Alzheimer’s disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition most commonly characterized by memory loss. Most Americans are aware of the disease and its implications, but few are prepared to confront it within their own families. When an elderly loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is very common for their family to wonder how the condition manifested and what they can do to manage it.
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s is a condition that must be managed. It is incurable and will invariably worsen over time, eventually making even the simplest daily tasks extremely difficult to complete. It’s vital to know the various ways that Alzheimer’s may arise and what you can do to care for a loved one diagnosed with this disease. A Lakewood memory care facility can help an elderly loved one maintain the highest possible quality of life when they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Potential Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease
Despite decades of medical research, scientists still do not know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s. Some people who develop this disease will experience a sudden onset of symptoms, while others’ symptoms appear more gradually. This, unfortunately, can go overlooked by family, allowing the condition to worsen steadily with time.
This is a neurological condition that can appear with a wide variety of symptoms, the most common of which is memory impairment. The latest Alzheimer’s research has identified a few potential causes of the condition, such as:
- Genetic predisposition. While Alzheimer’s is not necessarily inherited, having a close relative with Alzheimer’s significantly increases one’s chances of being diagnosed with it themselves later in life.
- Environmental factors. Exposure to certain substances and environmental variables can increase the risk of brain tissue damage which in turn can lead to symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
- General poor health increases one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. A few of these factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
Many people believe that Alzheimer’s is inherited, and while genetic predisposition is certainly cause for concern, it is important to remember that a parent or other close relative’s diagnosis does not necessarily translate to certainty of diagnosis for yourself in the future.
When a family member has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is natural to wonder what kind of care you will be capable of providing and what type of medical intervention may be beyond your capabilities. Making the decision to arrange assisted living and memory care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a very difficult one, and it’s vital to choose a provider capable of addressing your loved one’s individual needs.
Alzheimer’s and its associated symptoms require careful and attentive daily care, monitoring of symptoms, and therapeutic treatment that can help strengthen memory as much as possible. A professional memory care facility is often capable of providing the best quality of daily life for an individual with Alzheimer’s. Rocky Mountain Assisted Living provides memory care and assisted living services to patients in Lakewood and the surrounding communities. If you have questions about a family member’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis or are struggling to meet their needs, we can help. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can provide the guidance your family requires in this challenging situation.
FAQs
Q: Is Alzheimer’s Inherited From Mother or Father?
A: Alzheimer’s does not pass from parent to child, nor is a child more likely to inherit Alzheimer’s from their mother or their father. Alzheimer’s is a very complex neurodegenerative disorder that arises from many causes. Environmental factors, diet, and many other variables are potential causes of Alzheimer’s. This condition can appear unpredictably, and it is possible for someone with no close family history of Alzheimer’s to present with the condition.
Q: What Are the Odds of Getting Alzheimer’s if Your Parent Has It?
A: If you have a parent or other close relative with Alzheimer’s, it does not necessarily mean you will definitely develop the condition as well. However, research shows that if you do have a close family member with the disease, your risk of developing it in later years increases by roughly 30%. It’s important to remember this is a very complex medical condition that can arise from various factors.
Q: What Are Three Possible Causes of Alzheimer’s?
A: There are no definitive causes of Alzheimer’s. This condition appears to develop in response to various types of changes that can occur within the brain in old age. Genetics play some role in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, along with environmental factors, lifestyle, and overall health. There is, unfortunately, no firm method of testing one’s susceptibility to Alzheimer’s, and the condition can appear seemingly without warning.
Q: What Are the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s?
A: Alzheimer’s disease is most commonly characterized by changes in memory. An individual may have trouble remembering appointments, managing basic household tasks, or forgetting directions to places they have visited frequently. More serious signs of Alzheimer’s can include forgetting the names of family or friends, becoming lost on their way to and from their home, or forgetting to take important medications.
Q: When Does an Elderly Individual Need Professional Help With Alzheimer’s?
A: Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s is a condition that can only be managed, not treated. Once Alzheimer’s has been diagnosed, the individual will inevitably experience a worsening of their symptoms. It is possible for some individuals to manage this condition with appropriate memory care and support from their family, but once the condition has reached the level of interfering with everyday function or presents a safety issue, the family of the individual should consider a professional memory care service.
Rocky Mountain Assisted Living provides compassionate and individually focused elder care in Lakewood and throughout Colorado. We know how challenging it can be to confront an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the many questions you are likely to have about your elderly loved one’s condition. If you are concerned about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and want to investigate memory care for your loved one, contact us today to learn more about the services we provide.