What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that causes a loss of cognitive function and leads to issues with memory, thought processes and behavior. The disease, which is ultimately fatal, develops slowly and gets progressively worse over time, causing problems with daily functioning. 

What are the problems that caregivers face?

Millions of Americans are currently dealing with the demands of providing day-to-day care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Providing this type of care can be challenging, often placing high levels of emotional, physical – and even financial – stress on the caregivers. When caregivers have shared memories and experiences with the individual, they may experience even greater emotional tension and find the changing roles difficult to handle.   

How can Memory Care Assisted Living help?

Memory Care Assisted Living can provide supportive care to individuals and their families to help them understand and cope with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. At Bridges^® by EPOCH, we provide a calm, safe setting for those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. We offer opportunities for exercise, provide comforting touch and engage our residents in activities designed specifically for each person’s unique abilities. 

Additionally, Bridges^® by EPOCH monitors each resident’s personal comfort levels and anticipates their needs. We strive to preserve social connections and keep our residents as mentally active as possible, while maintaining sensitivity to the desires of each resident. This type of specialized care can help families  maximize the quality of life for their loved ones living with Alzheimer's disease – throughout the entire progression of the disease.

What are the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease?

The main risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are age, family history and genetics; however, most experts feel that Alzheimer’s disease is a result of complex interactions among genes and a variety of other factors – over a long period of time. Making good lifestyle and wellness choices throughout your life, as well as effectively managing health conditions, may play a positive role in helping to keep your brain and body healthy, possibly providing protection against Alzheimer’s disease.

What are some of the warning signs associated with Alzheimer’s disease?

Some of the warning signs associated with Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss that can disturb activities of daily life, impaired judgment, disorientation about time or place, behavior or personality changes and loss of the ability to understand and communicate effectively.

What treatments are available for Alzheimer’s disease?

Currently, there is no treatment available to stop the progression of or cure Alzheimer’s disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several drugs that have been found to temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months; however, these drugs are only effective in about half of the people who take them.