Alzheimer's Awareness Month: Learn, Recognize, Support
Did you know that June is Alzheimer's Awareness Month? According to the Milken Institute School of Public Health, the purpose of Alzheimer's Awareness Month is to recognize how the disease impacts loved ones, as well as spread awareness through education.
Have you noticed dementia signs in your elderly parent or loved one in Muscatine, IA? Did they recently receive an Alzheimer's diagnosis? Do you simply want to learn more about the disease?
Read on to learn more about Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Awareness Month, and how you can support brain health awareness.
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Many people consider Alzheimer's disease and dementia to be the same, but this is a misconception. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, but other types of dementia exist outside of Alzheimer's, such as:
- Lewy Body Dementia: Can cause delusions and sleep problems from Lewy bodies, which are protein deposits in the brain
- Vascular Dementia: The second-most common form of dementia; occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, and is often the result of a stroke
- Frontotemporal Dementia: Nerve cell damage in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain that causes issues with personality and learning
- Mixed Dementia: A combination of two or more types of dementia
- Young-Onset Dementia: Dementia in anyone under the age of 65
Alzheimer's disease occurs when amyloid plaques build up in the brain, impacting neurons and eventually leading to permanent cell death. The progression of the disease varies depending on many different factors.
Scientists and researchers have yet to determine a definitive cause for Alzheimer's. However, some key trends seem to correlate with the onset of the disease, such as:
- Genetics
- Lifestyle
- Age
- Comorbid conditions
How Many People Suffer From Alzheimer's Disease?
According to Alzheimer's Association, it is estimated that over seven million Americans have Alzheimer's disease in 2025, and that's not the only troubling statistic. NCH Stats reports that the number of Alzheimer's patients will double by 2050, to around 13 million.
Alzheimer's Signs and Symptoms
Common signs of dementia also manifest in Alzheimer's patients. Here are the key symptoms to look out for if you suspect your loved one may be developing Alzheimer's:
- Issues with word recall: People with Alzheimer's may find themselves struggling to remember certain words, whether in speech or writing
- Poor judgment: Lapses in good decision making or rash thinking that can lead to impulsive actions
- Personality changes: Stark differences in mood or personality with no other discernible cause
- Misplacing items: Trouble with losing items and inability to retrace steps to identify the missing items
- Time confusion: Inability to accurately remember the date or time
- Sudden difficulty with normal tasks: Cannot remember how to perform day-to-day functions, such as preparing food or personal hygiene
- Short-term memory loss: Inability to retain or recall recent information
As your loved one grows older, occasional, isolated incidents are normal. The key factor to look out for with these symptoms is frequency.
When Is It Time for Memory Care?
One of the trickier aspects of diseases like Alzheimer's is that there is no set timeline. Some people progress faster, while others take longer to show visible symptoms.
Eventually, it may be difficult for your parent or loved one to live independently or perform everyday functions. In that case, it may be time to consider memory care.
Memory care is a long-term living option specifically designed for patients with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Memory care programs emphasize that seniors maintain their independence while also receiving necessary support for a progressive disease.
How do you know when you should consider memory care for your loved one? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Inability to manage finances: They may not remember how to write a check or have frequent missed payments on important expenses
- Lack of self-care: They cannot remember to feed themselves, take necessary medications, or maintain personal hygiene
- Not keeping up with household chores: They forget how to perform basic household tasks, such as laundry and dishes
- Unsafe living environment: They fall or suffer another serious injury due to improper accommodations in their home
- Social isolation: They withdraw from regular activities or do not make an effort to socialize with friends and family
- Aggressive behavior: They lash out at loved ones, verbally or physically
Discussing readiness for memory care with your loved one's medical or care team is crucial. Every situation is different, and experts can give advice on what type of care they think is best.
All About Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Alzheimer's Awareness Month can be the perfect time to learn more, raise research support, and connect with essential resources.
Brain Health Awareness
Brain health awareness is an umbrella term that encompasses several different diseases impacting brain health, such as Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. A key method for combating Alzheimer's is maintaining brain health through cognitive habits and exercises, such as.:
- Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet
- Regular physical exercise
- Good sleep hygiene
- Cognitive stimulation through brain activities
- Stress reduction and regulation
Memory Support for Families
It can be tough to live with an Alzheimer's diagnosis and watch the progression of the disease, but you don't have to do it alone. Support groups and online forums are available to discuss and ask questions about your experience with Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's Education
Education is crucial for understanding Alzheimer's disease and prevention. In addition, Alzheimer's education can help boost current research and secure more funding for discovering and developing a cure.
Consider Addington Place of Muscatine for Senior Cognitive Care
Is your elderly parent showing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? It may be time for them to make the transition to assisted living or memory care. Alzheimer's Awareness Month is a way to keep up with research, education, and care solutions for seniors with Alzheimer's disease.
At Addington Place of Muscatine, our memory care program combines comfort and security with dignified living, so our residents can still maintain their sense of independence. With amenities like chef-prepared dining and personalized care plans, you can feel confident that your loved one is well cared for.
Are you ready for your elderly parent to experience all that our community has to offer? Contact us today to learn more, or visit our beautiful Muscatine, IA campus in person. We can't wait to meet you!