I have to say, we receive more inquiries about in-home care services for Alzheimer’s patients and those suffering from dementia than any other scenario. It is rather unsettling, but it has become a common, scary reality for too many families in 2022.
If you belong to one of these families, you are either immersed in the changeable, alternate reality that is the world of your loved one with dementia, or you are filled with questions about this new frightening reality.
Using a resource published by the National Institute on Aging, I am shedding some light on Alzheimer’s and dementia and sharing some good news about how Home Helpers® can help you and your loved one.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Dementia is a brain condition that affects memory and thinking. It negatively impacts activities of daily living, communication, and reasoning. “Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Other types of dementia include frontotemporal disorders, Lewy body dementia, and vascular dementia.”
What Causes Alzheimer’s & Dementia?
Scientific studies are ongoing to determine the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but early-onset Alzheimer’s which occurs in people 30-60 years of age is thought to be genetic. “Alzheimer’s, which usually develops in a person’s mid-60s, arises from a complex series of age-related brain changes that occur over decades. The causes probably include a mix of these changes, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.”
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Challenges with memory are usually the first sign that something is amiss, but other aspects of thinking and communicating may indicate a problem. “A decline in other aspects of thinking, such as finding the right words, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, is a condition that can also be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and there are no clear ways to prevent its progression or cognitive decline. “What we do know is that a healthy lifestyle – one that includes a healthy diet, physical activity, appropriate weight, and control of high blood pressure – can lower the risk of certain chronic diseases and boost overall health and well-being. Scientists are very interested in the possibility that a healthy lifestyle may delay, slow down, or even prevent Alzheimer’s. They are also studying the roles of social activity and intellectual stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease risk.”
Home Helpers® Specialized Care
Home Helpers® is all about helping seniors and those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery. This is especially true for unique cases where dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other conditions require specialized care. Many of our exceptional caregivers are certified in Alzheimer’s and dementia care through the National Certification Board for Alzheimer & Dementia Care (NCBAC); as well as being highly trained in Parkinson’s care.
If a Home Helpers® experienced, compassionate caregiver can provide specialized care for your senior loved one suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, we offer a FREE consultation to assess specific needs and determine ways we can help in Making Life Easier™ for you and your family. 330.892.9329
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, International Franchise Association, and we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton proudly serves male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas.
Source:
National Institute on Aging
