When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it helps to seek professional care, like that offered by a memory care community. Dementia can be a complex condition, affecting everything from a person’s memory to their behavior. It’s perfectly natural to want to learn more about it—by learning the signs, symptoms, and more, you can make an informed decision about when it’s time for memory care.
Dementia usually first sets in near or after the age of 65. However, in some cases, dementia can develop as early as the age of 30—this is extremely rare and referred to as “young-onset dementia.” Dementia typically first shows itself with symptoms like memory loss, common forgetfulness, or mild personality changes before progressing to further symptoms.
What Is Dementia?
When thinking of dementia, many people think about forgetfulness and memory loss. However, dementia is more complicated. Rather than being a specific disease, it’s an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of conditions and symptoms related to neurodegeneration—damage to the cells in the brain.
Dementia can be broken down into 2 simple categories: late-onset dementia and young-onset dementia. Late-onset dementia is significantly more common and develops near or after the age of 65. Meanwhile, young-onset dementia—which is much rarer—is used to describe dementia that develops before the age of 65.
The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for an estimated 60–80% of all cases. There are other types as well, including:
- Lewy body dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia, where several types develop simultaneously
Regardless of the specific type, this progressive condition often causes symptoms that can get worse over time, including constant forgetfulness or personality changes. This is why it’s essential to learn the signs and symptoms that a loved one is developing dementia so you can offer the right kind of support when they may need it.
What Are the Signs of Dementia?
Dementia symptoms can vary depending on the cause—each type can cause slightly different effects in a person. However, some common signs of dementia include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty with planning or solving problems
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual cues
- Problems with communication
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Because dementia is progressive, these symptoms can become worse. If your loved one is beginning to experience them, it may be time to consider a move to memory care.
What Is Memory Care?
Due to how dementia can affect the mind, it can be difficult to support a loved one alone. This is why memory care exists.
Memory care is a form of senior living specifically designed to support older adults living with dementia. In memory care, your loved one is supported by a team of trained and dedicated caregivers with the right training and knowledge to help people experiencing dementia.
These communities are designed to provide a structured and comfortable environment where your loved one can get the care they need and enjoy life. The environment is designed to be easy to navigate, safe, and secure to help you and your loved one live without concerns about their well-being.
Meanwhile, those in memory care can gain access to a wide series of services and amenities tailored towards improving their quality of life. From therapy programs to fitness programs and thoughtful dining experiences to personalized care, memory care offers an environment where your loved one can thrive.
How Memory Care Can Help Your Loved One
So how does memory care help, exactly? Rather than just providing an environment to live in, memory care communities offer a true home that caters to your loved one’s needs.
Here at The Legacy at Falcon Point, we use a unique approach through our Connections program. Through this program, we offer:
- Choice-based living to promote your loved one’s independence and empower them in their day-to-day life.
- Chef-prepared meals and a thoughtful dining experience designed to be nutritious and delicious.
- An innovative environment that uses modern technology to improve the levels of care we can offer.
- Engaging experiences through our programs, amenities, and services.
- Collaborative support between caregivers, healthcare professionals, and family members to develop a personal care plan for your loved one.
With our approach, we can create a customized care plan for your loved one. We want to offer more than a place to stay—so your loved one can feel like they have truly come home.
Learn More About Memory Care in Katy, TX
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, contact our team at The Legacy at Falcon Point. We can offer the right kind of care to help your loved one maintain a high quality of life in an environment designed to cater to their needs.
Our team is here for you and your family. Book a tour with us today!