A Beginner’s Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia
Care Patrol
Oct 27, 2022
Colorado - Colorado Springs
As the people in our lives get older, it’s natural for their mental and physical abilities to slip a little from time to time. Maybe they can’t quite recall that one neighbor’s name, or they decide to finally hire someone else to mow the lawn. But when does normal aging cross the line into the early signs of dementia? And when is it time to consider assisted living?
In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this November, we’re taking a moment to talk about dementia: what it is, what to expect, and how a senior care advisor can help your family find the best support. A dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of good days for your loved one—with the right senior living community, you can still enjoy plenty of meaningful moments and happy times together.
What Is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a specific form of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of all cases. One of the major physical characteristics of this disease is the presence of plaques and tangles in the brain. Plaques are clusters of protein buildups between neurons, and tangles are knots of nerve cells. Together, these issues lead to tissue loss and signs of cognitive deterioration.
Dementia is a more general term for various symptoms of decline in a person’s cognitive function. There are many other causes and types of dementia, including:
- Lewy body dementia: associated with deposits of a protein (Lewy bodies) that form in the brain and affect brain chemistry
- Vascular dementia: changes in the brain resulting from blocked or reduced blood flow
- Frontotemporal dementia: characterized by nerve cell loss in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE): common in athletes, and associated with repeated head injuries throughout a person’s lifetime
What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Memory Problems
Often, dementia begins with what seems like ordinary forgetfulness. But when forgetfulness interferes with daily life, it’s no longer a normal part of aging. A forgotten name here or a missed appointment there may not be cause for alarm. But if you notice a consistent pattern of memory loss, especially if it involves skipped medications or missed bills, it may be time to arrange for a professional assessment.
Trouble with Reasoning & Judgment
The first signs of change may become evident when it comes time to take on a complex task. Whether that task is organizing a party or learning a new skill at work, difficulty thinking or frequent confusion can be a red flag. Judgment problems can also affect a person’s driving capabilities. Frequent accidents, dings and scratches on the car, or getting lost on familiar routes are common early signs of developing dementia.
Changes in Hygiene or Other Personal Tasks
If your loved one has always been a little lax with their hygiene and housekeeping, that likely isn’t going to change in their later years. But a noticeable decline in their showering habits, personal grooming, or household chores could be a symptom of dementia. They may be unable to perform the activities of daily living that they once could, in which case senior care could be the best option for their safety and well-being.
Orientation & Mobility Issues
It’s normal for older adults to have a little more trouble getting around the house than they used to. But dizziness and balance problems are more serious issues. If your loved one has trouble getting up, sitting down, or walking around, they may need extra assistance. Watch, too, for any unexplained bruises that could be signs of unreported trips or falls.
Mood, Behavior, and Communication Changes
It’s common for people with dementia to have difficulty communicating what they mean to the people around them. Watch for consistent trouble finding the right words, uncertainty or confusion when performing familiar tasks, and changes in their personality, like a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed.
What is the Best Care for a Person with Dementia?
Assisted living communities with dedicated dementia care or memory care facilities have a number of benefits. Skilled caregivers at these homes understand exactly how to manage the symptoms of dementia, and they can keep a close watch on the disease’s progression over time.
From managing medications to helping them with everyday grooming and mobility tasks, the nurses at assisted living communities are there to provide quality care 24/7. And when you aren’t the sole caregiver for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you have more emotional bandwidth to support them in the other ways that matter most: being a loving presence in their life.
Assisted living residents also benefit from specialized programs designed to maximize their remaining abilities and stimulate their minds with meaningful activities. Remember that social isolation is a major concern for older adults. Quality memory care communities ensure that your loved one feels connected through common areas, group activities, and consistent caregiver relationships.
Find a Senior Living Community for Dementia Care
Receiving a dementia diagnosis for a loved one is never easy. But you don’t have to go through the process alone. At CarePatrol, our senior care advisors are here to help you find the perfect senior living solution for your family.
