Dennis Fortier

President & CEO of Embic Corporation. Commenting on the daily news about brain health.

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

https://t.co/hKZgXoAdMb

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

@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.

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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: https://t.co/iiaNUprdyX

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

true, and well said... #diversealz

[Dr Helen Findlay @helenfindlay]

@DiverseAlz For those on twitter living with dementia or caring for someone who has it, seeing regular chats like #diversealz helps them to realise they are not alone & that others contributing can provide a well of support

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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

[Dennis Fortier @BrainToday]

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