November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. We want to take this opportunity to talk about how this disease affects some of our residents and their families, and how we work to combat its symptoms with exceptional Alzheimer’s care. The intent of this national designation is to provide a footing for education about the effects of Alzheimer’s, as well as to highlight potential care options for those affected by it.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, just know you do not have to go through it alone. Our team at The Rosewood at Fort Oglethorpe specializes in providing incredible Alzheimer’s care, and we are committed to loving and caring for you or your family member in the same way we would our own.

Quick CDC Facts about Alzheimer’s:

1. In 2014 there were as many as 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease.
2. This statistic is projected to almost triple to 14 million people affected by Alzheimer’s by 2060.
3. Symptoms can present themselves after age 60, and risk increases with age.
4. Younger people can be affected by the disease, however it is uncommon.
5. The number of people living with Alzheimer’s doubles every 5 years beyond age 65.

Things We Do Know

Though doctors do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease, they do know that age continues to be the best known risk factor. Family history also plays into a person’s risk, as researchers believe that genetics may have something to do with development of the disease. Research continues to try to determine whether education, diet, and environment play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s, and there is growing evidence to support that physical, mental, and social activity may help reduce one’s risk.

Is It Just Memory Loss or Something More?

It’s important to understand that ultimately memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Issues with memory are often the beginning warning signs of cognitive decline. When these issues start to interfere with one’s everyday life, it may be time to seek help in the form of Alzheimer’s care.

According to the National Institute on Aging, someone dealing with Alzheimer’s disease may have issues with the following:

• Getting lost in familiar places
• Repeating questions
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Misplacing things and having trouble retracing steps
• Trouble handling money or managing bills
• Changes in mood, demeanor, or personality

If you or a loved one is struggling in these areas, our team at The Rosewood at Fort Oglethorpe can help. Alzheimer’s care often involves a management and treatment approach that is three pronged– managing behavioral symptoms, helping maintain mental function, and slowing the development of symptoms. Learn more about how our team at The Rosewood at Fort Oglethorpe helps our residents manage the symptoms of this disease through compassionate Alzheimer’s care Chattanooga, and check out our blog about memory care too. We take pride in our approach to serving these residents at our assisted living community.