Cognitive disorders impact a person’s capacity to function day to day. The most common type of cognitive disorder or neurocognitive disorder is a dementia-causing condition or disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of irreversible dementia in the United States. In Palm Beach County alone, it is estimated that over 50,000 residents are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number which is growing rapidly as baby boomers enter the 65 and older category.
In addition to Alzheimer’s, many other irreversible conditions may cause dementia, including Lewy Body Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Vascular Dementia and Frontotemporal Dementia. As the cognitive disorder disease progresses, memory problems increase and the ability to do everyday tasks like drive a car, cook a meal, or even read a newspaper, become difficult. When their world begins to shrink, it is more important than ever that their community becomes more dementia-friendly to support those living with a diagnosis and their caregivers.
