Do You Have Questions About Elderly Care for Alzheimer's Disease in Greater Kansas City, MO?
Best Elderly Care Advice for Seniors Living with Alzheimer's Disease in Kansas City, Lee's Summit, Liberty, and Surrounding Areas
What is Alzheimer’s? What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s? What are my loved one’s best options for Alzheimer’s care?
Do you have a loved one who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's? If so, you likely have a whirlwind of concerns and questions going through your mind. Luckily, our FAQ section takes the mystery out of finding and getting essential elderly care from our home care agency.
In this section, you'll find all the elderly care answers you're looking for, including further information to questions such as “What is Alzheimer’s?”, “How does this condition progress?”, and “What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?”.
What Is Alzheimer’s?
Characterized by memory loss, Alzheimer's is a fatal, degenerative brain disorder which is characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. Over time, symptoms worsen, roughly over the span of just a few years.
Currently, over 5 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s, most of whom are over 65 years of age. At present, it is the 6th leading cause of death in America. After diagnosis, life expectancy is usually 4-8 years, though some individuals have lived longer.
What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia?
The term dementia is typically used as an umbrella term that covers all brain disorders characterized by memory loss. Alzheimer's is, in fact, the most common form of dementia. While everyone with Alzheimer's disease has dementia, not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer's.
What Are the Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s?
There is, indeed, quite a few risk factors with Alzheimer's that have been identified by researchers. Currently, scientists are still looking for a cure for this condition.
The following are the three biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s:
- Advanced Age
- Genetics
- Heart Health
Other risk factors include exposure to air pollutants, a history of head trauma, heavy drinking or smoking, high-stress levels, and sleeping problems.
What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
While there is a wide array of symptoms, typically, with Alzheimer's, most symptoms are expressed through a person’s behaviors, thought patterns, and speech.
The most prominent symptoms of Alzheimer's include:
- Short-term and long-term memory loss
- Trouble solving simple problems
- Uncommon struggles with day-to-day activities
- Forgets words or begins mixing up words
- Loses items or becomes lost more frequently
- Becomes confused about current time or place
- Confuses the names and identities of people
- Acts more irrationally, irritably, or depressed than usual
How Does Alzheimer’s Progress?
Alzheimer's is believed to start in a person's adult life, though noticeable symptoms don't show until later, closer to senior years. Progression is gradual, the disease is progressive, and over several years, symptoms get worse. In the final stages of Alzheimer's, individuals lose both short and long-term memory, the ability to perform simple activities and tasks, as well as the ability to understand speech and speak.
Does Alzheimer’s Disease Have a Cure?
There is no known cure for the condition yet. Scientists, however, do continue to research the disease in hopes of reversing the condition. Yet, there are several options available to those who have Alzheimer's, including treatment and medication to delay the onset and slow the disease progression.
What Are My Loved One’s Options for Alzheimer’s Care?
Often, as the disease progresses, individuals who have Alzheimer's need home care that is specifically for dementia management. To ensure their well-being and safety, high levels of elderly care is necessary. At this point in time, families often call our home care agency for professional senior home care that focuses on Alzheimer's.
How Can Visiting Angels of Kansas City Help?
Our elderly care is quite distinct - it is not your typical form of traditional home care. That is because people who have Alzheimer’s have special needs and thus require specialized assistance. Services are given directly in a senior's home or on-site in a nursing facility. Our elderly care providers are friendly and compassionate, experienced experts who are uniquely qualified to take care of individuals who live with Alzheimer’s.
Contact Us Today for a Free, In-Home Consultation
Learn more about our elderly care services offered in Kansas City, Lee's Summit, Liberty, Belton, and the surrounding area by contacting our home care agency today at 816-361-9800.
Serving Kansas City, MO and the Surrounding Area
Visiting Angels KANSAS CITY, MO
1255 NE Rice Road, Suite CLees Summit, MO 64086
Phone: 816-361-9800