The most recent Alzheimer’s Association’s report indicates that more than 5.2 million Americans suffered from this insidious, overwhelming disease in 2014. Millions more Americans dealt with various forms of dementia, including early stage Alzheimer’s and pseudo dementia. A vast majority of sufferers are 65 or older and women are significantly more inclined to suffer Alzheimer’s than men.
As imposing as Alzheimer’s and Dementia can be, there are clear warning signs that cognitive decline is occurring and the sufferer either needs memory care or therapy to prevent a life threatening, crises. The rise in Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and cognitive decline cases has given birth to new, specifically designed residential communities with cultures dedicated to help suffers thrive in safe and secure environments, surrounded by experienced professionals familiar with the risks presented by cognitive decline.
If a loved one shows signs of cognitive loss, why not begin your research by contacting staff professionals at The Summit by Discovery Senior Living. It is never too early to begin planning for senior living, senior assisted care or memory care.
5 Cognitive Loss Red Flags
Cognitive loss can seemingly occurs overnight but chances are good that the warning signs have been overlooked or simply passed over as part of a normal ageing process. These red flag signals should give the caregiver or responsible party fair warning that it is time for professional treatment and to prepare for the future. People in various states of cognitive decline, be it early stage dementia, or Alzheimer’s can live long, productive lives. Proper memory care relies upon trained specialists operating in safe environments to enhance the sufferer’s quality of life. DSL offers a remarkable number of popular activities for all residents including those in special needs care programs.
Every case of cognitive decline is different. Review these signs carefully and if they arise, look for explainable causes.
- Conversational Challenges – This frustrating symptom disturbs loved ones and afflicted seniors and is one of the undeniable signals that cognitive powers are deteriorating. When the senior cannot complete conversations or follow thoughts through medium or short term conversations, the chances are good that we are beyond regular forgetfulness and into a danger zone.
- Routine Challenges – When current events and favorite pastimes fall by the wayside, it is a clear signal that there is cognitive change. If long-term relationships are avoided or names of good friends forgotten, the symptoms may be irreversible and give cause for memory care.
- Unexpected Weight Loss – Unexpected or unexplained weight loss may indicate the individual is not eating properly. This could be caused by a number of contributing factors such as diminished mental capacity, loss of vision or depression. Look for weight loss and when present, look for reasons.
- Physical Appearance – An individual’s physical appearance can reveal a good deal about their mental state. Is the laundry tended too? Is the kitchen orderly, clean and safe? Other telltale signs are unmatched shoes, or socks and basic hygiene. When personal hygiene suffers, professional care may be necessary.
- Deteriorating Housework – An unkempt house can indicate lack of mobility, diminished mental capacity, trouble organizing items or existence of musty, moldy, unhealthy conditions. These threats clearly indicate individuals may not be able to care for themselves and need fulltime help.
Special Needs at The Summit
Discovery Senior Living (DSL) recognizes the risks of cognitive decline and associated conditions and diseases. These conditions can be as devastating for family members, friends and caregivers as they are for the sufferer. Because 60 percent of Alzheimer’s sufferers are prone to wandering, special care floor plans and round the clock monitoring are always necessary and provided by the staff at The Summit.
Contact us today at 302.219.0018 to learn about our senior living community, programs, amenities, and available rooms.
