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November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Family and seniors play a puzzle as dementia prevention in retirement home

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. We’d like to take this opportunity to talk about how this disease affects some of our residents and their families, and how we work to address its symptoms with exceptional Alzheimer’s care. The purpose of this national designation is to provide a footing for Alzheimer’s education, as well as to highlight potential care options for those affected by the condition.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, just know you do not have to go through it alone. Our team at Regency specializes in providing incredible Alzheimer’s care, and we are committed to loving and caring for you or your family member in the same way we would our own.

What We Do Know About Alzheimer’s

Though scientists, researchers, and doctors do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, they do know that age continues to be the best known risk factor. Family history also plays into a person’s risk, as researchers believe that genetics may have something to do with development of the disease. Research continues to try to determine whether education, diet, and environment play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s, and there is growing evidence to suggest that physical, mental, and social activity may help reduce one’s risk.

Things to Know About Alzheimer’s Per the CDC:

  • In 2014 there were as many as 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Symptoms can present themselves after age 60, and risk increases with age.
  • This statistic is projected to almost triple to 14 million people affected by Alzheimer’s by 2060.
  • Younger people can be affected by the disease, however it is uncommon.
  • The number of people living with Alzheimer’s doubles every 5 years beyond age 65.

Memory Loss or Something Serious?

It’s important to understand that severe memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Issues with memory are often the beginning warning signs of cognitive decline. When these issues start to interfere with one’s everyday life, it may be time to seek help in the form of Alzheimer’s care.

The National Institute on Aging suggests that someone battling Alzheimer’s disease may have issues with the following:

  1. Getting lost in otherwise familiar places
  2. Repeating questions
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  4. Misplacing things and having trouble finding them/retracing steps
  5. Difficulty handling money or managing bills
  6. Changes in overall demeanor or personality

If you or a loved one is struggling in any of these areas, our team at Regency Tuscaloosa can help. Alzheimer’s care often involves a management and treatment approach that is multifaceted– managing presenting symptoms, helping maintain mental function, and slowing the development of symptoms. Learn more about how our team at Regency helps our residents manage the symptoms of this disease through compassionate Alzheimer’s care Morristown, and check out our blog about memory care too. We take pride in our approach to serving these residents at our assisted living community.