If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss, you may have already heard plenty about the prevalence and dangers of dementia in old age. One of the most important things to realize, however, is that the topic is not very straightforward. Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as “senility” or “senile dementia,” which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging (The Alzheimer’s Association).
Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a symptom of serious cases of memory loss including Alzheimer’s and other diseases. While memory loss may seem common with age, the cognitive symptoms referred to as “Dementia” are often severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common and accounts for 70 percent of all dementia cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common form of dementia. While other conditions can cause symptoms of dementia, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies, these can be reversed!
As there are varying levels of severity in dementia, there are also varying levels of memory care offered. Memory care facilities or sections are designed for the comfort of AD and dementia patients. Like other care facilities, memory cares offer cooked meals, laundry, and social enrichment programs. In addition to these, patients have access to 24-hour support by a higher ratio of specially trained on-site staff; they also offer cognitive exercise programs to aid them throughout the progression of their memory loss.
The best thing you can do for someone with Dementia is to continue to treat them with respect. As patients begin to lose their mental faculties, it is important to show them that they are still valued and loved by their family and friends. Those suffering from dementia tend to feel vulnerable, so any support they receive will help ease them through their illness. WellPath Partners strives to ensure quality services for all our clients. Our vast experience in the industry and plethora of resources can exponentially simplify your search for the perfect memory care community.
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By Prithvi Chauhan
