Did you know that someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer's approximately every 67 seconds, according to Alzheimer's San Diego? Alzheimer's disease is already among the most common ailments for older adults, particularly those over 65.
For seniors in Carroll, IA, an Alzheimer's diagnosis can be life-changing. Your loved one may feel stressed out or even devastated upon learning that they have the progressive disease.
You might wonder if reversing Alzheimer's is possible. Read on to learn more about Alzheimer's disease, treatment options, and when memory care may be the next step for your loved one.
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia. In 1906, Dr. Alois Alzheimer studied a woman named Auguste Deter and noted significant features that we associate today with Alzheimer's disease.
Although dementia is characterized by cognitive dysfunction and memory loss, Alzheimer's disease has specific attributes. The main cause of cognitive impairment and memory loss is the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain.
Eventually, these plaques eat away at neural connections and different parts of the brain, including the:
Most Alzheimer's diagnoses occur in seniors. However, early-onset Alzheimer's is also a concern for those under the age of 65.
Anyone can develop Alzheimer's, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease:
If your loved one has any of the above, and you suspect they have Alzheimer's disease, be proactive. Since Alzheimer's is a progressive condition, catching it early can significantly slow down the disease.
Genetic testing can indicate risk, but it does not definitively determine whether you will develop Alzheimer's. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the most well-known gene connected to Alzheimer's risk.
Alzheimer's is more than just occasional memory loss or forgetting names and locations. There are a plethora of other symptoms associated with the disease.
Keep in mind that occasional symptoms may not warrant concern. As people age, they may experience mild cognitive decline. If you have concerns, it's best to take your loved one for an evaluation.
Maybe not now, but there is hope with ongoing research. For optimal outcomes, the best methods are:
Some medications are available to slow disease progression, but unfortunately, no cure currently exists. Ask your loved one's doctor to see if medication may be beneficial for them.
Even with an increased risk of Alzheimer's, various strategies can help maintain brain health. Here are just a few:
Even in retirement, creativity is essential for maintaining brain health. Ask your loved one about hobbies or skills they've always wanted to learn, and join them.
Some of the most popular creative hobbies include:
Once they have finished a piece they are proud of, offer to help frame it and display it in their home or memory care services community.
Puzzles are a portable and easy way to enhance cognitive skills. If your loved one has a knack for word puzzles, buy them a book of word searches or crossword puzzles.
Some seniors are more number-oriented. In that case, Sudoku might be the right fit. Sudoku books are available in levels ranging from beginner to challenging.
For a fun group activity, try jigsaw puzzles. Set up a puzzle on your loved one's coffee table and work on it a little bit every time you visit them.
Socialization and forming connections are even more important in your senior years. After retirement, maintaining previous socialization levels can be challenging.
That is why senior communities such as Addington Place at Carroll are a great option for seniors with Alzheimer's disease. Residents do not have to go far to experience true social engagement and connection with others in their age group.
In addition, we offer many amenities and activities geared toward senior socialization, such as:
Nature is a powerful ally in combating conditions like Alzheimer's. Being outdoors can elevate your mood and increase your Vitamin D absorption, contributing positively to your overall health.
Gardening activities can also help seniors stay engaged. Planting, watering, and maintaining flowers give them routine tasks and a feeling of accomplishment when the flowers bloom.
If your loved one has a recent Alzheimer's diagnosis or shows early signs, consider additional help. While reversing Alzheimer's isn't possible, you can take steps to slow the disease's progression.
Addington Place of Carroll offers memory care services and dementia support for residents with Alzheimer's disease. Our premier memory care program emphasizes comfortable living for our residents, fostering quality of life in a safe environment.
Are you ready to help your elderly parent or loved one make the transition to memory care? Reach out today to learn more, or visit our Carroll, IA location in person to see it in person. We can't wait to meet you!