In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June, San Simeon by the Sound acknowledges that a person with Alzheimer’s disease is a unique individual and care must be personalized to meet specific needs.
At San Simeon by the Sound, we welcome Alzheimer’s patients into our North Fork home as our staff delivers high-quality care in a safe and nurturing environment where comfort is always provided. Our team ensures that residents with Alzheimer’s disease are provided with multiple programs and services based on their health and behavioral care needs including:
- Various activities to promote both physical and mental health
- A secure environment that promotes independence and safety
- Psychiatric and psychological services
Alzheimer’s Disease Causes & Risk Factors
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that negatively affects memory and thinking. Symptoms of the disease come on gradually, but eventually interfere with daily living and significantly changes a person’s behavior.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Research has not found a single cause for Alzheimer’s disease but there have been certain risk factors that have been identified, including:
- Age: Alzheimer’s disease is more common in people who are 65 years of age or older. However, early onset Alzheimer’s can occur in people as early as their 40s or 50s.
- Family history: If you have Alzheimer’s disease in your family history, you are at more of a risk of developing the condition.
- Genetics: Research shows that certain genes have been linked to Alzheimer’s. One gene in particular, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Blood tests can determine if you have this gene.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Everyone has experienced forgetfulness every now and then. However, with Alzheimer’s disease, people display certain ongoing behavior changes that progressively worsen. These can include:
- Memory loss affecting daily activities
- Having trouble with familiar tasks, such as turning off the stove
- Difficulty with speech or writing
- Becoming disoriented
- Decreased judgment
- Personality changes and moodiness
These symptoms, however, may not happen all at once as Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means the signs will slowly worsen over time. A doctor can test these symptoms and mental abilities to diagnose Alzheimer’s and rule out other conditions.
Alzheimer’s is broken down into seven stages with the early stages showing little or no symptoms. As the disease progresses, mild physical and mental impairments may appear. At Stage 4, Alzheimer’s is often officially diagnosed as this is when the decrease in memory and concentration is evident. As the disease progresses, moderate to severe symptoms require help from loved ones or caregivers.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease. At San Simeon, we believe it’s important to educate the family and friends by explaining any advanced care that their loved one may need. Our thorough planning includes the availability of continuing care as needs change, as well as hospice and comfort care.
