Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. The person may repeatedly ask the same questions, lose his or her sense or direction and be otherwise impaired. Some types of dementia are reversible, usually those caused by fevers, nutritional deficiencies, and other short-term problems.
Alzheimer's disease is a specific form of dementia. It’s a progressive condition—with early, middle, and late stages — in which your loved one loses functioning brain cells. Symptoms continue to worsen and the need for care intensifies as the person shows personality changes and challenging behaviors, as well as diminishing capabilities in areas such as memory, decision-making, and everyday functions.
There is at present no cure for Alzheimer’s, but some medications may reduce symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and depression. Types of care are limited. For the most part, care consists of contact and supervision—remaining involved in your loved one's life, and keeping a watchful eye while giving your loved one as much freedom as possible. Care can be an enormous challenge for family members, and consideration of care services must be made, for your loved one's sake and your own.
Alzheimer's and other dementia illnesses are not easy to discuss with your loved one, but doing so immediately after a diagnosis is given can be very helpful in making plans and decisions together. Many resources are available to help, including ADEAR, the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center, provided by the government’s National Institute on Aging.
Ranking Alzheimer's care capabilities
To assist you in evaluating Alzheimer's care capabilities, we have created a simple "check-off" list for you to print and fill out. Your responses will help you in discussions and decision-making with your loved one, family, friends, and care providers. We recommend that, if you call or visit us at Renaissance Gardens, you refer to the list when you speak with a Renaissance Gardens health care counselor.
View and Print Lists |
