memories begin to fade, and lastly the senior’s “crystallized” memories, such as family member’s names and faces, are compromised.
By David L. Raffle, PhD
Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist
www.RaffleBrainInstitute.com
Posts
A dementia diagnosis often raises concerns about whether the condition is hereditary. Many people worry about passing it on to their children, while others watching their parents struggle with the disease wonder, Will this happen to me one day? The good news is that, in most cases, dementia is not directly inherited. However, some forms of dementia have genetic components that may increase a person’s risk. Scientists are still working to fully understand these complex connections, but research has shown that while family history can be a factor, lifestyle and environmental influences often play an even greater role.
/by Moti Gamburd

Raya’s Paradise in conjunction with Care HomeCare is grateful to be a part of the Alzheimer’s Associations “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” this year. We are proud to be a Sponsor of this event in the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future of millions. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s disease, the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.
You can come join us in support of your family, friends and coworkers. The following is information on how to sign up and when and where the walk will take place.
The 2012 Alzheimer’s Walk will take place on Sunday November 4th, 2012 at Century Park located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, Ca. Registration & Check-In will begin at 7:00 a.m.; Opening Ceremonies are at 8:30 a.m. and at 9:00 a.m., the Walk Kicks Off !
For more information Contact: Kim Sims 213.300.5280 or Julie Hansen at 310.487.7112. All of our Raya’s Paradise and Care HomeCare participants will receive our Logo T-Shirt, Logo Cap and Water Bottle. Please join us for a fun and memorable day!!
/by Moti GamburdCorporate Office / General Information
Raya’s Paradise, Inc.
1156 N Gardner St.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Tel: (310) 289-8834
Fax: (323) 851-0375
E-mail:Info@RayasParadise.com
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