Alzheimer’s and Dementia

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with or suspect you might be suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) or other forms of dementia, Advanced Senior Support can help! We understand that you may be anxious or unsure about how to deal with memory loss, changes in thought patterns, mood swings, and the language difficulties that you may experience. But we want you to know that many seniors are successful in safely managing AD and other forms of dementia for long periods of time in the comfort and safety of their homes. You will need help and Advanced Senior Support can provide the education & assistance needed to ease you through this trying time.

What is AD?

AD is a degenerative condition of the brain that causes progressive (on-going) loss of mental functions such as thought, memory, and language. AD progresses in three stages (mild, moderate & severe) over an average time period of 8-10 years after initial diagnosis. But AD does not affect everyone the same and the progression and longevity of the disease varies from patient to patient. And while there is not yet a cure for AD, there is still much that can be done to insure quality of life.

What are the associated symptoms?

Many of the signs & symptoms of AD relate to memory loss ranging from forgetting recently learned information like a name or phone number in the early stages to not being able to recognize close family members in the later stages. Other signs & symptoms include but are not limited to:

● misplacing or losing things more than usual ● having trouble identifying common items ● mood swings ● depression ● forgetting to bath or shower ● putting things away in places where they don’t belong ● difficulty performing familiar tasks ● problems with abstract thinking ● loss of interest or initiative ● changes in personality ● disorientation as to time and place ● language impairment
● wandering

It is important to note that some memory loss is expected as we age. Normal aging might cause you to forget where you left your keys whereas seniors suffering from AD or dementia might forget how to use their keys. If you are unsure about what you or a loved one is experiencing, we encourage you talk to other family members about your concerns and consult a doctor for a professional opinion.