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5.8 million Americans already have Alzheimer’s disease and that number is expected to reach nearly 14 million by 2050. This year alone, at least 500,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and that number will continue to skyrocket unless actions will be taken now.

For researchers, the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease gives way for prompt treatment through Alzheimer’s care facilities to give patients a better prognosis and quality of life. But how exactly can this dreaded disease be detected before it’s too late?

Brain Imaging

One of the cornerstones of early Alzheimer’s detection today is neuroimaging, which includes computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

These scans offer an image showing the brain tissue’s volume, shape, and position to hopefully determine the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

The more advanced molecular imaging procedures are also now available to detect any changes or abnormalities within the cellular and chemical components of the brain. They include single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and PET scans.

Biological Markers

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease these days relies on detecting signs and symptoms of mental decline, which happens only during the later stages of the disease when brain damage is already severe and the need to go to Alzheimer’s care facilities is already inevitable.

But experts are now looking into biological markers or “biomarkers” as one of the most promising ways to detect the presence of Alzheimer’s disease during its early stages.

A biomarker is similar to let’s say, fasting blood glucose, which at a certain level indicated diabetes. Several biomarkers are now being studied by researchers to help indicate the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Beta-amyloid and tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) together with brain changes seen in neuroimaging can indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s.

Although there are still no validated biomarkers for the disease, researchers are looking into several possible indicators including blood and urine tests, genetic risk profiling and proteins in CSF.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Over the last few years, researchers have found that individuals with MCI are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. This is why research has been focused on the potential of using MCI as one of the determinants of early-stage Alzheimer’s.

Patients suffering from MCI may experience memory problems and other issues with mental function, but not all of them will progress to Alzheimer’s.

This is why researchers are trying to find ways to identify the potential of an MCI developing into Alzheimer’s disease through further testing.

Takeaway

An American develops Alzheimer’s disease every 65 seconds and more people are getting into Alzheimer’s care facilities to be given the proper care and guidance as they battle this disease.

With the aging population outnumbering the younger ones soon enough, they need to diagnose Alzheimer’s early has never been more crucial.

We can only hope that researchers will somehow find ways to help patients live a better life through early detection in the coming years.

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Moving into assisted living facilities is not only stressful for you but also to your pocket. Because no matter how affordable the costs are, there are hidden fees that could add up.

To avoid such a stressful situation, you should be aware of the hidden fees and charges of assisted living. The more you know, the fewer surprises you’ll have to deal with financially.

This article is designed to educate seniors in need of nursing care and their families about the financial requirements of assisted living. Knowing the potential costs will help you make an informed decision before you commit to a facility.

Assisted Living Facilities Services and Costs

Hygiene

You know that laundry services are not always free. What you may not know is that dressing and undressing come with a fee as well. The same is true with bathing and bathroom/incontinence care.

Hidden costs may vary from one facility to another, so it is important to know how much things like these cost:

• dressing/morning hygiene
• undressing/evening hygiene
• Incontinence Care
• Stand-by during 7 showers a week

Medical

Have you ever wondered what’s included in the health care costs in your bill?

What you should be asking about are the services you are receiving. Also, which costs are added on top of the fees of major medical expenses. These are:

• Health training before moving into assisted living facilities
• An on-site doctor or pharmacy access
• Management of medication
• Treatment for temporary illness or wounds
• Monitoring of blood pressure and or blood glucose
• Insulin injections

If you happen to be diabetic, expect to pay hidden medical costs.

Mobility and some Forms of Assistance

Nearly every form of help that you receive from staff, comes with a price.

Did you know that some facilities will charge when they escort you to and from the activity center or the dining room? The same is true for the following:

• Reminding you to take your medication, to go to the bathroom every few hours, or to get therapy.
• Checking in on you at regular intervals
• Transporting you to the doctor’s office, area shops, and other places
• Admission or discharge
• Your use of telephone and/or on-site gym or spa
• Some facilities even include deep-cleaning charges

How much to Expect in Hidden Charges?

When added up, hidden costs can range from $3,500 to $4000 on top of the basic accommodation rental and services. If you need a great deal of assistance, expect the numbers to increase too.

In memory care facilities, fees for personalized care is often all-inclusive since the expectation is that you’ll need 24-hour assistance and monitoring.

Make sure to always check your bill. If you see any prepaid services that you did not use, make sure to ask for a refund. Before you do, however, check any related policies. The hidden cost of your discharge, for example, could be outlined in a facility’s discharge policies as non-refundable.

Ask the right questions when comparing assisted living facilities so you can make the right choice without burning a hole in your pocket.

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

Growing old is an inevitable part of life. In fact, the elderly will make up 24% of the American population by 2060 and this means that more people will be in need of elderly care like assisted living facilities.

The decision to move to assisted living may be difficult, especially because it means that you’ll have to leave your home. But there are good reasons it makes more sense to move to this community during your senior years:

You get to Stay Active

It’s so easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle if you’re living at home since you don’t have to go to work and your movement may be limited by your health condition. But staying active is more important when you’re older because it helps keep your muscles toned, your bones strong and your circulation going, which in turn promotes wellness.

Assisted living communities often offer different fitness and physical therapy programs that help you do just that. You can enroll in Zumba or yoga classes, work with a physical therapist or join exercise groups where you can get moving with people your age.

You get to Live Safely

With falls taking up to 25% of all hospital admissions and 40% of nursing home admissions in the elderly, living at home may not be the safe place that it used to be now that you’re older. Assisted living facilities, however, are designed with your safety and comfort in mind with all measures taken to protect you from falls and accidents. You also have easy access to a medical facility in case you get into an accident so you can be attended to immediately.

