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Alzheimer’s 101: What You Need to Know About the Disease

Friday, October 08, 2021

Alicia Seaver is the Vice President of Memory Care Operations for EPOCH Senior Living and a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist. Every month, she addresses a specific issue related to memory care. If you’re interested in hearing about a particular topic, please send a note to [email protected].

 

Q: I’m caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but I really want to learn more to understand what we’ll be facing in the future. So, what is Alzheimer’s disease and what should we expect?

 

A: I actually look forward to broad questions like these because there’s a lot to uncover with this topic. Alzheimer’s disease has gained visibility in our society, but there are still a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings about it. It’s always good to share the basic information about this specific disease so that we can be advocates for our families, friends and community members.

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. Dementia itself is not a specific disease. Rather, it’s a general term for a range of symptoms associated with a severe, progressive decline in memory or cognitive ability that reduces a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and accounts for approximately 60–80 percent of cases.

As of 2021, it’s estimated that 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death among those age 65 and older and is a leading cause of disability and poor health. Without medical breakthroughs, the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia may grow to a projected 13.8 million by 2050.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, as well as behavioral changes. Nerve cells in the brain break connections with other nerve cells, which then ultimately die. This leads to a decline in particular abilities, depending on where the damage occurs in the brain. At the same time, plaques and tangles begin to build up in the brain, formed by abnormal proteins. Scientists are not absolutely sure what causes cell death and tissue loss, but plaques and tangles are prime suspects.

Unlike other dementias that can have a varied or uncertain progression, Alzheimer’s disease follows a specific progression. Knowing the signs of Alzheimer’s can help individuals and family members get proper medical treatment in the early stages, which can greatly help improve quality of life throughout the dementia journey.

In the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s, well before any symptoms can be detected by tests, changes happen in the brain that handle learning, memory, thinking and planning. Slight symptoms begin appearing, such as having difficulty remembering things that happened recently, forgetting names or trouble recalling recent conversations. Apathy and depression may also be very early symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

In the mild stages of Alzheimer’s, changes in memory and abilities become more pronounced. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, and is usually the first indication that something is “wrong.” Eventually, the individuals will develop problems with memory or thinking serious enough to interfere with work, family or social life.

In the moderate stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals will begin having physical difficulties as the disease spreads to different areas of the brain that affect mobility, motion and even personality. In these stages, individuals often cannot take care of themselves and require regular care in order to remain safe and healthy at home. Generally, it is in these stages when family caregivers step in to provide daily – and sometimes live-in – assistance. Eventually, the disease will progress to the point that the individual needs around-the-clock care.

In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, the damage spreads throughout the entire brain. The individual loses the ability to communicate, recognize loved ones or perform activities of daily life. However, it is still possible for them to experience joy and affection, which is something we know very well at Bridges® by EPOCH.

Hopefully, this will give you further insight into this particular disease. If you’d like additional information or have any questions related to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or memory care, please contact the Senior Advisor at the community closest to you. Bridges® by EPOCH communities are memory care experts, and we’re always happy to share our resources and knowledge with our greater community. We currently offer monthly education and support groups online via Zoom.

 

Enhancing Quality of Life

Bridges® by EPOCH communities have been developed from the ground up to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our residents and their families. Our team of remarkable people, the exceptional care and services we offer and the purposeful design of our buildings all combine to create the most rewarding, secure and nurturing lifestyle possible for our residents.

We understand the concern families feel about ensuring quality of life for loved ones. That’s why, at Bridges® by EPOCH, we offer a wellness-centered lifestyle that focuses on reinforcing individual strength, so residents enjoy heightened confidence and self-esteem. Ultimately, we provide everything residents need to thrive and rediscover a life with purpose.

 

Inspiration for Success

At our Bridges® by EPOCH communities, we work closely with families to gain necessary insight and deeper understanding into the lives of our residents upon admission. With this initial information, along with what our exceptional team members learn about our residents every day, we are best prepared to provide highly individualized programming for our residents.

Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.

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