Dementia is topic of public presentation by Yuma doctor
Dementia. It’s a disease that could inflict itself on any of us or any of our loved ones.
But it doesn’t have to be something that catches us by surprise.
Dr. Ricky Ochoa, a Yuma family medicine physician, will speak Wednesday about different types of dementia, the risk factors for the disease, its signs and symptons, and the steps we can take to prevent or manage it.
His presentation will take place beginning at 10 a.m. at Emerald Springs Assisted Living, 1475 S. 46th Ave., and it’s free and open to the public.
Dementia is a disease that progressively affects the cognitive functions of mainly the elderly, but Ochoa believes that what he has to say is relevant to everyone, young or old.
“If we don’t suffer from it, we know someone who probably does,” said Ochoa, who besides having his own family medical practice is medical director of Hospice of Yuma.
People who have dementia in their family histories are at higher risk of getting dementia, he says, as are people who have suffered brain injuries. So are people who have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or other chronic conditions. So do heavy smokers or drinkers.
“My presentation is actually somewhat of an educational session about dementia, the different kinds, how to prevent it, how as a family member you can prepare for it.”
Ochoa’s own mother was diagnosed with dementia, and he says he will talk about what his family did to help her manage her condition.
Ochoa previously spoke on dementia at River Valley Estates, in a presentation that brought together more than 100 people. Medical providers were well-represented in the gathering, he said, but many in the audience were people who merely wanted to know more about the disease.
Reservations are not necessary to attend the presentation.