June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Around 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. In the United States, the disease is the sixth leading cause of death and usually affects seniors who are 65 or older. It is important to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia in older adults because the signs are commonly overlooked until abilities decline. In the early stages of the disease, people tend to see the symptoms, such as memory loss, as a normal part of aging, even though it could be the onset of the disease. Here are facts about Alzheimer’s disease and what to see for signs.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s, a degenerative neural disease, is the most common type of dementia. It causes damaged connections between neurons and kills brain cells. The disease influences cognitive ability, such as memory loss, resulting in the inability to complete daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease starts mildly but progressively worsens. There is no exact cause, but some risk factors may be head injuries, family history, and chronic diseases such as hypertension.
Are there Signs and Symptoms?
Some of the signs you or a loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease are often mistaken for natural signs of aging. Memory loss, cognitive problems, and behavioral changes are often the common symptoms of the disease. Among these signs are forgetting names of family members or friends, where items are located, or past conversations and repeating questions. Another sign is a change in personality or moods. Your loved one may withdraw from social interactions, be uninterested in usual pastimes, or may suffer from hallucinations.
Is there a Cure?
Although there is no cure, there are ways to treat Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. There are medications and treatment programs that can help slow the pace of the disease and improve the quality of life for your loved one. When assessing Alzheimer’s patients, doctors will not only learn the severity of the disease but will create the best plan of care for your senior.
How can I support someone with Alzheimer’s Disease?
It is important to accept where your loved one is on the spectrum of the disease. There will be good days and bad. Try not to correct them or take their behavior personally; seniors with Alzheimer’s can sense negative emotions and frustration. To set your loved one up for success, keep things simple and create a daily routine to promote independence that your senior is capable of. Focus on your body language to help communicate, such as using touch, eye contact, smiling, and hand gestures.
At Evergreen Senior Living in Decatur, we make sure your loved one is in the best hands with our unique approach to memory care. We are proud to offer multiple memory services to our residents dealing with memory loss. Visit our website or call to schedule a tour to learn more about our campus and community.
