Resources & Information

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

Account

Knowledge and Information

What is a Gerontologist?

A gerontologist is a health care professional who studies and understands the aging process. Their work focuses on the physical, emotional, mental, and social changes that people experience as they grow older.

Gerontologists can be found in many places, including:

Hospitals – helping patients transition from hospital care to home or long-term care
Nursing homes & senior centers – supporting programs and services for older adults
Universities & research centers – studying ways to improve healthy aging
Community programs – connecting seniors and families with helpful resources

While gerontologists are not doctors, they play an important role on the care team. They work side by side with physicians, nurses, case managers, and other professionals to make sure older adults receive care that supports their health, independence, and quality of life.

Learning Center

Difference between Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

“Dementia is a general term for memory and thinking problems, while Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia that causes those problems.”

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Over time, brain tissue shrinks, especially in areas involved in memory and reasoning. Symptoms worsen gradually, moving from mild forgetfulness to severe cognitive and functional decline. Eventually, individuals require full-time care. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of dementia cases.

How Alzheimer's Changes the Brain

Alzheimer’s disease gradually changes the brain in distinct, measurable ways. These changes affect memory, thinking, and behavior, and they begin years—even decades—before symptoms become noticeable. Alzheimer’s changes the brain by building up toxic proteins (plaques and tangles), shrinking brain tissue, destroying connections, triggering inflammation, and reducing key neurotransmitters. These changes progress silently at first, then gradually rob a person of memory, independence, and ultimately, physical function.

What Is Alcohol Dementia?

Alcohol dementia, often referred to as alcohol-related dementia (ARD), is a form of cognitive decline caused by long-term, heavy alcohol use. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the brain directly through its toxic effects and indirectly through nutritional deficiencies (especially thiamine, or vitamin B1). In some cases, partial recovery is possible if the person stops drinking, eats a healthy diet, and receives proper vitamin supplementation (especially thiamine). However, advanced cases may result in permanent brain damage. In short, alcohol dementia is preventable and sometimes partially reversible, but it requires early recognition and complete abstinence from alcohol.

Events

4th Thursday of each month

FREE Alzheimer's /Dementia Caregiver Support Group

5pm

-

6pm