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Understanding Memory
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Integris Health Essentials; Logo of Integris Health Essentials
Integris Health Essentials; Logo of Integris Health Essentials
Integris Health Essentials; Logo of Integris Health Essentials


SENIOR HEALTH
Understanding Memory Loss, Alzheimer's and Other Dementia
INTEGRIS provides education, screenings and support.

"Depression, medication side effects and poor nutrition are examples of treatable conditions that may impair memory and mental function.”

Photo of a woman and an elder family member
Many people worry about becoming more forgetful as they grow older. Just as the body ages, the brain also ages. Consequently, we may notice some difficulty remembering things or that our thinking is somewhat slower. These changes are normal. However, memory loss and confusion serious enough to interfere with daily functioning is not a normal part of aging.

It is common to fear that memory loss and confusion indicate the onset of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. In fact, these symptoms may be due to a condition other than dementia. Depression, medication side effects and poor nutrition are examples of treatable conditions that may impair memory and mental function. It is important to follow up on these symptoms with a doctor who can evaluate overall health and any conditions that might affect how well the mind is working.

If the diagnosis is Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, early detection of the disease enables the individual to take part in decisions about treatment and future planning, so family members will know the wishes of their loved one and can carry them out when incapacity prohibits participation in decision making. Education about dementia and what to expect can help both the patient and family members prepare for future needs.

A forum for understanding
INTEGRIS Health Third Age Life Center provides essential services to address the needs of persons experiencing memory loss or caring for a loved one with memory loss.

Every year, INTEGRIS Third Age Life Center, in partnership with INTEGRIS Mental Health and Areawide Aging Agency, sponsors an educational forum entitled Advances in the Treatment of Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease. The program, held each spring at three diff erent sites in the metro area of Oklahoma City, begins with a light lunch followed by a presentation by an INTEGRIS physician, who discusses the latest findings on early detection and new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. After each presentation, memory loss screenings are provided for those individuals who wish to be screened. Screened individuals are given the results immediately along with recommendations and resources for follow-up, if necessary.

Caregivers need support, too
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia can be very stressful. Consequently, an important first step in managing that stress is to find support. INTEGRIS Third Age Life Center hosts and facilitates an Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group provides a safe place where participants can share experiences and feelings, hear from others in similar situations, and receive support and help with problem solving. While some members have been providing care for some time, others are just starting the journey. Whatever the stage of caregiving, everyone benefits from sharing experiences and learning from others. The group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5300 N. Independence, Suite 240. New participants are always welcome, and no reservations are required.

INEGRIS	Third Age Life Center logo
INTEGRIS Third Age Life Center
is one of the leading senior information and referral assistance centers in Oklahoma. Services include:

  • Health presentations and seminars by physicians and other health care professionals
  • Health screenings, such as vision and bone density
  • Exercise classes, such as Senior Strength Training, Tai Chi Chih, Line Dancing and Healthy Heart Walker's Club
  • Computer classes
  • Rapid Reader's Discussion Group
  • Support groups and seminars
  • Social events, such as Senior Café, Senior Prom and Big Screen Cinema
  • Hearing Helpers Demonstration Room for Voice/TTY
  • Resource library
  • Free membership.

Two Convenient Locations:
5300 N. Independence, Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 949-4140

4200 S. Douglas Ave., Lower Level
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
(405) 636-7474

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3300 N.W. Expressway,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 949-3011 | HealthLine: (888) 951-2277

Integris Health Essentials; Logo of Integris Health Essentials