Page 42 - Healthcare News July/August 2022

Straight Talk About Dementia
Recognizing the Early Signs and Where To Find Help
By East Longmeadow Memory Care DAssisted Living
ementia is not a disease, but a group of symp- toms associated with loss of cognitive function- ing — such as a decline in reasoning, thinking,
and ability to remember — to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and activities. While it can be difficult to determine if memory loss is directly related to dementia or simply a natural part of aging, it is important to distinguish the difference.
There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and a person’s symptoms can vary depending on the form. For instance, some people’s personality changes, or they are unable to control their emotions. The severity of dementia can range from just beginning to affect an individual’s normal functioning to causing a person to entirely depend on others for help with basic activities of living.
Because dementia can cause a person to have difficulty performing the necessary tasks for living independently, family and friends should be aware of the early signs of dementia in order to get the professional help needed to treat symptoms as they progress.
Early Signs of Dementia
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests that, while dementia is more common as people age —
with roughly one-third of people age 85 and older having some form of dementia — it is not a normal part of aging. Both the NIA and Alzheimer’s Assoc. describe dementia as a loss of once-healthy neurons — nerve cells in the brain — ultimately leading to a loss of nerve connections and neuron death. While all individuals can expect to lose some neurons with age,
Memory
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the loss experienced by those with dementia is far greater.
bills;
The Age Factor
Though symptoms of dementia may vary among individuals, the NIA encourages people to look for
According to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., about
certain signs, including:
1 in 9 people (10.7%) age 65 and older has
• Experiencing memory loss, poor judgment, and
Alzheimer’s disease. The percentage of people
confusion;
with Alzheimer’s increases with age: 5.0% of
• Difficulty speaking, understanding, expressing
people age 65 to 74, 13.1% of people age 75 to
thoughts, reading, and writing;
84, and 33.2% of people age 85 and older have
• Wandering and getting lost in a familiar
Alzheimer’s dementia.
neighborhood;
• Trouble handling money responsibly and paying
Of the 6.5 million people age 65 and
older with Alzheimer’s:
• Repeating questions;
• Using unusual words to refer to familiar objects;
• Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks;
• Losing interest in normal daily activities or events;
• Hallucinating or experiencing delusions or
Ages 65-74: • ActingAimgepsu8ls5iv+e:ly; 1.75million
paranoia;
• Not caring about other p(e2o7p.0le%’s)feelings; and
2.31 million
• Losing balance and problems with movement.
(35.7%)
But it’s important to remember the early signs of
dementia may be subtle and not immediately obvious.
Sometimes symptoms develop gradually and may go
Ages 75-84:
unnoticed over the course of time. If there are several
2.41 million
early signs of dementia, it’s vital that a doctor be
(37.2%)
consulted for a complete examination of the person with the symptoms.
“Because dementia can cause a person to have difficulty performing the necessary tasks for living independently, family and friends should be aware of the early signs of dementia in order to get the professional help needed
to treat symptoms as they progress.”
Beyond Memory Care...Meaningful Moments Await.
ALL NEW!
East Longmeadow Memory Care Assisted Living is a community that is committed to enriching the lives of residents who have a memory impairment diagnosis.
• Enhancing unique Life Skills
• A calm, secure, home-like
environment
• Meaningful social interaction
• Compassionate, personalized care by specially trained staff
Call 413-525-6362 today to schedule a tour.
Work at our campus of care! Apply today at ELMCALJobs.org
Meadows Crossing • 305C Maple Street • East Longmeadow • 413-525-6362 • www.elmmemorycareassistedliving.org
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