When Alzheimers Affects Your Loved One

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Oasis Senior Advisors - Northern Colorado

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Sep 16, 2020

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Colorado - Northern Colorado

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Understanding the challenges, diagnosis and options available
Alzheimer's disease can be one of the most emotional and devastating diagnoses that effects an individual and their family. As a progressive brain disorder, the disease depletes memory and thinking skills, making even daily life tasks difficult. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5 million Americans may have some form of Alzheimers. It is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Although extensive global research continues to explore the causes and treatments, unfortunately no cure currently exists.
Alzheimers disease damages the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls the formation of memories. Vital nerve cell connections to the brain also begin to deplete which prevent the brain from sending messages to the body's muscles and organs. Over time, as nerve cells perish, other parts of the brain are altered.
Simple activities like preparing a small meal, spending time outdoors or driving a car become more difficult for your loved one. As the disease progresses, your loved one can get lost easily, misplace items and even become confused doing the most basic of tasks. As the disease advances, some personalities can develop into a worried, angry, or even violent state.
Treatments for Alzheimers disease can include a variety of options and modalities. Working with professionals such as an Occupational Therapist, Neurologist and Geriatrician can help greatly. Cognition-enhancing medication can also prove helpful for some people. Research that is helping loved ones and caregivers establish a better quality of life with Alzheimers disease is on-going but keeping your loved one safe is often the greatest challenge.
Oasis Senior Advisors of Northern Colorado can provide you with support and guidance when you feel its time for your loved one to move to a memory care or assisted living community. We offer many free resources so you can feel confident in your senior housing selection. To learn more, Visit Us or call 970-218-5982.

Editors Note: This article was submitted by Stacy Wagner, Senior Living Advisor with Oasis Senior Advisors Northern Colorado. She may be reached at 970-218-5982 or by email at: swagner@youroasisadvisor.com

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Oasis Senior Advisors

Housing Placement & Resource Specialists , , Colorado, 00000

Oasis Senior Advisors help you find the right place. When you or your loved one begins searching for living arrangements suited to your care needs, the process can quickly become intimidating. Oasis Senior Advisors offers free, community-based referral senior housing assistance to aid in finding a place just right for you or your loved one. Using our knowledge of local resources and our proprietary OasisIQ software, we work with you and your family to help match you with the senior living options that suit your needs and preferences. Our personal one-on-one approach allows us to advise seniors and their families with compassion and informed data based on lifestyle, location, finances, health conditions, and more.