You get to be Assisted with your Daily Activities

At some point, your health condition may make it difficult for you to perform activities of daily living and chores at home. You may realize that even tasks that you’re used to doing may already take longer than usual or you don’t have the energy to do them anymore.

This is when it really counts to move into a facility where you still have the freedom to enjoy your life while having a team to assist you with daily tasks and take care of difficult jobs for you. You are still in full control of your daily life but you will have help whenever you need it.

You get to Enjoy Good Food

When you have too many restrictions because of your health condition, eating can sometimes be more of a chore rather than enjoyable time, especially when all you eat is bland, unappealing food. But when you live in an assisted living facility, you get to enjoy well-prepared meals that still meet all your nutritional requirements and stick to your restrictions but are still good enough to enjoy.

Growing old doesn’t have to mean sitting on your porch and looking out remembering the days when you were younger. Even if you’re more than 65 years old, you can still be active, social and happy with the right place to live in.

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

According to the World Health Organization, there are at least 47 million people around the world living with dementia. But what’s more alarming is that this number is projected to increase to 75 million by 2030. This is why memory care has never been so important and it all begins with a proper understanding of what exactly dementia is and what can be done to take care of a loved one who is affected by it.

Dementia is a syndrome, not a disease

Contrary to what most people believe, dementia is not a disease but a progressive syndrome caused by different brain illnesses affecting thinking, memory, behavior and the ability to perform activities of daily living. While dementia can affect anyone, it’s most prevalent among the elderly who need memory care the most, but it is not a part of aging.

Changed behavior is one of the biggest challenges in dementia

Dementia is overwhelming not only for the person affected but for the caregiver too. This is mostly due to a change in behavior that can be the most difficult to accept and can hinder memory care. But the most important thing to remember is that while you cannot control changed behavior since it is part of the condition, you can make adjustments to how you deal with your loved one so you can still ensure a good relationship with them and maintain their quality of life.

One of the best ways to come to terms with changed behavior is to have a strong support system like other family members and friends. You should also talk with a doctor about it because behavioral problems may be a sign of an underlying medical condition or it could be an adverse reaction to a medication.

Dementia is not just about memory loss

While most of us think that having dementia only means losing one’s memory, it can also affect a patient in other ways. Someone with dementia may have hallucinations or delusions, disorientation, behavioral changes, poor communication, and even unusual cravings.

Every dementia patient is different, which is why it’s very important to consult a doctor the moment you notice any changes in your loved one.

It is possible to live a happy life with someone who has dementia

There are many people around the world with dementia who are still enjoying a good life with their families, and you can do the same with a little bit of patience, creativity and a whole lot of love. Proper communication is key in memory care and you can start by understanding what your loved one’s needs are. Use simple words and sentences, make sure that there are no distractions around when you’re trying to communicate with your loved one and listen more than you talk.

The takeaway

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a long journey. You will need time to accept the fact that the person you love may not be the same anymore and that you will need to take them to a nursing home so they can get the best care possible. But with the right understanding of this condition and a strong support system, you can definitely get through this journey with your loved one.

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper

People grow old – that’s a fact. We tend to forget things as we grow old – not necessarily. Even someone as young as twenty can start forgetting about things. It’s this line of thinking – that forgetting comes with age – can be quite damaging when trying to determine diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Before looking into Alzheimer’s care facilities, it’s important to consider the misconceptions of Alzheimer’s and dementia to better inform any future decisions.

Alzheimer’s Misconceptions 

Many people have long held this belief that forgetfulness comes with aging. Since Alzheimer’s affects the senior population and has to do with memory loss, many seem to think one will eventually to the other. However, that line of thinking really should change.

Yes, being old is the biggest risk of developing dementia, with Alzheimer’s being one of the kinds that can develop. However, Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect someone who is old. The disease has affected patients as young as forty.

People need to be more aware that Alzheimer’s is caused by damage to the brain, which can affect a lot of things, including a person’s memory. It’s also a disease that gets worse as time goes by. The early stages can be manageable, with a patient suffering from lapses in memory. However, the condition gets progressively worse over time. In such times, families can look to help Alzheimer’s care facilities with memory care services for assistance.

Another of the biggest misconceptions about Alzheimer’s is that it cannot be treated. This isn’t completely accurate, especially considering the advances made in this age. Yes, the disease continues to have no cure, but those who suffer from it can take medications to help deal with its associated symptoms.

The Dangers of Not Correcting Misconceptions

Accepting what you hear from others as fact without verifying with people with actual knowledge of the situation does a lot of harm. It doesn’t take long for you to type out a few words on a search engine to get the answers you want.

The whole point of mentioning that is this: many people will cling to a “fact” long after new evidence has proved that it isn’t the case anymore. A lot of things have changed in this world over the years. For a certain generation, Pluto used to be a planet but that isn’t the case anymore.

You owe it to your loved ones to know what Alzheimer’s disease truly is. When they start exhibiting symptoms like memory loss, don’t dismiss that immediately as having to do with them getting old. More frequent episodes of forgetting can point to something much worse than losing one’s memory as one gets older. When that happens, there are Alzheimer’s care facilities that can help you out.

The same goes for treating Alzheimer’s. You are not left alone to deal with a loved one who is exhibiting symptoms. You can always turn to medication that can lessen the impact of symptoms. However, Alzheimer’s disease still remains without a cure.

Educating yourself about Alzheimer’s disease can make a difference. It’s easy to believe what others say but searching the truth for yourself can be of great benefit to you and your loved ones.

Fallbrook Assisted Living is proud to offer its services to Fremont, NE, and surrounding areas and cities: Arlington, Cedar Bluffs, Ames Nickerson, Fontanelle, Arlington, Leshara, Colon, and Hooper