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Mild Cognitive Impairment
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Dementia
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
What is MCI?
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Memory or thinking problems greater than typical age-related changes
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Preserved independence in daily activities, though tasks may require more effort
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Higher risk of developing dementia, but dementia is not guaranteed
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Can remain stable, improve, or worsen over time
How can we help?
Our clinic specializes in cognitive therapy for mild cognitive impairment. We can help individuals with MCI by improving memory, enhancing daily functioning, increasing independence, and overall quality of life.
What is cognition?
Cognition simply means thinking skills like:
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AttentionMemory
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Visual-spatial
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Executive-function
Executive-function skills are our “adulting” skills like:
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Planning
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Initiating and completing tasks
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Decision-making
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PrioritizingImpulse control
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Emotional regulation
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Self-evaluating
What are some signs of cognitive difficulty?
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Difficulty coming up with the exact word you want to say
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Slower thinking and processing speed
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Difficulty following, participating in, and remembering conversations
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Forgetting what you were just about to do
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Remembering to complete tasks is challenging for you
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Difficulty managing your schedule, finances, meals, and medication
What are the benefits of cognitive therapy for individuals with MCI?
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Improve cognitive skills like:
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Memory
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Attention
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Word-finding
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Processing
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Increase participation in daily tasks and hobbies
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Reduce memory mistakes
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Increase independence in activities of daily living and hobbies
Our Approach
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Tailored strategies for everyday life
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Brain health improvement
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Specific practice (e.i., physical therapy for your brain)
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Mild cognitive impairment education
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Self-advocacy support Care partner training
Dementia
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in cognitive abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily life and independence. A few common types of dementia include Alzheimer's, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal Dementia, Mixed Dementia, Parkinson's Disease Dementia, Huntington's Disease Dementia, and Primary Progressive Aphasia.
How can we help?
We specialize cognitive therapy for individuals with dementia. Cognitive therapy aims to improve skills like memory, attention, and word-finding.
Research demonstrates that cognitive therapy an help individuals at the mild to moderate stages of dementia:Slow rate of declineImprove memory and thinking skillsImprove daily functioning and independenceImprove social interactions and emotional well-beingImprove brain resilience Maintain swallowing abilities
Cognitive and communication therapy has been shown to be beneficial at all stages of dementia.
In the later stages of dementia, for the care partner, therapy at this stage focuses on supporting confidence in providing care, making informed decisions, and reducing stress levels. Medicare and Medicare advantage plans pay for caregiver training sessions. Sessions can take place one-on-one with care partners and be covered by insurance.
For the individual with dementia, therapy focuses on maintaining autonomy, increasing participation in daily activities, and improving communication.
Dementia + MCI Resources
Spark Rehab + Wellness
Sagebrush Speech Therapy partners with Spark Rehab + Wellness, a physical therapy and occupational therapy clinic in Bend that specializes in neurological conditions like dementia and MCI. Just like speech therapy, proactive physical therapy and occupational therapy evaluation and consistent monitoring of motor skills like walking, is vital to maintaining quality of life when it comes to dementia and MCI management.
The Big Umbrella from | Dementia Society of America
Learn more about dementia through this online book that has great visuals to help you understand more about dementia.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association has a chapter in Bend. They provide resources such as an early stage support group, 24/7 hotline for caregivers and families, caregiver support groups, and learning events. While it's called Alzheimer's Association, they serve folks experiencing all different kinds of dementia.
Brick by Brick Bonding
Brick by Brick Bonding was written by Laura Herman and Patty Sherin, who are residents of the Central Oregon community. The book uses a unique approach, sharing moments of joy between care partners and their loved ones with dementia. The book teaches care partners to implement self care, build support systems, let go of expectations, and practice mindfulness.
Patty Sherin additionally provides trainings on the "Brick by Brick Bonding" approach. Contact Patty for more information. Sagebrush loves the "Brick by Brick Bonding" approach and believes it can be key to navigating dementia.
Early-stage support groups
The Alzheimer's Association early-stage support groups offer a safe, supportive, and positive space for individuals who have been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, other dementias, or related disorders.
Prescreening is required prior to joining. For more information, call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
Caregiver support groups
The Alzheimer's Association caregiver support groups provide comfort, guidance, and a supportive community for unpaid family members and friends caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or related disorders.
Please call or email the meeting contact before attending to confirm that days, times and locations are accurate as listed. 800.272.3900.
ALZConnected® online community
ALZConnected is a free online community for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Members can ask questions, share support, and join public or private groups focused on specific topics.
24/7 Helpline
The Alzheimer's Association's free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to speak with a dementia expert anytime. Get confidential support, crisis assistance, local resources, and information in over 200 languages. 800.272.3900.
Eugeria
Eugeria is a website that has products like phones, calendars, brain engagement activities, and safety products for people with dementia, MCI, and cognitive difficulties. The products listed on their website go thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of caregivers and healthcare professionals to assess their effectiveness and impact. Only the products that meet their high standards with exceptional results are featured on their online store.
Senior Center at Larkspur
The senior center offers social, brain engagement, and movement opportunities. Our patients seem to really love the senior center activities and Larkspur in general.