DFW Alzheimer’s Care

If your aging parent is experiencing memory loss, you may be wondering if they have Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is one type of dementia. It’s a very common type: 60% to 80% of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.

Alzheimer’s may first show up as memory loss. However, the disease progresses, and at this point, there is no known cure. As the condition advances, seniors may exhibit severe memory loss. They may be unable to remember basic information, such as their names or where they left the car keys.

The memory loss that Alzheimer’s causes can be dangerous. If your parents still drive, they may forget where they parked their car and be unable to find it. They may forget pots and pans on the stove until they smoke or burn.

In addition, Alzheimer’s causes impairment of thinking itself as it progresses. Your parents may confuse implements or environments, by trying, for example, to put kitchen knives down the disposal. They may no longer be able to pay bills because the mathematics of balancing a checkbook no longer make sense.

It is wise to know the signs of Alzheimer’s, but also to be aware that its primary symptoms are on a spectrum. It is common to have some memory loss as we age, for example. Forgetting a doctor’s appointment, by itself, does not mean your parent has Alzheimer’s. It might be necessary to institute memory devices (an electronic calendar, for example) for normal memory lapses.

However, asking for the same information over and over, or memory loss that severely impairs daily life (forgetting a lunch date just made yesterday) may be a sign of Alzheimer’s.

Because of the potential danger posed by memory and cognitive issues in Alzheimer’s, the best solution is often Alzheimer’s care in a special assisted living and memory care residence rather than their own home.

Contact us for more information on our Alzheimer’s care.