Maybe it happens as a person nears a benchmark birthday like the Big 5 – 0. You forget something and suddenly panic, “Am I getting Alzheimer’s?”
The truth more likely is that you just forgot something. By the time you reach 50, you have accumulated a LOT of information and your brain is sifting through that huge database to recall what you want it to.
What do you know about Dementia?
What do you know about some of the more common forms of dementia? Let’s look at some of the various dementia forms that might require a person to be moved to a nursing home Victoria:
Alzheimer’s is considered one of the most common forms of dementia, affecting as many as 60 to 80 percent of dementia patients. Alzheimer’s is now considered to have three stages and begins long before the development of symptoms.
The brain changes are believed to be caused by deposits of protein plaques and tangles, nerve cell damage, and death in the brain. Apathy and depression may be evident in the early stages. As it progresses, patients experience increased difficulty in remembering recent conversations, details, events, and names. Over time, communication and judgment diminish, confusion and behavior changes progress.
Vascular dementia is another disease that may require a person to be moved to one of the care homes Victoria. About 10 percent of dementia cases are related to vascular dementia. Vascular dementia can be caused by brain injuries, including microscopic bleeding, and blood vessel blockage.
It affects patients’ ability to plan or organize, make decisions. The location and extent of the damage can determine the thinking and physical functioning of a patient.
Parkinson’s often results in progressive dementia. It is thought to be caused by a degeneration of the nerves that produce dopamine.
Patients with Parkinson’s develop tremors and movement problems. The disease can progress to dementia-related conditions including sleep disturbances, increased muscle rigidity, and hallucinations.
Caring for Dementia
There may come a time when it is no longer possible for a loved one with dementia to remain in his or her home. The challenge of finding an appropriate memory care center often falls upon the patient’s family.
Nursing home Victoria memory centers offer programs and facilities specifically for the care of dementia patients. When searching for one of these communities, it helps to:
- Have a clear understanding of the loved one’s form of dementia
- Know the patient’s current stage of dementia and recommended treatment
- Have a fairly clear understanding of disease progression for the patient’s form of dementia.
When meeting with representatives of care homes Victoria, ask what forms of dementia care each center provides and what types of dementia patients currently reside in their community. Schedule a meeting to discuss your loved one’s condition and needs, and to tour the facility.
With careful preparation and diligent searching you may find the memory care community that will provide tender, loving and appropriate care your loved one needs.