Nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is projected to rise. Understanding the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s can help improve the quality of life for those with it and for those who may be undiagnosed. Continue reading to learn more about the disease and how memory care can help those with Alzheimer’s to find joy and fulfillment.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?
Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to cease functioning, resulting in memory loss, cognitive decline, and confusion.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Although dementia is not a specific disease, it is a general term that refers to a set of thoughts and social symptoms that can interfere with daily activities (ADLs), such as shopping, cooking, and medication. Memory loss, mood and personality changes, poor judgment, and difficulty with familiar tasks are some of the symptoms. Early detection can make a big difference in the quality of a person’s life and help to prevent further complications.
Alzheimer’s is a mysterious disease. Experts believe that there isn’t one cause but a combination of many factors that can impact people differently, such as age, family history, and alcohol intake.
Memory Care
Although Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, it’s not a common misconception that people with this disease will live a life of misery. A person with Alzheimer’s can be supported by skilled staff members at our assisted living community. They also have the opportunity to engage in activities that promote their well-being.
Experts have examined how people’s cognition improves when they exercise. It was believed that exercise stimulated the brain by helping people to follow a program. Studies now show that exercise can slow down the decline in memory and executive function.
Physical exercise has a positive effect on the hippocampus, the part of the brain that stores memories. Moving your body has a direct impact on your brain so exercise during middle age is important for brain health later in life.
Caring for someone you love can be difficult. Caregivers can find it difficult if they are adults caring for a loved one. Caregiver fatigue is a mental or bodily state of exhaustion.
Heidi advises caregivers to take care of their own health. Alzheimer’s disease is the most difficult to care for. It gets worse with age and presents new challenges every day.
Caregivers have many options for support such as the National Center on Caregiving and National Institute on Aging.
Caregivers can experience ups and downs. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s include behavioral changes that can make it difficult for caregivers to manage, especially if the caregiver is a loved one.
“Caregiver burnout” is a real problem. It’s difficult to care for someone and understanding the disease can help. For you and the person suffering from cognitive loss, it only takes three deep breaths. This reduces their feelings at the moment.
It is not an easy decision to transfer a loved one to memory care. Although many factors may play a part, it is important to remember that you are doing what is best for your loved ones. Sometimes, this can mean that someone else will take care of them.
Although there are six million Americans with dementia, it is important to remember that this disease is not normal.
Our Mission
It can be difficult to make the decision to move your loved one into a memory care community. We are here to help. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing the best care possible.
Grande Cypress is an intimate community that offers memory care. Your loved one will find meaningful activities and a renewed sense of purpose in an environment that feels like home.
We can help you locate the right retirement community to allow your loved one to thrive in this new phase of life.
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