An Informative Guide On How Proper Alzheimer’s Care Can Help Seniors

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that affects millions of seniors worldwide, but with proper care and support, individuals living with Alzheimer’s can still lead fulfilling lives. In this guide, we discuss the symptoms and causes of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a few ways to help treat and manage it with proper Alzheimer’s care. We also explore how Balfour Senior Living’s memory care communities and Dementia Day Program can provide a lending hand if your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

What is it?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can include memory loss, difficulty with language, disorientation, mood swings, loss of motivation, and personality changes. As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe, including difficulty with basic tasks, confusion, agitation, and loss of communication skills. It’s important to note that everyone may experience Alzheimer’s differently and symptoms can vary from person to person.

A person with Alzheimer’s may not notice that they are experiencing the above symptoms, but a close family member or friends may be able to notice their behavior and seek the proper Alzheimer’s care their loved one may need.

What causes the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?

Brain Inflammation

A recent study investigated individuals suffering from frontotemporal dementia, also known as FTD. FTD is a group of illnesses brought on by a build-up of various abnormal proteins in the brain, referred to as “junk” proteins. The researchers used brain scans to identify the presence of inflammation and the junk proteins and found that the greater the inflammation in a particular area of the brain, the more destructive the accumulation of the “junk” proteins was.

Genetics

The majority of dementia cases are not solely attributed to genetics, but rather a combination of various risk factors. However, there are some forms of dementia where genetics plays a significant role. A study discovered 42 new genes that were found to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease, many of which are grouped into potential but unverified routes for the development of the disease. The researchers suggest that one of these routes may involve the body’s immune system, which is intended to shield us from foreign invaders.

Treating Alzheimer’s Disease With Medication

There has been great advancement in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as notable breakthroughs in utilizing existing medications to address symptoms. Here are a few ways that scientists have found work best in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s as well as some methods for Alzheimer’s care and treatment.

Diabetes Medication

Research shows the role that a diabetes drug called DDP-4 inhibitors has played in older aged people who experience difficulty with their memory. They found that people who use diabetes medication typically show a slower advancement of symptoms over the next few years when compared to both older adults without diabetes and those taking alternative diabetes medications.

Other Medication

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain approved drugs that can help target the underlying factors of Alzheimer’s Disease and provide relief to those who have been diagnosed with the illness. To learn more about these drugs, contact your local healthcare provider and inquire.

Managing Alzheimer’s Disease Through Diet, Lifestyle, and Alzheimer’s Care

A Well-Balanced Diet

Studies have shown that a well-balanced diet, specifically a Mediterranean diet, can help to enhance cognitive function. In addition, a diet rich in fruits, specifically berries, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help protect the brain from damage and inflammation. Avoiding processed foods and added sugars, as well as maintaining a healthy weight and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension can also help improve cognitive function independently of Alzheimer’s disease. Ensuring a well-balanced diet can reduce the risks of memory issues.

At Balfour Senior Living, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents and take pride in offering proper Alzheimer’s care. Before your loved one moves into our memory care facilities, we run an evaluation on their overall health and ask questions about their diet so that we have the necessary information to provide them with their favorite meals that will boost their health. The chefs at our facilities have been trained at some of the top culinary schools across the country and are well-equipped to prepare balanced, gourmet, fine-dining meals for your elderly loved one using local, farm-to-table ingredients.

Moderating Alcohol Intake

Research has found that consuming moderate amounts of alcohol may be beneficial for brain health. While it is already known that excessive drinking can lead to dementia, this research suggests that consuming a moderate amount of alcohol (less than 14 units per week) may improve cognitive function.

On the other hand, other studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing certain brain-related health issues, which may elevate the chances of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care at A Memory Care Facility

Balfour Senior Living Provides specialized Alzheimer’s care and support for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The nursing staff at our award-winning facilities are trained to understand the unique needs of individuals with memory impairment and can provide a variety of services to help improve their quality of life.

Your elderly loved one can join our Dementia Day Program, which provides a welcoming and organized atmosphere for individuals who would benefit from participating in daily activities with others who also value a community-focused setting. Our Dementia Day Program includes but is not limited to:

• Outdoor gardening

• Live music and entertainment

• Private painting sessions

• Chef-prepared meals If you are interested in learning more about how to enroll your loved one in our Dementia Day Program or inquire about the potential of them moving into one of our memory care facilities, contact one of our staff members at Balfour Senior Living today.