Advice from a Community for Alzheimer’s Care: Denton, Texas
Caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can be difficult. It can seem like you are doing all the wrong things and that nothing works. Family caregivers should know they are not alone. Memory care in Denton, TX is one resource that can help.
There are ways to help people with dementia remember and make them feel comfortable in their environment. Friends and family members can participate in many of the activities listed below.
This blog will discuss some of the positive ways you can interact with your loved one and help their memory. Discover how the 24-hour care associates at Sage Oak of Denton offer professional support.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is an irreversible neurological disorder that gradually destroys cognitive abilities and memory. It is the most common form of dementia among seniors, accounting for approximately 60-80% of dementia cases.
The causes are still unknown, but age and genetics are known risk factors. As it progresses, it can cause:
- Confusion
- Difficulty communicating
- Trouble with problem-solving
- Changes in behavior
- Personality changes
- Mood swings
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty walking and controlling muscles
- Performing everyday tasks such as bathing or eating
What causes memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disorder that affects the brain. As it progresses, it begins to impair cognitive functioning and disrupt nerve cells in the brain. Over time, these disruptions lead to memory loss and other changes in behavior or thinking.
This form of dementia creates plaque deposits and tangles of proteins called tau inside neurons. They prevent neurons from communicating effectively with each other. This reduces their ability to transmit messages throughout the brain and leads to declining cognition.
This damage can lead to problems with short-term memory, such as forgetting recent events or conversations. It can also cause long-term memory problems, including forgetting people’s names or events from years ago.
Do people with Alzheimer’s know they are losing their memory?
It is difficult to answer this question definitively since everyone experiences Alzheimer’s differently. A person with dementia may be aware they forget things while others may not have any idea. Some may become aware at times but soon forget.
The answer to this question largely depends on how far dementia has progressed.
The early stage of Alzheimer’s is known as mild cognitive impairment. During this time, they may not be aware that something is wrong with their memory. However, as dementia progresses, they may become more aware that something is wrong and quickly need Alzheimer’s care.
Denton seniors with memory loss may become frustrated because they:
- Forget conversations or appointments
- May not be able to recall names or faces
- May have trouble finding words and
- May not remember personal facts
Seniors in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s often experience significant difficulties with language. They can no longer communicate with others effectively or understand instructions from caregivers or family members.
As symptoms progress, there can be a complete loss of short-term and long-term memory. Patients may no longer remember anything from their past life.
What helps people with Alzheimer’s remember?
Creating Meaningful Activities
Create meaningful activities that stimulate memories when providing home care for someone with Alzheimer’s. Simple tasks such as folding laundry, sorting books, or putting away dishes can help maintain cognitive functioning and boost confidence.
Focus on reminiscing over memories by:
- Looking through photo albums
- Watching favorite movies
- Singing favorite songs
- Visiting fond restaurants and parks
These activities are indeed fun. They also help keep the mind engaged and focused on familiar things, which aids in recalling. You do not have to remind the person they enjoy these things. Simply immerse them in the experience.
Using Visual Cues
Visual cues are an excellent tool for someone with Alzheimer’s to recall important information:
- Pictures of food to ask what they want to eat
- A whiteboard calendar displays upcoming events
- Sticky notes indicating household objects
- Colored tape providing directions in the house
- Anything that can provide reminders of specific information is beneficial. Visual aids can make tasks more efficient.
Recall Therapies
Creative writing and storytelling can be tools for engaging a loved one receiving Alzheimer’s care. Denton seniors at Sage Oak find that writing down stories and reminiscing under guided expertise can help them remember events from years before.
Crafting projects are also great ways to stimulate creativity while providing a sense of accomplishment upon project completion. Reinforcing and celebrating achievements are excellent for self-esteem.
Caring for a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is a difficult task. However, some of these activities can create positive outcomes, including how to help someone with Alzheimer’s remember.
Creating meaningful activities that stimulate memory recall and visual cues are great ways to help a loved one remember. It can also lead to maintaining cognitive functioning levels at an optimal level.
These benefits and more are available in specialized Alzheimer’s care facilities in Denton. Sage Oak of Denton is a boutique assisted living and memory care community offering 24-hour care.
Alzheimer’s Care: Denton Options
At Sage Oak of Denton, we have caregivers available 24/7 who assist with personal care services such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Medication management
- Meal preparation
- Housekeeping services
Our memory care associates specialize in dementia and Alzheimer’s support. They know how to handle any situation that may arise while providing comfort and purpose throughout the day and night.
Sage Oak of Denton is proud to be a new model of senior care in the DFW area. We serve families struggling to provide care to a loved one. Visit us and see the difference.
How to Help Someone with Alzheimer’s
Remember that caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s will always require patience, understanding, and compassion. Contact us for friendly and specialized dementia care in Denton! We invite you to arrange a tour of the relief Sage Oak residents receive in our boutique memory care program.