At PeachTree Place Assisted Living in West Haven, Utah, we strive to provide the specialized care seniors need, including those with different types of dementia. In order to provide the best care, it’s essential to understand the various forms this disease can take and any related symptoms that may affect the elderly loved ones in your life.
Symptoms You May Recognize
Dementia covers a broad range of disorders that occurs as a result of changes in the structure and function of the brain. These changes can cause cognitive decline, memory problems, difficulty with organization, and mood disorders. These conditions are often progressive, with symptoms that worsen over time and eventually require intensive senior care.
You may have heard of Alzheimer’s, but there are several different types of dementia. Not all of them are necessarily a result of aging.
Common Memory-Related Disorders
- Alzheimer’s Disease – caused by tangles and plaques of protein that form in the brain. It is the most common form of dementia. One of the first signs is difficulty retaining newly learned information. Alzheimer’s can affect thinking, mood, and mobility.
- Vascular Dementia – occurs when the blood supply to the brain is compromised. Poor blood flow to the brain can result from atherosclerosis or stroke. Individuals may become disoriented or confused. Later, concentration and the ability to complete tasks can diminish.
- Lewy Body Dementia – caused by protein deposits in nerve cells, which disrupts the chemical messaging involved in normal cognition. Seniors may become disoriented or have memory loss. They may fall asleep during the day or have difficulty sleeping at night. Weakness, trembling of the hands, and difficulty walking can also occur.
- Frontotemporal Dementia – affects the front and sides of the brain, areas that control language and behavior. It can affect individuals as young as 45 and tends to run in families. It can cause compulsive behavior and problems in understanding speech.
Other Causes & Contributors
- Late Stage Parkinson’s Disease
- Late Stage Huntington’s Disease
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
- Nutritional & Metabolic Problems
- Some Medications
Proper Diagnosis & A Better Quality Of Life
Early diagnosis of dementia and related conditions can help to improve care for seniors. A number of tests are used in finding a proper diagnosis, such as verbal assessment tests, CT scans, and blood tests to identify underlying conditions.
A variety of medications are also available to help delay memory loss and improve daily function. Seniors may benefit from brain training. Stimulating activities may also help to keep elderly family members stay engaged and mentally active.
Assisted Living For Residents With Dementia
Senior communities can provide both the care and social interaction seniors need for good physical and mental health. At PeachTree Place Assisted Living, we offer a wide range of amenities for helping seniors, including compassionate dementia care and Alzheimer’s care.
- Comfortable, Private Senior Apartments
- A Great Room For Socialization
- Healthy Meals & Snacks
- An Ice Cream Parlor
- On-Site Beauty Salon
- Housekeeping & Laundry Services
- Outings & Trips
- Games, Hobbies & Art Activities
- Church Services
- On-Call 24-Hour Nurses
- Help With Dressing & Bathing
- Medication Assistance
When It’s Time For A Helping Hand
Providing care for seniors with a cognitive-decline or memory disorder can be a challenging endeavor. As the condition worsens, caregivers may need additional help to manage day-to-day personal grooming and other aspects of caring for a dementia patient. The right assisted living community can help you provide a safer, more enriching environment.
Caring For Utah’s Seniors
If you are caring for a loved one with dementia near Ogden or Salt Lake City, we invite you to consider the advantages and amenities offered by PeachTree Place Assisted Living. Call us today for information about our assisted living apartments in Utah or to schedule your tour.
