Dennis Fortier

Attending my 21st AAIC Conference dating back to 2003. It’s been as exhilarating and as exhausting as always. #AAIC24

@DiverseAlz The overall misunderstanding of the definition is maddening... and it is propagated daily in the popular press. "Mild Dementia" is misused to describe "subtle memory loss", but mild dementia is a stage of severe cognitive impairment.

Question 6 What bothers you about dementia? #diversealz

Like so much else when helping a person with dementia, a regular routine provides reassurance and comfort. Be mindful of a sleep schedule and try to stick to it as much as possible. #AlzChat

Important step forward in the battle to treat Alzheimer's disease - Embic's digital cognitive biomarkers enable unprecedented insight into subtle cognitive changes and overall brain health: prnewswire.com/news-releases/…

The research field has adopted the term "mild neuro-cognitive dysfunction" as a more descriptive (and perhaps, less stigmatizing) term for the early stages of cognitive decline. #AlzChat

I think the term "mild dementia" is misleading. By the time a person meets the criteria for a "mild dementia" diagnosis, their degree of cognitive impairment is severe. Mild dementia is not "mild"... #AlzChat

Wish more understood that prior to "dementia", subtle stages of cognitive impairment should be evaluated to identify the underlying cause, which should then be promptly treated. Waiting for irreversible decline is a tragedy. #AlzChat

don't overlook the importance of hydration... even when there is no appetite, try to be sure some water is available... #AlzChat

Diet also has a significant impact on certain chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) which must be carefully controlled to optimize brain health. A tight focus on dining and nutrition is key to preserving cognitive function. #AlzChat

Nutrition affects overall energy and physical activity while dining patterns affect sleep; both are important factors that influence brain health and cognitive function. If you care for a PLWD, be thoughtful about food... #AlzChat

Twitter-based "research" requires a lot of filtering of non-expert opinions, invalid commercial hype, and political propaganda. However, with good filters, lots of useful information and community can be harvested. #diversealz

true, and well said... #diversealz

Better for social aspects of life (support, community, etc.) than for scientific research. However, the sweet spot may be "social research", like availability of nearby services #diversealz

75+ members of Congress are calling on @CMSGov to reverse a draft rule that will remove access to #ALZ treatments #StopAlz #FixItCMS @BrooksLaSureCMS @SecBecerra @HHSGov @POTUS #StopALZ #UnityAgenda #FixItCMS

A great pathway to mindfulness is "gratefulness". Take a moment to reflect on, or jot down, anything you feel grateful for; this is a means of positively re-orienting your mindset and mindfulness #AlzChat

As a caregiver, it is easy to focus on what a person can no longer do, but it is important to also note and respect what they can still do. Work with them to preserve their independence and dignity as much as possible #AlzChat

...learning their weaknesses-joys-desires is equally vital! #AlzChat

Pausing to listen to the birds is an under-rated anchor to the present. #AlzChat

All the tips from the "non-denentia care realm" also apply: limited caffeine and alcohol, don't eat just before bedtime, eliminate evening screen time, cool dark room, pleasant thoughts on the pillow... #AlzChat