We know that assisted living is necessary for a variety of reasons, any of which result in loss of independence.  One of the reasons someone might benefit from assisted living is because they are suffering from a dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s disease.  When the dementia is advanced, there may be a time when a memory care unit is the assisted living housing option best suited to meet the significant needs.

Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for about 75 percent of the cases of dementia, is on the national news.  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “about 200,000 Americans younger than 65 are among the 5.4 million Americans with the disease” and they estimate about the same statistics for those with other types of dementia.  This means about one half million Americans, some as young as in their 20s, have early-onset or younger-onset dementia.

Every 72 seconds, a new case of Alzheimer’s is diagnosed in the United States.  That number is high because there are so many aging baby boomers.  There is no evidence of an increasing rate of diagnoses in those persons younger than 65.  While younger adults are interested in whether those memory lapses might be due to an early-onset dementia and are getting tested in an effort to start treatment early, statistics are showing that their concern is usually unfounded.

By early identification of those at most risk, it is the goal of researchers to learn which lifestyle changes or medications can slow down or even reverse the progression of the disease.

Statistics show that after age 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years.  By age 85 or over, up to 40 percent of Americans may be suffering from some stage of Alzheimer’s.  Researchers are making advances in their knowledge of the disease and are making strides toward better diagnosing, treatment and prevention.

Memory lapses are a normal part of aging.  But, if you notice that a family member has “lost the ability to recall or even learn new things, then it’s worth discussing the problem” with their physician.  They can help determine whether these changes are “a part of normal aging, another medical condition,” medication management, stress or grieving, or possibility the first signs of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s.

If you have a family member who is having difficulty maintaining their normal daily routines in caring for themselves, whether it is due to dementia or some other diagnosis, there are options that can be of benefit.  Being able to distinguish the level of need and the county resources available is an important part of what we do here at A Caring Heart.