Memory loss is in the news again lately, with the announcement by Hollywood actor Chris Hemingsworth, otherwise known as “Thor” in the Marvel Universe, that he will take a break from acting to spend more time with his family. The announcement comes after Chris received results of genetic testing that revealed he has a particular hereditary gene combination that makes him 8 to 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Chris wasn’t entirely surprised as his father already suffers from the disease. Despite the news, Chris is determined to stay in shape and avail himself of all the knowledge medical science has to offer, with regard to preventing or postponing the disease. It’s a stark reminder that many things contribute to cognitive impairment and that aging is not always the cause of an impaired memory. It may be time to gain a better understanding of memory loss disorders, especially, if you have a senior loved one who is contemplating the move into a professional memory care facility. Our advanced memory care team in Morris County has put together some important things to understand about the causes, signs and ways to avoid memory loss. Memory disorder causes A general decline in cognitive and neural function as we get older is normal. This is because as the brain ages, it produces fewer neurotransmitters. Also, the hippocampus which aids in the memory process, also begins to deteriorate over time. These changes in the aging brain are very gradual, so we may not notice we’re having problems with memory or our ability to think until much later in life. However, aging is not always the cause of impaired memory. Memory disorders and memory loss can also be triggered by high blood pressure, sleep deprivation, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, substance abuse, medication, head injury, stroke, depression and stress. The good news is that a memory disorder caused by these factors can be remediated and the symptoms managed until memory function is almost fully restored. Signs of Memory Loss It’s important to be aware of the most common signs of memory loss in your loved one, especially as they often cause complications to their daily routines. If your loved one is frequently experiencing a number of the signs listed below, please don’t hesitate to have them professionally evaluated and diagnosed.
Avoiding memory disorders Being mindful of these particular triggers can help you avoid or restore memory loss that stems from these factors. For example:
Professional Memory Care in Morris County At Lester Senior Living, we put safety and individualized care at the forefront of everything we do. Our dedicated memory caregivers understand that memory disorders—like the seniors who suffer from them—are all unique. This is why our Memory Care Suite provides an individualized approach to each residents’ memory care, based on the Comfort Matters® philosophy of holistic dementia care. Our memory care providers focus on each resident’s particular needs at all times, to help them foster more meaningful connections with family and friends. With this care method in place, along with dementia-safe living spaces, each memory care resident can experience a better quality of life here at Lester Senior Living. To learn more about our professional memory care in Morris County, please visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on- https://jchcorp.org/understanding-causes-signs-and-ways-to-avoid-memory-loss/
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Let us paint a familiar picture for you. You’re watching your favorite show on Netflix when suddenly you remember that you left your drink in the kitchen. Naturally, you pause the show and make your way there. However, once you get to the kitchen – you completely forget why you decided to go there in the first place. This has happened to everyone at least once and is usually not a cause of grave concern. Everyone experiences a “senior moment” once in a while. It’s normal to forget why you came into a room, where you left your keys, or someone’s name here and there. Especially if you’re having a bad week.
However, if you are noticing more serious memory loss or perhaps the early signs of dementia in your loved one, it can be concerning for everyone involved. If you are starting to wonder whether your mom or dad are in need of memory care, our experts at JCHC put together a list of tell-tale signs to look for. Major changes in daily behavior. Like we mentioned above, this is more than the occasional brain freeze. The changes in your loved one’s behavior should be very dramatic and indicative that they are not themselves. For example, your mom starts declining invitations to go out and becomes very withdrawn, when she is usually a social butterfly. Other common behavioral changes that are linked to memory disorders are feeling very anxious and becoming easily irritated. Unhealthy living conditions. Upkeep is a normal part of life, and a part that requires a sound memory. If you start to notice your loved one is letting trash pile up, forgetting to pay the bills, not remembering to shower or brush their teeth – these are signs that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Forgetting regular hygiene and home maintenance is unhealthy and is indicative that your loved one needs assistance on a daily basis. Unsafe home environment. A tell-tale sign of dementia that you’ve probably heard of is wandering. This can become especially dangerous if your loved one lives home alone. If your loved one has wandered away from their home and has gotten lost, this is a sign that they are no longer safe living alone. Incontinence. This can become a very unsanitary problem for your loved one, even if they have a sole caregiver. Incontinence is a huge task to take on alone. If your loved one is at the point where they are not remembering to go to the bathroom, they require the help of trained staff in a memory care unit. The main caregiver is overwhelmed. As mentioned above, there are behavioral and other health changes that develop when a loved one is battling a memory disorder. Often, these issues can become too overwhelming for one caregiver to take on. Especially if the caregiver has a family and career of their own to worry about. If your senior parent’s needs are becoming too much to handle, it’s time to consider the professional support of a memory care facility. Advanced Memory Care in Morris County, NJ At Lester Senior Living, seniors in the memory care unit keep both their minds and bodies active with our specialized care. They listen to music, do arts and crafts, and engage in cognitive exercises with other memory care residents, like Scrabble and Bridge. Our caregivers understand the challenges that come with memory disorders and treat each resident in a comforting environment where their care needs are addressed at all times. For more information about professional memory care in Morris County, New Jersey, contact us today for visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org/ The original blog is posted on: https://jchcorp.org/5-signs-your-senior-parent-needs-memory-care/ |
AuthorWe offer seniors a range of options in terms of housing, services, amenities, location and cost, all within the Jewish tradition: independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite, affordable housing, enriching programs, and on-site services for our residents, many of whom have special needs. Archives
May 2023
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