Aging often causes cognitive changes throughout the brain. Forgetfulness is a common problem, and many older adults experience some degree of cognitive decline. But at what point are these symptoms signs of something more serious, like dementia?
Dementia is often a misunderstood condition. It’s a complex disorder that affects memory, thinking, communication, and more. It affects almost every part of your loved one’s life. Fortunately, through memory care, you can support your loved one in a way that truly helps.
Dementia Isn’t a Single Condition
Dementia is an umbrella term. It’s not used for one condition—it’s a group of symptoms caused by damaged brain cells. These symptoms range from minor memory loss to significant changes in cognitive abilities.
There are several types of dementia. The most common types include:
Each type presents unique characteristics and affects people differently. However, they all damage cells throughout the brain. This leads to a host of different complicated symptoms.
Dementia Doesn’t Just Affect Memory
When thinking of dementia, most people immediately think of memory loss. While this is an extremely common symptom of dementia, it’s not the only one.
Dementia damages cells in different structures of the brain. This impairs cognitive abilities and causes symptoms like:
- Difficulty with problem-solving and reasoning
- Challenges in communication and language
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities
- Problems with attention and focus
As dementia progresses, these symptoms worsen. Soon, they affect almost every part of your loved one’s life. Early detection is key to managing dementia effectively.
Dementia Is Not a Normal Part of Aging
It’s a common misconception that dementia is a natural part of aging. While age does cause some cognitive changes, it doesn’t guarantee the development of dementia. Many people live long and happy lives without experiencing any significant cognitive decline.
Dementia develops based on several factors. These include (but are not limited to):
- Genetic disposition and certain gene variants
- Your general diet and exercise routine
- Lifestyle habits, like regular smoking or alcohol use
- Exposure to toxins, pollution, and harmful chemicals
- Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol
Dementia is extremely complicated, and these factors significantly affect a person’s chances of developing the condition. While there is no way to entirely prevent dementia, healthy lifestyle choices can lower your risk.
Dementia Doesn’t Just Affect Seniors
Dementia is commonly thought only to affect older adults. However, this isn’t quite the case. There are 2 general categories for dementia: late-onset and early-onset dementia.
Late-onset dementia is much more common. It accounts for more than 90% of all cases. This term is used to define dementia when it develops past the age of 65. This often presents itself as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or other common types.
Early-onset dementia is much rarer. This term defines dementia that develops earlier than 65—sometimes as early as 30 or 40 years old. People living with early-onset dementia may showcase symptoms at any age, and their condition will likely worsen.
It’s not entirely understood why dementia can develop so early. However, people living with early-onset dementia usually have a buildup of unique proteins in the brain. This begins damaging the structures inside and sets off the symptoms of cognitive decline.
Memory Care Can Help
As dementia progresses, the effects become much more problematic. It can cause behavioral changes, personality changes, and memory loss. This makes it much more difficult for a person to stay independent.
This is why memory care exists. This is a residential type of living that supports older adults living with dementia. Through specialized environments, experienced caregivers, and structured routines, memory care is about preserving respect and quality of life.
This peace of mind is significant for family members. It gives your loved one support in a way that makes a true difference. It’s about more than safety—memory care offers a therapeutic lifestyle that helps your loved one every single day.
Memory care provides a supportive, structured environment where your loved one can thrive. It’s an incredible way to help. No matter where your loved one is on their journey, memory care steps in to provide resources, guidance, and quality care.
Is It Time for Memory Care?
If your loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline, don’t wait for it to worsen. Instead, contact our team here at The Bridges of Warwick and let us help.
Through our Lilac Trace Memory Care lifestyle, we can give your loved one professional care in a supportive environment. We know the value of experienced support, and we’re ready to help. Reach out to our community today to schedule a visit! Together, we can find the right path forward for your loved one.