They’ll be with you every step of the way: assessing the necessary level of care, touring vetted communities with you, coordinating move-in day, and checking in with you periodically after the transition. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to consider assisted living, take our short assessment today!
CarePatrol: Helping You Find the Best Community for Your Senior Loved One
Finding memory and dementia care can be a stressful process for seniors and their families. But CarePatrol’s senior care advisors have vetted thousands of assisted living facilities and nursing homes nationwide, and we’re ready to help you find the perfect fit. Best of all, our services are offered at no charge to you.
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The 10 As of Alzheimer's Stages of care
Agitation and frustration are common behaviors for those with Alzheimer's and can lead to a feeling of hopelessness by you, the caregiver or family member. There are a few strategies that may help, but first, as hard as it is, you must come to terms that mom's or dad's reality may be different now. Trying to meet them in their world will help you to truly empathize with their feelings and could help you problem-solve whatever behavior you are facing. The goal is creating for your loved one the best life they can live, full of as much independence and purpose, while trying to redirect frustration and keep them safe.While caring for your loved one, you may experience your own sadness and frustration or you may struggle to find balance. It's especially important for caregivers to make time for themselves. Creating an environment in which all of these tips can be performed all the time may not be realistic for you. Likely it will be exhausting, and at times, rewarding. A support group like the one we offer may help you meet other people in your same situation and offer a break away from your duties at home.Here are some quick tips for caregivers as you learn to communicate with your loved one:1. Arguments are useless. In fact, they often make matters worse. Confusion, memory loss and frustration are making the person behave irrationally, and you cant argue them out of it.2. Allow as much independence and freedom as possible, while keeping safety and comfort in mind.3. Actions help when verbal communication fails. Help by demonstrating what you mean, or by starting the activity in question.4. Assume that your loved one may understand and hear what you say even if they are confused. Do not say things in front of them as if they are not there.5. Appreciate good moments or good days even though the persons ability may not be what it used to be.6. Appropriate and productive activities help pass the time and reduce agitation, boredom, daytime sleeping and depression. Give your loved one safe, realistic tasks or activities that can be easily finished and would be something he or she would have enjoyed doing normally, such as an art project or planting flowers.7. Agitation is often alleviated when the caregiver remains calm, reassuring and respectful of the persons feelings. "Centering" can help you get control of emotions when things get to be too much. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly numerous times until you can gain composure.8. Adults with disabilities are still adults. It is important that they are always treated with respect and dignity.9. Adapt a task or activity to fit the ability of the resident. Break down the activity into separate steps; simplify tasks by eliminating parts that could be frustrating.10. Assessment is ongoing. What is safe and effective for now may change. Keep watching and reevaluating.
Self-Care Tips for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Alzheimer's or Dementia
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. As a caregiver, it's essential to prioritize your own well-being to ensure you have the strength and resilience to provide the best possible care. Here are some practical self-care tips to help caregivers maintain their physical, emotional, and mental health while supporting their loved ones.1. Educate YourselfUnderstanding Alzheimer's or dementia can help alleviate feelings of confusion and frustration. Educate yourself about the disease, its progression, and common symptoms. Knowledge empowers you to anticipate challenges, make informed decisions, and provide better care for your loved one.2. Seek SupportYou're not alone on this journey. Reach out to family, friends, or support groups for emotional support and practical assistance. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide comfort, validation, and valuable insights.3. Take BreaksCaregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. It's essential to take regular breaks to rest, recharge, and engage in activities you enjoy. Consider respite care services, where trained professionals can step in to provide temporary care, allowing you to take much-needed time for yourself.4. Prioritize Self-CareMake self-care a non-negotiable priority. Eat a balanced diet, prioritize regular exercise, and get enough sleep. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.5. Set Realistic ExpectationsAccept that you can't do it all, and that's okay. