At Sagora Senior Living, our “resident-first” philosophy is truly our north star! Caring for seniors starts with compassion and that can be seen in many different levels of service. One form of care is through raising awareness. This month, we shed light on Alzheimer’s disease, discuss its impact on individuals and their families, and continue to normalize this topic in conversation. It’s important to focus on how seniors can be impacted by this disease and what we can do to provide caring environments that foster healthiness, safety, and a high quality of life for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it. There are a number of quick and easy ways you can educate yourself about the disease, help raise awareness, show support, and fight Alzheimer’s disease!
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, thinking and language skills, and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia itself is not a disease, but a term used to describe symptoms such as loss of memory, loss of judgment and other intellectual functions. Alzheimer’s disease can cause dementia. More than 6.2 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease.
It is important to note that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, and it is important to look for signs like these that might indicate Alzheimer’s disease versus basic forgetfulness or other conditions. With Alzheimer’s disease, these symptoms gradually increase and become more persistent.
What are the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
Although each individual is unique, experts have identified common warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, including:
- Memory loss, especially of recent events, names, places, and other new information
- Confusion about time and place
- Struggling to complete familiar tasks such as brushing one’s teeth
- Trouble finding appropriate words, for example in a sentence
- Difficulties in judging situations
- Changes in mood and personality
Raise awareness and get involved!
One of the best ways to help raise awareness is simply by sharing facts and information about Alzheimer’s disease. If you’d like to take a step further, wear teal this month as a conversation starter. Teal is the Alzheimer’s Awareness color of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). AFA uses teal because it has been shown in color psychology studies to be a calming color. This is helpful when designing and decorating spaces and events to be welcoming and comforting to those living with Alzheimer’s. So, next time you see someone dressed in teal, remember the more than 6 million people living with Alzheimer’s and the help they need.
Fight Alzheimer’s disease!
While there is not yet a cure for the disease, early detection is one of the best ways to be prepared. Memory screenings are an important part of a good health and wellness routine. Through its National Memory Screening Program, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America allows individuals to receive free, one-on-one, confidential memory screenings from a qualified professional in a virtual format using their computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can request a virtual memory screening appointment here.
Whether you are just starting out on your journey with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or have been on the journey for a while, it’s important to know that no one is alone on their journey. There are many resources available for individuals and caregivers, but the first step starts with awareness! This November, join the conversation and help heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease by showing support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it.
organizations like Sagora Senior Living play a vital role in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. With a deep commitment to memory care, Sagora is passionate about not only raising awareness about memory care needs but also providing compassionate and specialized care for those who require memory care solutions. By fostering an environment that prioritizes the well-being of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related conditions, Sagora Senior Living exemplifies the dedication needed to support and enhance the lives of those affected. Let us come together in our commitment to understanding and protecting the complex workings of the mind, fostering hope for a brighter future for all.
We are proud to play a vital role in helping seniors live longer and the best life possible. With 62 communities in 12 different states, Sagora Senior Living offers seniors the chance to live in active, social communities where they can thrive on a daily basis.
To find out more, tour your local Sagora Senior Living community!