Talk to explain aging brain to veterans in Naperville
The effects of aging on the body are obvious, but the process of getting older can be just as transformative, if not more so, on the mind.
A free program for veterans and their caregivers Thursday in Naperville aims to explain the cognitive changes that come with normal aging and the concerning shifts that can signal something is wrong.
Doctors from the neuropsychology program at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital say they will clear up misconceptions about aging and the brain during the free presentation from 10 a.m. to noon at Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, 908 W. Jackson Ave.
"They explain it in a way that the average person can understand it," said Mike Barbour, service officer for the Naperville VFW and American Legion. "It's not a bunch of medical jargon."
To start, Dr. Amanda Urban, a neuropsychologist and program manager of the neuropsychology program at Hines, said she explains dementia is not a normal part of growing older.
Some of its symptoms can be caused by underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, poor sleep, diet, fitness or cardiovascular health. But getting dementia is never a given, and many risk factors are treatable, Urban said.
She and neuropsychology fellows Dr. Monica Stika and Dr. Rachael Ellison will share tips for older adults to maintain their brain health and stay independent. Among them is using "compensatory strategies" to pick up where memory leaves off, such as making lists, setting alarms or using smartphone calendars.
"Using these strategies can empower people to work around cognitive difficulties," Urban said.
Barbour said he attended a presentation of "Understanding the Aging Brain" about a year ago, and he's pleased more than 70 veterans and their caregivers have signed up to attend this time. To register for the free session, call Urban at (708) 202-2682.
"A lot of our veterans are getting to be at the age where you know you forget things. They're thinking, 'Do I have Alzheimer's? Do I have dementia? What is it?'" Barbour said. "What they do here is try to explain what the aging process is: as you age, what will take place? They do a very good job of it. They tend to allay the fears of the veterans and their caregivers."
Urban said the presentation always concludes with a question-and-answer session for veterans to bring up specific concerns. She said she's often asked whether military-related conditions, such as post-traumatic stress or a traumatic brain injury, can increase dementia risk.
"Much like the rest of the population, veterans have many of the common risk factors for dementia," she said. "I tell all veterans and patients there is no one test to determine if you have dementia."
Instead she recommends people visit their primary care doctor if they have concerns.