Alzheimer's Disease: What it is and how to detect the early signs

Alzheimer’s disease is a kind of dementia which causes problems with memory and behavior. Symptoms can start off slowly and get worse over time which can eventually lead to problems with activities of daily living. Today Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and it accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Although the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 or older, approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is considered a progressive disease that worsens over time. In the early stages memory loss can be mild but over time individuals lose their ability to have conversations and remember information that they just learned. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and people who have it generally live 8 years but survival can range between 4 and 20 years depending on age and health.

As people grow older most will develop some memory problems, however, serious memory loss and confusion can be signs that the brain is failing. Having trouble remembering newly learned information is the most common first sign of Alzheimer’s. The disease starts in the part of the brain which affects learning and gradually advances through the brain causing more symptoms such as disorientation, changes in mood and behavior, deepening confusion about events, time and place, and suspicions about family, friends, and caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes, difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. People with Alzheimer’s may be unaware that they even have a problem and signs of dementia may be more obvious to friends and families. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms should see a doctor immediately. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s it can be hard to care for them 24/7. Luckily most nursing home facilities have units that care for patients with Alzheimer’s and offer 24 hour surveillance.

Unfortunately, there are no current cures for Alzheimer’s but there are treatments that can temporarily slow the symptoms of the disease such as medications and memory games, which can improve the quality of life for individuals who have it as well as their caregivers. Researchers are working to discover as much as they possibly can about the Alzheimer’s disease. The hope is that new discoveries will lead to new treatments.

Here at Premier Genesee we have a memory care unit which is a skilled nursing unit for individuals suffering from the Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders causing memory impairment. This unit provides added security and enhanced programming and staffing. A private patio area is adjoined to the unit which offers residents the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and secured environment. The program includes cognitive and physical activities of daily living, as well as psycho-social and self-expression components. The unit offers a structured format while allowing flexibility to accommodate the attention span of residents. The format is designed to reduce agitation and increase participation and social interaction. For more information on our memory care unit give us a call at 585-344-0584.