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your caregiving role. Be kind to yourself and recognize that it's normal to experience a range of emotions, including guilt, frustration, and grief.6. Establish BoundariesSet boundaries to protect your own physical and emotional health. Learn to say no to additional responsibilities or requests that exceed your capacity. Communicate your needs and limitations openly with family members and healthcare professionals.7. Stay ConnectedMaintain connections with friends, hobbies, and interests outside of your caregiving role. Socializing and engaging in activities that bring you joy can provide a much-needed break from caregiving responsibilities and help prevent feelings of isolation and burnout.8. Utilize ResourcesTake advantage of community resources and support services available for caregivers. This may include support groups, respite care programs, caregiver training workshops, and educational materials. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.9. Practice Patience and CompassionCaring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia requires patience, understanding, and compassion. Remember that your loved one's behaviors and abilities may change over time, and it's essential to approach caregiving with empathy and kindness.10. Monitor Your Own HealthLastly, don't neglect your own health needs. Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, and be proactive about addressing any physical or mental health concerns you may have. Remember, prioritizing your own health is essential for your ability to continue providing care for your loved one.As a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, self-care is not a luxuryit's a necessity. By prioritizing your own well-being, seeking support, and practicing self-care techniques, you can better navigate the challenges of caregiving while maintaining your own health and happiness. Remember, you're doing an incredible job, and taking care of yourself is an essential part of the caregiving journey.
Understanding the Stages of Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide
Dementia is a degenerative cognitive disorder that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. You may suspect your loved one is in the beginning stages of dementia. Even though there isnt a universally agreed-upon set of dementia stages, the Global Deterioration Scale is sometimes used to outline how the disease progresses. The 7 Stages of DementiaPlease understand that people with dementia do not always have Alzheimers disease. There are other types of dementia, including Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia. Heres how dementia progression stages typically work.Stage 1: No Cognitive DeclineThere are no noticeable cognitive deficits at this stage, and the individuals cognitive function is considered normal for their age.Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive DeclineAt this stage, a person may experience normal age-related forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys or forgetting names. These memory lapses in the early stages of pre-dementia are generally not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life.Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline (Early-Stage Dementia)In this middle stage, individuals may experience more mild cognitive impairment. They may have trouble with memory, finding words, or performing familiar tasks. A family member may start to notice this mild decline.Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline (Mild Dementia)At this point, dementia symptoms become more pronounced. Individuals may need help with basic arithmetic, complex tasks, and planning. Memory deficits are more noticeable, and they may need help managing finances or remembering recent events.Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline (Moderate Dementia)In this stage, individuals require assistance with many activities of daily living. Memory loss worsens, and they may have trouble recognizing familiar faces, including those of family members. Personality changes and behavioral issues can also arise.Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline (Moderately Severe Dementia)Individuals in this stage of dementia typically require extensive assistance with daily activities. They may lose the ability to use familiar words, forget recent events, and become disoriented to time and place. You may have to worry about your loved one getting lost even in a familiar setting. Behavioral symptoms can become more challenging, and they may require constant supervision.Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline (Severe Dementia)In the final stage of dementia, individuals may lose the ability to speak, walk, and swallow. They become entirely dependent on others for full-time care, and their cognitive function deteriorates to the point where they may no longer recognize family members or their surroundings.Dementia Stages Arent the Same for EveryoneIts important to note that the progression of dementia can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience all these stages in the same way or the same order. Additionally, there are different types of dementia (e.g., Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia), and the specific symptoms and progression may differ depending on the underlying cause. Help Is AvailableIf your loved one is experiencing any age-associated memory impairment, contact Retirement Unlimited. Our Inspirits Memory Care communities offer innovative and compassionate approaches. Memory care focuses on the residents overall wellness, life enrichment, and diet. We are here to celebrate life with our residents while maintaining their safety and comfort. Schedule a visit at one of our memory care residences in your area. We are here to help. Key Takeaways The progression of dementia varies depending on the person and diagnosis.The seven stages of dementia outline the progression of common symptoms of those with age-related memory issues.Memory care units are available for those in the moderate or late stages of their memory disease