Alzheimer's and Assisted Living: What Families Should Know
According to the National Institutes of Health, around 6.9 million Americans aged over 65 years currently have Alzheimer's dementia.
As memory fades and daily tasks grow harder, caring for aging loved ones can feel overwhelming. Alzheimer's assisted living blends comfort with a structured environment tailored to changing elder memory needs.
Campbell Place Assisted Living in Bellefontaine, Ohio, offers compassionate care and safety. We ensure that residents struggling with Alzheimer's enjoy peace of mind.
Learn how Alzheimer's and senior care in assisted living intersect and what to consider when planning cognitive support.
What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's is a common form of dementia that impairs normal brain functioning. It distorts cognitive abilities such as memory, reasoning, thinking, and behavior.
As we age, protein clumps -- amyloid plaques and tau tangles -- build up in the brain cells. They interfere with the normal functioning of brain cells or neurons.
The ability of neurons to effectively process and transmit information declines over time. Reduced communication between the brain cells leads to cognitive decline, which is Alzheimer's.
Lack of timely intervention leads to the death of brain cells. When neurons die, the brain shrinks, making the condition severe.
Apart from old age, other factors increase the risk of Alzheimer's, and these include:
- Lifestyle
- Family history and genetics
- Low mental stimulation
- Heart health problems like hypertension
- Poor diet
- Low physical activity
Unhealthy lifestyles like smoking accelerate cognitive decline by:
- Reducing oxygen flow to the brain
- Damaging the brain's structure
- Altering normal chemical balance in the brain
- Weakening the brain's neural repair system
Chemicals in cigarettes cause neurotoxic effects in the brain, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. These effects damage the brain's hippocampus, which is responsible for proper cognitive functioning.
Underlying health conditions like heart problems and diabetes minimize blood flow to the brain. This means the brain receives less oxygen and nutrients, which are essential for slowing cognitive decline.
Stages of Alzheimer's in Older Adults
Alzheimer's disease unfolds in stages, each marked by distinct symptoms and challenges. Understanding the stages of Alzheimer's helps determine the best care for your loved one. You also make an informed decision about the right time to move your senior loved one to an assisted living community.
Normal Outward Behavior Stage
This is the silent stage of Alzheimer's disease in seniors. The disease starts without any noticeable signs.
Seniors need to regularly undergo tests like the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to check how their brains function. The test reveals this stage of Alzheimer's, enabling timely interventions.
Mild Stage
Changes in cognitive abilities start in this stage. Your loved one may start showing signs of forgetfulness.
They may struggle to remember new names or any other information they learn. Seniors in this stage also tend to misplace various items.
As the mild stage progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the right words. Your loved one starts to develop speech problems. They experience challenges with making sound decisions and judgments.
Older adults in this stage require only occasional cognitive support and supervision. They are mostly independent but may need reminders.
Moderate Stage
Seniors in the moderate stage of Alzheimer's disease need more attention. Regular supervision and personal care become critical at this stage.
The moderate stage is characterized by increased memory loss. Your loved one may show:
- Irritability and agitation
- Confusion
- Increased forgetfulness
- Unsafe behavior
- Trouble making decisions
- Trouble coping with new situations
- Difficulty performing daily tasks
At Campbell Place, we support seniors in maintaining as much independence as possible during this stage of Alzheimer's. We assist them with daily tasks, such as:
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Dressing
- Medication management
Severe Stage
The severe stage of Alzheimer's in older adults is the late-stage or advanced Alzheimer's. It comes with profound cognitive and physical decline, necessitating comprehensive, round-the-clock memory care.
Common characteristics of advanced Alzheimer's in older adults include:
- Complete dependence
- Loss of mobility
- Inability to perform physical activities
- Social withdrawal
- Occasional aggression
- Possible apathy
- Declined muscle mass and coordination
- Weakened immune system
Family Caregiving Tips
Caring for an aging loved one with Alzheimer's can become more manageable with the right strategies. Start by learning about this cognitive condition.
Understand its stages and the various symptoms that individuals show at every stage. This will help you respond more effectively to changes in behavior or abilities. You and your loved one will also avoid frustration and fear.
Don't forget to establish a routine. Caregiving is tedious, and a routine reduces confusion and anxiety. Those with dementia or Alzheimer's feel safer and more at ease when their days follow a consistent routine.
Maintain regular daily schedules for meals, bathing, activities, and bedtime. Include simple, engaging tasks your loved one can manage, such as:
- Folding laundry
- Watering plants
- Taking a short walk
Other family caregiving tips include:
- Maintaining clear, compassionate communication
- Creating a safer environment
- Taking care of yourself, too
- Fostering socialization
- Seeking support
The Role of Assisted Living for Dementia
As Alzheimer's advances, the care needed often exceeds what can be managed at home. Assisted living communities offer a supportive environment tailored to the needs of seniors with dementia.
Communities like Campbell Place have a well-trained, dedicated, and compassionate staff that assists residents with daily activities. Our staff offers 24/7 personal care and monitoring to protect residents with dementia from emergencies.
Assisted living for dementia includes activities and events designed to enhance cognitive function. Communities have activity calendars to prevent confusion and anxiety.
Daily routines and structured activities also create opportunities for seniors to interact. Social interaction helps residents overcome the depression, anxiety, and stress often linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Assisted Living: Supporting Families Through Every Stage
Understanding Alzheimer's and how it progresses is the first step to delivering compassionate, effective care. Alzheimer's assisted living ensures your loved one receives compassionate, expert care tailored to their unique needs.
At Campbell Place, we create a warm, safe, and engaging environment where residents with Alzheimer's thrive with dignity and respect. Our location, 356 Kent Drive, Bellefontaine, OH 43311, combines peaceful small-town living with quick access to the amenities of nearby cities like Columbus and Dayton.
Schedule a tour and experience how we create a compassionate community tailored for individuals living with Alzheimer's.