The month of November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and showing support for the more than six million Americans who are currently living with the disease.
As part of the month-long awareness effort, teal has been named the color of Alzheimer’s Awareness and is the color of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Teal was selected because it is shown in color psychology studies to be a calming color. It is reported that more than 800 structures around the world will “go teal” in 2022 to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and to show support for the individuals and families impacted by the disease. So, how can you help to raise awareness during National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month?
- Share verified information on social media
- Donate to Alzheimer’s disease support and education organizations
- Learn more about the disease, including the warning signs
- Attend Alzheimer’s disease awareness and education events in your community
- Wear teal in the month of November
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder of the brain that slowly destroys thinking skills, memory and, eventually, the ability to accomplish even simple tasks. For most people who are diagnosed, Alzheimer’s disease first appears during their mid-60s, however early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can occur any time between a person’s 30s and their mid-60s. Alzheimer’s symptoms and signs include:
- Repeating questions over and over
- Frequently misplacing possessions, often putting them in illogical locations
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Forgetting appointments, conversations or events
- Forgetting the names of everyday objects
- Difficulty finding the right words to express thoughts or to take part in conversations
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Trouble multitasking
While estimates vary, it is estimated that more than six million Americans over the age of 65 are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. From the time of diagnosis, Alzheimer’s patients can live for as few as three or four years to as many as 10 years. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, memory care communities are testing and utilizing medications, therapies and programs to help Alzheimer’s patients. At Dixon Rehabilitation & Health Care, the community relies on the latest research on Alzheimer’s disease and memory care therapies to create an environment where residents can achieve independence, maintain skills and live life to its fullest. Some of these tools focus on:
- Outdoor therapy
- Creative outlets that utilize music, art and movement
- Social interactions
What is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Dementia is often the term used for any type of cognitive impairment. So, what is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Dementia is a group of brain disorders, all of which make it difficult to think clearly, remember, make decisions or even to control emotions. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the disorders classified as dementia, but there are many types and causes of dementia. Early signs of dementia include at least two of the following:
- Memory lapses
- Difficulty with communication and speech
- Struggles with reasoning and judgment
- Challenges with concentration and focus
- Trouble detecting the difference in colors or in detecting movement
There are seven main types of dementia, which include:
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Alzheimer’s disease
For patients with Alzheimer’s disease, or any other form of dementia, it is critical to identify doctors, care teams and support services that understand their unique circumstances. At Mission Chateau Senior Living, each resident receives a unique care planned designed to meet his or her needs. Each day, as part of their therapeutic schedule, residents enjoy:
- Social interactions
- Dementia treatment
- Creative outlets with art, movement and music
- Outdoor senior therapy in the secure landscaped courtyard
About Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
At Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, we create communities focused on our residents. Our memory care services include housekeeping and meal preparation, as well as on-site professional nursing care. We focus on behavioral, cognitive and physical symptoms, while working with our residents, their families and their personal physicians to create care plans that meet the needs and goals of everyone involved.
Interested in locating a Tutera community near you? Try out community finder tool! We always here if you have questions or would like to learn more about our care plans, our communities and our approach to memory care. Contact us today!
