Parmer Woods at North Austin sat down with a memory care expert, Pegasus’ Senior VP of Health and Wellness Dr. Sandra Petersen, to understand more about Alzheimer’s. Her insights are invaluable if you need information to help your loved one.
Before you begin your search for Alzheimer’s care in North Austin, we invite you to read her answers to common memory loss questions and learn how your loved one can benefit from the right care. The first is one of the most common questions we encounter.
Dr. Petersen, what are some of the signs associated with Alzheimer’s?
1. Memory loss
Memory loss is among the first symptoms reported by those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Working memory and long-term declarative memory are affected early in the condition’s progression, producing an individualized pattern of impaired memory functions. Alzheimer’s pathology (i.e., brain cell death) circumvents the formation of memories from the molecular level to the framework of neural networks.
2. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations
Having more difficulty with balance or judging distance, tripping over things at home, or spilling or dropping things more are also signs. As Alzheimer’s progresses, deteriorating depth perception often results in the inability to judge distance or perceive and interpret visual images correctly. That ultimately results in a loss of function.
3. Trouble with word-finding
As neural pathways deteriorate, the ability to communicate through the spoken word becomes greatly impaired. New problems with words in speaking or writing, having trouble following or joining a conversation, or struggling to find a word (ie. saying “the thing on your wrist that tells time” instead of “watch”) are not uncommon in Alzheimer’s.
4. Misplacing things
As working memory declines, the ability to sequence activities also declines. Misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps, like placing car keys in the washer or dryer, are part of the condition’s progress. Some of these individuals also perceive that their misplaced items were stolen.
How can you tell the difference between normal aging and Alzheimer’s?
Although some processes within the brain may change with age, Alzheimer’s is not a normal progression of aging. Alzheimer’s results in a pervasive pattern of memory loss that drastically impairs function over time. Normal aging, on the other hand, may result in slower processing speed, slower word recall, and occasional forgetfulness. But, overall, the ability to function stays intact well into later years.
Who is at risk for Alzheimer’s?
Although age (65 and older) is probably the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, those who have a parent, brother, or sister with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the condition. The risk increases if more than one family member has the illness.
What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses Alzheimer’s but also includes other medical conditions that result in neurocognitive decline. For example, vascular dementia, alcohol-related dementia, Lewy-body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are also included under the umbrella of dementia.
What causes Alzheimer’s?
There are a wide variety of theories as to what causes Alzheimer’s. The most likely factors include a combination of age-related changes in the brain along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The importance of any one of these factors in increasing or decreasing the risk of Alzheimer’s may differ vastly from one person to another.
How can Alzheimer’s be prevented?
Avoiding a diet high in processed foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise seem to be critical components for decreasing the risk of developing neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Where can I find care in North Austin, TX, for my loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia?
Parmer Woods features the Pegasus Senior Living Connections program. This highly focused approach is backed by extensive research and expertly incorporates the concept of neuroplasticity to help engage the mind.
Our residents thrive in a calming, nurturing environment with the right kind of cognitive stimulation. We incorporate specially designed activities that engage the mind, body, and senses, like virtual bike rides via SMARTboard technology or using songs to spark meaningful connections.
Our community for Alzheimer’s care in the state of Texas also provides a variety of brain-healthy foods for residents and supports socialization. Research shows that connecting with others is critical to maintaining mental health, cognition, and physical health.
It comes down to this: We’ve done the research and have an experienced team that understands your loved one’s unique needs. Our team also celebrates and enhances all lives with kindness and integrity.
Turn to Our Caring Team for Austin Alzheimer’s Care
We all want our loved ones to live their best lives in their later years. If you’re looking for a robust, research-based program that will improve your loved one’s quality of life, connect with our care team for Alzheimer’s and dementia in northern Austin. We’re happy to show you the Connections program in action during a private tour.
