Healthcare professionals are observing a declining senior population, particularly those who are beginning to experience the effects of dementia. The Covid Pandemic, a scourge particularly for seniors when it began, has reduced faith in Assisted Living Memory Care as a viable and safe solution for the elderly. Many have chosen to delay choosing a senior living solution even when it comes to memory care. This is understandable given the harsh restrictions assisted living facilities were saddled with at the height of the pandemic. Today, however, it is a different story. Life is quickly returning to normal, very much like the time prior to COVID. The benefits to making the move are numerous. First, by taking this step, your loved one will experience 24/7 personalized care from trained, competent staff. People who truly understand the needs of our elderly population and the personalized needs of persons with dementia.Dementia can also be a first step towards social isolation, the very thing that hastens this debilitating condition. In a memory care community, your loved one won't have to experience this social isolation. One of the best reasons for joining a senior community is socialization. A memory care community is a place for thriving as your loved one gets to interact with others and gain new friends. It is crucial to employ numerous activities designed specifically for those who are experiencing dementia. Activities that properly approach physical, mental, and spiritual health both to improve and maintain your loved one's well-being.With your loved one safely living in a memory care community, your free time is yours again. Someone else now cooks, cleans, and remembers when it is time to take medications. Our residents enjoy sharing nutritionally well-rounded meals, as well as socializing in our community dining room. Trained staff will also assist with arranging doctors' appointments both in house and out of the community.And finally, with your loved one in a senior living memory care community that is right for them, you will experience peace of mind. Peace of mind that your loved one is in a place where everyone is tuned into their specific needs and are monitoring their health and wellbeing.If you have been delaying memory care for your loved one, please consider the benefits mentioned above, and give us a call. Crossroads at Lakewood Memory Care is here to improve the wellbeing of the one you love.

In our continuing series on Alzheimer's and Dementia, this month we briefly explore vascular dementia.Also referred to as multi-infarct dementia, vascular dementia is caused by cerebrovascular problems, either by one large stroke or a series of small strokes. According to some estimates, vascular dementia may account for as many as 20 percent of the total number of all dementia cases.While vascular dementia occurs when stroke restricts blood flow to the brain, not all people with stroke will develop this type of dementia.The symptoms of vascular dementia vary depending on what region of the brain is affected. See the List on the right for common symptoms.Vascular dementia shares risk factors for stroke, including smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Average life expectancy depends on the type and severity of the stroke.Because vascular dementia often goes unrecognized, many experts recommend professional cognitive screening for everyone considered to be at high risk, including those who have had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a ministroke, or who have risk factors for heart or blood vessel disease. Professional screening for depression is also recommended for high-risk groups.Depression commonly coexists with brain vascular disease and can contribute to cognitive impairment.LEARN MOREVascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/STR.0b013e3182299496Mixed Dementia: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/mixed-dementia