Memory Care in Gastonia, NC: When Familiar Tasks Start to Feel Unfamiliar
Understanding the memory care Gastonia, NC offers should begin with the first early dementia signs. When memory loss and daily tasks begin to take a toll, family members and loved ones must act to ensure safety and security.
Are you prepared for cognitive decline? According to Columbia University Irving Medical Center, about 10% of US adults aged 65 or older have dementia symptoms. Another 22% have mild cognitive impairments, bringing us to nearly a third of all adults.
Gastonia is a great city to seek treatment and memory care. You'll enrich your golden years with our local history, natural beauty, and more. Whether you're here for Crowders Mountain or the Rankin Lake Park, there's something for everyone.
How can you understand the Alzheimer's care Gastonia, NC offers? If you're curious about early dementia signs, we're here to help. Read on to learn more about supportive cognitive routines and when it's time to act.
What Is Dementia?
We hear about dementia frequently, but what is dementia in definition? It may surprise you to learn that dementia isn't one single condition.
Rather, dementia is a blanket term for a variety of cognitive and memory-based ailments that become more common as we age. The Alzheimer's Association defines dementia as a general term for a loss of memory, problem-solving, language, and other cognitive abilities.
Specifically, the loss must be severe enough to interfere with your daily life. Struggling to focus may be a sign, but it isn't dementia in and of itself, for example.
Early Warning Signs
How do you know the difference between standard cognitive decline and an early warning sign of dementia? Many of these signs are identical, making it difficult to tell them apart.
It's important to note that these signs affect function, safety, and routine. A temporary memory slip is unlikely to be a sign of dementia. Or rather, it may be, but it's such a broad symptom that there's no reason to assume the worst.
Repeated Questions
One of the most common early dementia signs you may notice is repeatedly asking the same question. That isn't to say that struggling to remember every detail is a sign, of course.
Rather, if someone is repeatedly asking the same simple question, it may mean forgetfulness has begun to set in. Some common examples include:
- Constantly forgetting names
- Repeatedly forgetting appointments
- Failing to remember a task list
- Needing constant reminders to complete a task
Struggling to remember these basics may mean that there's more at play.
Getting Lost
Along with forgetting answers to questions is forgetting directions. That's especially the case for seniors who have lived in the same community for a long period of time.
Morningside Memory Care specializes in ensuring our seniors live in a safe, comfortable area. That way, even getting lost is a less intense threat than it would be in a standard neighborhood or community. We're proud to offer the best memory care in Gastonia, NC.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a style of senior assisted living that focuses on providing greater day-to-day assistance. That may include daily task assistance or physical care. In some cases, pre-planned social activities will also help with dementia symptoms.
Memory care is set to not only improve a senior's health but also to ensure their longevity. Mostly, this comes from keeping a set schedule to help the mind with a steady routine.
Another great focus is on safety. Many seniors experiencing dementia symptoms may pose a danger to themselves and others. You should always look into the comprehensive amenities a community offers and how they focus on safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Dementia Take to Worsen?
Unfortunately, this isn't something that anyone can say for certain. The individual patient will have their own experience that isn't necessarily applicable to other patients.
For example, the health and age of the patient have significant impacts on how long it will take for dementia to "fully" set in. A healthy diet can help to ensure that your senior's symptoms are kept at bay, as will continuous exercise.
Other external factors may impact your cognitive decline as well. Recent surgeries or injuries can leave your body in a worse state to fend off the issues, for example.
According to Healthline, dementia can take about 5 to 8 years in the average senior. Typically, dementia symptoms persist until the end of life.
What Are the Stages of Dementia?
Dementia progresses over three stages, which are as follows.
The early stage of dementia lasts around two years, with some variance. The early stage is often where you'll spot the first, relatively minor symptoms
The second stage takes the longest, lasting between two to four years on average. The middle stage is often when seniors need daily support and experience forgetfulness and behavioral changes. While some seniors with mild symptoms may maintain independence, this isn't commonplace.
Late-stage dementia has severe symptoms that often persist. These seniors often need full-time assistance and will struggle to communicate, recognize faces, and will often lose many physical abilities.
Is Dementia Fatal?
Since dementia is not a condition and is instead a collection of similar symptoms, it isn't accurate to call dementia fatal. However, dementia often persists through the rest of a senior's life.
Dementia's physical symptoms often have significant impacts on a senior's health as well. Because of this, while dementia itself isn't fatal, the condition may be.
Understanding the Memory Care Gastonia, NC, Offers
Planning for our golden years means having a plan for the memory care Gastonia, NC offers to our seniors. Understand when forgetfulness and cognitive decline transition from standard aging to a common dementia symptom. Have a plan established, ensure safety above all else, and keep your head above water during this transition.
Here at Morningside of Gastonia, we're proud to offer our support during these trying times. Our community is full of exclusive lifestyle programs to enhance your convenience, safety, and overall well-being, including planned events, chef-prepared meals, and a focus on health and wellness. Contact us today to see how we can help your golden years shine.