Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that can damage certain areas of the brain. While there is currently no permanent cure for Alzheimer’s, doctors can slow the progression of this disease by alleviating many symptoms.

Aging adults with Alzheimer’s often receive assistance from friends or family members. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Burlington, Vermont, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.

Here is a closer look at eight Alzheimer’s facts and figures all seniors and their caregivers should know about. 

1. Alzheimer’s Is Difficult to Diagnose

Accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be both challenging and expensive. The PET scan is one of the most accurate ways to diagnose this disease, but it is cost-prohibitive for many people. In the near future, doctors might be able to carry out blood tests to look for common warning signs of Alzheimer’s such as low levels of plasmalogen.

2. It Often Co-Occurs with Other Diseases

Alzheimer’s disease is closely tied to many other ailments, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Some researchers believe poor cardiovascular health accelerates the progression of Alzheimer’s and amplifies the symptoms. These secondary health complications must be taken into consideration when caregivers are devising a long-term treatment plan. 

3. More Than Half of Adults Over Age 85 Have Alzheimer’s

One of the most staggering facts about Alzheimer’s is that the majority of seniors over the age of 85 currently live with this disease. For many years, doctors believed most memory issues and personality changes were associated with aging. Those symptoms are now being attributed to Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related disorders. 

4. Some Risk Factors Can’t Be Modified

The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s is an individual’s age. After the age of 50, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years. Some of the other risk factors include genetics, medical history, and sex. 

5. Some Risk Factors Can Be Modified

There is no cure for this disease, but seniors can reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s by making some lifestyle changes. Aging adults who stay within a healthy weight range and keep their cholesterol at an acceptable level have much lower rates of Alzheimer’s. Doctors have also discovered that challenging cognitive abilities can decrease the rate of memory loss and reduce other symptoms. 

Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who do not have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. For trusted Burlington Alzheimer’s care, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives.

6. Younger Adults Can Experience Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Around 5 percent of all people with Alzheimer’s have an early-onset, which means they might experience some of the symptoms in their 30s and 40s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is different than other forms of dementia, and most researchers consider it a genetic disease. 

7. Approximately 15 Percent of Seniors with Alzheimer’s Live Alone

As the disease progresses, living alone can be dangerous. Seniors with Alzheimer’s are at a greater risk of accidents that can cause serious injuries. They should be under supervision when their condition begins to impact their cognitive abilities. 

8. Alzheimer’s Can Affect Family Members and Caregivers

Caring for a senior who has Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful at times. Family members and professional caregivers might experience anxiety, social isolation, and depression. To properly care for your loved one, you must continue to care for yourself as well, which includes eating healthy, exercising, and setting aside time for yourself.

There are a variety of reasons family caregivers should consider respite care. Burlington, VT, families often have additional responsibilities that make it more challenging to provide the care their senior loved ones need and deserve. A professional respite caregiver can take over your important caregiving duties, allowing you more time to focus on yourself. Whether your loved one requires assistance with day-to-day activities or you need a break from your caregiving duties, give Home Care Assistance a call at [hca_phone] today.

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