While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are some ways to prevent or even delay the progression of dementia, but first, you have to relearn your ABCs.The Pavilion Senior Living offers memory care and other senior care services in communities throughout Tennessee. As part of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this November, we are sharing the ABCs of Alzheimer’s prevention.

A is for Awareness

Awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia has increased in recent years, but it is still important to further educate yourselves on these conditions.

Early detection and diagnosis are key in managing and potentially delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but knowing what signs, symptoms, and risk factors to look out for help in this process.

Knowing the Risk Factors

There are risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. But, as with other health conditions, some of these risk factors are out of our control, such as:

• Increasing Age – While this is the most commonly known risk factor, growing older does not automatically mean that an individual will develop Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, but “after age 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years.”
• Family History – Those who have a direct family member with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia have an increased risk of developing the disease themselves.
• Gender – According to the Alzheimer’s Society, “there are about twice as many women as men over 65 with Alzheimer’s disease.” While the exact reasoning for this is unknown, a possible explanation could be linked to the loss of the estrogen hormone after menopause.

Fortunately, there are also risk factors that can be addressed and managed, including:

• Lifestyle – The best thing a person can do to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia is to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. Getting regular physical exercise and maintaining a healthy weight go a long way in preventing and managing a variety of health concerns.
• Managing Health Conditions – High blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, and heart problems can increase an individual’s risk of developing dementia. Effectively managing these conditions can help in the prevention of developing memory-related conditions.

Knowing the Symptoms

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect each person differently, but there are signs and symptoms that signal the onset of the disease.

Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia include:

• Memory loss that impacts daily life
• Trouble planning or solving problems
• Challenges completing familiar, routine tasks
• Confusion with time or place
• Difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships
• Trouble with language: speaking and writing
• Changes in mood or personality

B is for Brain Health

Keeping your mind active and stimulated help keep your brain healthy and engaged. Staying socially active, participating in engaging activities, and eating foods that promote brain health, such as fatty fish, blueberries, broccoli, and nuts, can help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.

C is for Care

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but through compassionate Alzheimer’s care programs, you can manage the progression of the condition. If your loved one has already been diagnosed with a form of dementia, finding the right care is essential to promoting their health and wellness.

Alzheimer’s & Memory Care in Tennessee

The Pavilion Senior Living offers compassionate Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Our team members are specially trained in managing the challenges associated with these conditions. We focus on providing person-centered care to each resident and family we serve.

Our memory care neighborhoods in Lebanon and Carthage, Tennessee, provide a safe and secure environment designed to meet each residents’ needs. All of our activities encourage engagement, connection, and social wellness.

Memory care services at The Pavilion Senior Living include:

• Specialized programming
• Secure living environment
• Assistance with the activities of daily living
• Caring and supportive team members
• Medication management

The ABCs of Alzheimer’s prevention encourage you and your family to lead healthy lifestyles, understand what symptoms to watch for, and consult a healthcare professional with questions or concerns. These steps can go a long way in being proactive in preventing, delaying, or managing a dementia-related illness.

To learn more about our memory care communities in Lebanon and Carthage, Tennessee, we encourage you to contact a member of our team.