If your parent or grandparent has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, understanding its symptoms and progression will help you get them the best possible memory care. Find answers to your most pressing questions about this disease in the guide below.

What You Should Know About Alzheimer's Disease

What are the symptoms?

If your loved one is consistently having trouble finishing thoughts or finding the right words, they may be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. In addition to speech, this form of dementia can affect cognitive patterns and behaviors. Your loved one may feel disoriented, unsure of their location, or not sure how to make their way home. As a result of the memory loss, they may feel irritated, angry, or depressed.

How is it treated?

While Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease with no official cure, there are ways to help patients deal with their symptoms. Medications can be prescribed to slow cognitive decline, such as cholinesterase and glutamate inhibitors. Doctors may also recommend medication to help with the mental and emotional repercussions of memory loss, such as anxiety and depression.

Additionally, patients with Alzheimer’s should reduce their stress and maintain their cardiovascular health, such as by getting enough sleep, participating in light exercise, and eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s?

In the first, mildest stage, seniors with Alzheimer’s might start to lose their short-term memories, such as what appointments they made for the week or where they ate dinner the night before. As the disease progresses to stage 2, you might notice more drastic mood swings, a tendency to wander off, and confusion about events that happened long ago. The final stage is marked by a decline in basic motor functions, such as eating, drinking, and, eventually, breathing.

When should the transition to assisted living occur?

Patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can go on to live for many years, and as the disease advances, they’ll need round-the-clock care. However, a sudden transition to a memory care facility can be disorienting.

Therefore, it’s best to transition to assisted living when the senior is still in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and can understand why this move is necessary. At first, they might only need to check in with a nurse to take their medicine each day, then they can slowly transition into full-time memory care as they need help eating, bathing, getting dressed, and going to the bathroom.

If you’re looking for an assisted living facility in the Story City, IA, area where your loved one will feel safe and welcome, turn to Bethany Life. They’ve provided top-quality memory care services since 1914. At this assisted living center, seniors have access to exciting amenities, including a place of worship, salon, and nature trail. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online. You can also call their team at (515) 733-6500 to schedule a tour.