Dementia: is a symptom not a disease. Dementia means ‘mind away’. There are various kinds of dementia. Dementia is not a psychiatric disorder.

Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s disease cannot be definitively diagnosed until death. The proper diagnosis is Probable dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease of the brain.

Mixed Disorder: A combination of dementia and a long standing history of a psychiatric disorder, such as BiPolar or Schizophrenia

Psychotropic Medications: Medications given for a short period of time to help with behaviors such as agitation and/or aggression experienced by some individuals during the progression of their dementia

Chronic Vascular Dementia: A disorder caused by circulation impairment to the brain. Usually an individual with vascular dementia has a long standing history of medical ailments such as Hypertension, cardiac issues, Diabetes, Cancer, Congestive Heart Failure, Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Sleep Apnea, Alcoholism and other medical problems

Lewy Body Dementia: Lewy Body dementia is a combination of Parkinson like symptoms coupled with memory loss and hallucinations

Assisted Living Vs. Convelescent/Skilled Facilities: In the United States there are only two medical care models available. One is a Convelescent/Skilled facility and the other is a Hospital, both provide 24 hour round the clock nursing care. An Assisted Living Facility is considered a ‘social’ model not a medical model. However, most Assisted Living Facilities today have trained staff who can recognize and manage chronic medical issues. Both types of facilities are governed by the State.

UTI: Urinary Tract Infection commonly seen in the elderly usually caused by the lack of proper cleansing and the lack of proper hydration.