There are more than 3 million people in the US that are affected by Alzheimer's disease each year. It is likely someone you know and love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die and gets worse as time goes on. Eventually, it progresses to serious memory problems and the inability to perform everyday tasks. According to the CDC, Alzheimer's disease affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. If there is worry a loved one may have dementia or Alheimer’s disease, a good start to understanding this disease is through www.alz.org. The Alzheimer’s Association has a helpful and a plethora of articles to help individuals understand dementia and Alzheimer’s. In short, Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes a gradual decline in memory, behavior, thinking, and social skills. 

Alzheimer's symptoms begin to surface as forgetting recent events or conversations. Over time, it can progress to intense memory problems and the loss of the ability to perform everyday tasks like driving and taking care of yourself. The main symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is the loss of memory which is a fundamental change in your brain. Other changes in the brain that are symptomatic of Alzheimer’s disease are thinking and reasoning, planning and performing familiar tasks, making decisions and judgements. It can be difficult to diagnose Alzheimer’s if you do not get the proper tests done. It is important to have your loved one taken to their doctor promptly so they can receive the correct diagnosis. Lastly, sometimes the scariest Alzheimer's symptom is the changes in behavior and personality. The progression of symptoms vary from each person affected and the severity progresses as the disease does. This can seem daunting but there are many options out there that will keep the individual safe. 

The stages of Alzheimer's disease are early,middle and late. Keep in mind some symptoms within the stages can improve, develop or even disappear completely. While other symptoms worsen and never improve. Early-stage is mild and includes memory lapses, difficulty planning or organizing, and decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as finding the right word. The middle-stage is typically moderate symptoms and include confusion, anger, unexpected behavior, and loss of personal care, such as dressing, bathing, and regular grooming. The late-stage of Alzheimer’s disease can be the most severe symptoms that include the inability to respond to their environment, difficulty communicating, personality changes, difficulty controlling movement, and loss of language, mobility, and swallowing.

Since there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease or dementia, there are plenty of care options available. Common options for adults with Alzheimer’s are home health care, residential care facilities, and family caregivers. If you opt for home health care or residential care facilities, dependent upon your location, the options can be endless. America is inundated with different kinds of home health care agencies and residential care facilities (aka assisted living facilities). The interesting option many families have for their seniors is that their loved one can live in a residential facility, (in independent living , assisted living or even memory care) and can simultaneously use home health care as well. If your loved one has long term care insurance they can also use that to cover their home health care services! Whether it is for light housekeeping, bathing or companion care, your loved one can feel safe and taken care of no matter where they are when they have support from a home health aide, certified nursing assistant, or caregiver!

Currently, Alzheimer's disease and dementia plagues an outstanding amount of older adults. It is diagnosed through symptoms like forgetting conversations and events, difficulty with daily tasks, confusion, and changes in behavior.  Symptoms and progression of symptoms can vary from person to person and look different then the stereotypical Alzheimer’s patient that has been shown today. Early, middle and late stages of Alzheimer's usually increase in severity over time and can surface in many ways.  Care options for your loved ones diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming but when researched and taken care of in a timely manner, can be very rewarding for families. Whether your family seeks care in their seniors home or seeks an assisted living memory care facility, they will be at peace knowing their loved one is safe. For seniors seeking Alzheimer's and dementia care in their current home they have many options in the state of Florida. It is important to choose a company that the senior and family feel most comfortable with. Caregivers and aides with experienced Alzheimer's/dementia care is also an important factor to keep in mind. Be sure to ask the agency questions and to keep your loved one in the conversation if at all possible. Meet and greets can be helpful if feasible for the family. Overall, even though there is no cure to Alzheimer’s, there are many care options out there to keep your loved ones safe and healthy wherever they may reside.

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