Dementia Care Communities

If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of dementia, the good news is that certain types of dementia can be treated or reversed if caught in time.  Recent research suggests that good health habits and mental stimulation may prevent dementia altogether or at least delay its onset.  And, there are centers that specialize in helping to exercising the mind and memory can help an individual stay mentally sharp, no matter how old.

Dementia is a collection of symptoms including memory loss, personality change, and impaired intellectual functions resulting from disease or trauma to the brain.  These changes impact daily living, independence, and relationships.

While many people do experience mild and gradual memory loss after age 40, severe and rapid memory loss is definitely not a part of normal aging.   In fact, many people preserve their brainpower as they get older by staying mentally and physically active and making other healthy lifestyle choices.

Symptoms of Dementia include:

• Memory loss
• Impaired judgment
• Difficulties with abstract thinking
• Faulty reasoning
• Inappropriate behavior
• Loss of communication skills
• Disorientation to time and place
• Gait, motor, and balance problems
• Neglect of personal care and safety
• Hallucinations, paranoia, agitation

The progression and outcome of dementia vary, but are largely determined by the type of dementia and which area of the brain is affected.  Diagnosis is possible through advanced brain imaging, clinical examinations, and diagnostic testing.

Dementia may be caused by:

• Medical conditions that progressively attack brain cells and connections
• Medical conditions such as strokes that disrupt oxygen flow and rob the brain of vital nutrients
• Poor nutrition, dehydration, and certain substances, including drugs and alcohol
• Single trauma or repeated injuries to the brain
• Infection or illness that affects the central nervous system

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia.  It accounts for two-thirds of all diagnosed cases of dementia.  One in ten people over 65 years of age, and over half of those 85+ have Alzheimer’s disease.  Currently, 26 million people worldwide have this dementia, and over 15 million Americans will be affected by the year 2050.

Individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease are typically classified within a diagnostic framework with five, six, or seven levels.  Progression through these stages may last from 8 to 10 years.  Although it is rare, some live nearly 20 years from the time neuron change first occurs.

Along with usual dementia symptoms, the following criteria must be present to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease:

• Significant memory problems - in immediate recall, short term, or long term memory
• Significant thinking deficits-in at least one of four areas, including expressing or comprehending language; identifying familiar objects through the senses; poor coordination, gate, or muscle function; and the executive functions of planning, ordering, and making judgments
• Decline severe enough to interfere with relationships and or work performance
• Symptoms appear gradually and become steadily worse over time
• Other causes are ruled out -memory and cognitive symptoms are not the result of another medical condition or disease

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have or be showing signs of dementia, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis.  This will be critical for management and treatment.  The sooner the issue is address, the sooner the correct type of care can begin.  Making an appointment with a doctor is the first step.

Centers that specialize in dementia care and Alzheimer’s disease create an environment that promotes happiness, independence, safety, and accessibility.  They provide support services and activities aimed at preserve health and autonomy for as long as possible by taking simple actions such as encouraging memories with pictures and familiar objects, increasing lighting, having rooms painted with pleasant colors and staffing with supportive team members.

If you are in need of a dementia or Alzheimer’s disease care center consider the following:

• Alhambra:  The Alhambra
• Anaheim:  Walnut Village featuring Walnut Manor
• Chula Vista:  Fredricka Manor
• Cupertino:   Sunny View
• Santa Barbara:  Vista del Monte