Every September — World Alzheimer’s Month — the public is reminded of startling statistics about this devastating form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The lifetime risk for Alzheimer’s disease at age 45 is one in five for women and one in ten for men. About one in nine people aged 65 and older (10.9 percent) has Alzheimer’s. Right now, almost 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

Confronted by these numbers, many adult children of aging parents are paying extra attention to the changes they may see in their loved ones as they get older.

Signs of Alzheimer’s

It’s important to remember that everyone, especially seniors, misplaces things and has trouble concentrating occasionally, can’t find the right word, or needs to be reminded to remember. Not all “senior moments” are a cause for concern. But if you’re noticing significant changes in your mom or dad, like these, it’s time to see a doctor to find out what’s happening.   

• Memory Loss Affecting Daily Life: Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or significant events. 
• Challenges in Completing Familiar Tasks: Finding it hard to complete daily tasks at home, work, or leisure. This includes difficulties driving to a familiar location, managing a budget, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
• Confusion with Time or Place: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. Individuals may forget where they are or how they got there.
• Trouble with Spatial Awareness: Difficulty judging distance may lead to falls and spilling things more often.
• Communication Difficulties: Trouble following a conversation, stopping mid-thought with no idea how to continue, having problems finding the right word, or calling things by the wrong name.
• Misplacing Things: Putting things in unusual places and being unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing.
• Troubling Behavior: Neglecting personal grooming and cleanliness or giving large amounts of money to telemarketers.
• Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities: Removing themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports. Losing interest and apathy.
• Changes in Mood and Personality: Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
• Repetition: Asking the same question over and over or telling the same story about a recent event many times.

If you notice these symptoms in a parent or loved one, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and potential diagnosis. Other situations and conditions can share similar symptoms, including:

• Side effect of a medication
• Undetected hearing or vision loss
• Depression
• Acute illness, like a urinary tract or other infection
• Untreated emotional or physical pain
• A combination of conditions

If it is Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, the sooner you know, the more options you have in terms of planning and management.

What If It Is Alzheimer’s or Dementia?

Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be very overwhelming for families, but there are many resources available to help light the way. The Alzheimer’s Association is great place to start.

While some adult children decide to be caregivers for their parents or work with in-home care aides, a memory care neighborhood in a senior living community is often the best choice, as loved ones can get expert 24/7 support in an environment specifically designed for their needs, enrichment, and happiness. 

For instance, SageLife memory care team members are trained in the Positive Approach to Care philosophy. Developed by dementia care expert Teepa Snow, the approach recognizes and incorporates the individual’s changing abilities to adjust expectations and delivery of the most appropriate care at every moment. 

At SageLife, we see each person in memory care as an individual worthy of dignity and respect. We understand and celebrate the fact everyone has unique emotional, physical, and social needs. They may have some limitations caused by changes in the brain, but they still retain rich history, singular experiences, and distinctive gifts. Learn more about SageLife and its commitment enhancing the lives of its memory care residents.

Senior Living Great for People Without Dementia, Too

Senior living communities can help healthy older adults maintain their health and independence longer.  

Dementia and depression are diagnosed less in active, social seniors. People need to be active socially, physically, and mentally in order to maintain physical and cognitive health. 

One of the best ways to support your brain health as you age is make sure you have access to life-affirming ways to connect with other people, move your body, and engage your mind.

Today’s wellness-focused senior living communities provide ample opportunities for residents to spend time with friends and make new ones, enjoy favorite hobbies, and take advantage of schedules packed with enriching activities, like club meetings, parties, performances, and fun fitness classes — all without needing to drive anywhere!

Many offer resort-style amenities and top-notch dining, too. Don’t let old notions of retirement living keep your loved ones from checking out their options. The one comment we hear over and over from our residents at SageLife communities is, “I wish we moved here sooner.”

Educate Yourself

Go visit communities without mom and dad and become educated on what options are available. The best way to do this is to take a tour and meet with staff in person. Any good senior community will help you learn. Then, when the time is right, show your parents the best of the best.

SageLife communities include Daylesford Crossing in Paoli, Plush Mills in Wallingford, Echo Lake in Malvern, and The 501 at Mattison Estate in Ambler.

Join Us

Whether you’re caring for a loved one with memory issues or you’re a professional who works with those living with dementia, be our guest as we present this research-based, interactive experience: the Virtual Dementia Tour. Get a glimpse of how SageLife is changing the perception and experiences of those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, one person at a time. RSVP at the links below. 

Thursday, Oct. 10
2-5 PM
The 501 at Mattison Estate
501 Mattison Avenue
Ambler, PA 19002

Thursday, Nov. 14 
2-5 PM
Daylesford Crossing
1450 Lancaster Avenue
Paoli, PA 19301

Thursday, Dec. 12
2-5 PM
Plush Mills
501 Plush Mill Road
Wallingford, PA 19086