Showing posts with label Memory Support. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memory Support. Show all posts

Thursday, 6 January 2022

Not all Memory Care Programs are Created Equal

https://umcommunities.org/memory-support/not-all-memory-care-programs-are-created-equal/


If you have a senior loved one who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, finding the best memory care program for them is undoubtedly your top priority. Researching memory care communities can be overwhelming because many of them will claim to be the best of the best, but how do you cut through the jargon to find out which memory care program actually delivers on their promises?

At UMC, our Tapestries memory care program is state-of-the-art. Every facet of our program is designed to support seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Here’s what you can expect to find when you and your loved one visit one of our full-service communities:

  • Care guides everything we do, bringing peace of mind to the resident, the caregivers, and their families. We believe in emphasizing the cognitive strengths of each of our residents, and our philosophy means our first priority is providing compassionate care. All of our residents are monitored around the clock by specially trained staff to ensure their needs are met and supported at all times.
  • Life doesn’t stop when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, which is why we pride ourselves on maintaining a thriving, active community. Our residents are encouraged to pursue their hobbies and interests, and to continue living a full life. 

Perhaps you’d like to try out some new fun activities with your senior loved one in the new year. Below are some of our favorite activities for people with Alzheimer’s that help keep their brains active, and we hope you enjoy them together!

Sing or play music.

Many people with Alzheimer’s are able to recall song lyrics from their youth, much to the pleasant surprise of their families! Put on an album they loved from decades past, and think about scheduling a weekly family music night where you listen to music and sing along together. 

Work on puzzles.

Puzzles are a lot of fun for people of all ages, and you can choose the level of difficulty to start with. Reassure your loved one that they can take their time, there is no rush, and work on the puzzle all together as a group. Finishing a big puzzle provides a profound sense of accomplishment and gets those essential cognitive juices flowing. 

Do something artistic.

Crafting, painting, sculpting, drawing – the possibilities are endless! Whether your family is artistically inclined or you need a “paint by the number” kit, having an arts and crafts night is a fun way for your loved one to express themselves and bond with each member of the family. 

Sort different objects.

Whether it’s a box of clothes, colorful beads, coins, or something else, people with Alzheimer’s enjoy sorting objects because it provides them with a sense of calm and being in control. We’ve all got boxes of stuff lying around that we need to sort and organize, so this activity really benefits everyone involved. 

Make a scrapbook.

If your loved one has trouble recalling faces and names, a scrapbook is a great way to help them look back and remember their family. They can keep the scrapbook in their room, or perhaps make a scrapbook poster and hang it on their wall, so they can look at it on a daily basis. 

Here at UMC, our Tapestries memory care program is specifically designed to support seniors with Alzheimer’s. Our experienced memory caregivers are available on-site 24/7 to assist your loved one with medication management, dressing, bathing, feeding and any other personal care services they may need. They also are there to encourage your loved one to participate in group activities and engage in cognitive exercises to help preserve and weave together their memories.

If you have any questions or you’d like more information, please contact a member of our team today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/alzheimers-memory-care/

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/memory-support/not-all-memory-care-programs-are-created-equal/

Friday, 17 September 2021

Understanding Dementia Behaviors

 

https://umcommunities.org/memory-support/understanding-dementia-behaviors/

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the diagnosis affects the person’s entire family. As the caregiver for someone with dementia, you’ve likely experienced the frustration and difficulty that so commonly accompanies this condition. You may have also found yourself feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you’re doing the right thing. 

The team at our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) have extensive experience caring for people with dementia. Our Tapestries memory care neighborhood is specially designed to ensure that residents with dementia have access to the care and social interaction they need, while being as comfortable as possible. We’ve put together a list of common behaviors you may encounter while caring for your loved one with dementia, in hopes that it might make your caregiving experience a little easier.

Wandering

People with dementia often wander. It can seem as if they’re looking for something, but they aren’t able to recall what it is they’re looking for or how they got where they are. When people wander they are often trying to fulfill a need: they may be hungry, they may need a glass of water, or they may need to use the bathroom, but they’re unable to express their needs.

When you’re caring for a loved one at home, wandering can be scary, especially if they wander out the front door. We recommend installing a home security system, door sensors, or even child-proof covers over doorknobs to keep everyone safe. 

If your loved one is mobile, taking daily walks together can help reduce their feeling of restlessness.

Loss of bladder and bowel control

As your loved one’s dementia progresses, they’re likely to experience incontinence. It may happen because they can’t find the bathroom in time, or it may happen because they forget they need to go. Incontinence can make your loved one feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, but assure them that there’s nothing to worry about. We recommend establishing a daily bathroom routine to help them remember, and using adult incontinence pads in case of emergencies. Also, be conscious of when and how much water your loved one drinks. For example, you don’t want them to drink water excessively right before bed time.

Agitation and frustration

Imagine how frustrating it would be if you couldn’t rely on your own memory, or if you found yourself unable to remember basic information. It’s understandable that people with dementia can feel frustrated and act out in agitation. There are several ways you can help them alleviate these feelings:

  • Create a daily routine and stick with it. Forming new routines and new patterns is often beneficial to people with dementia.
  • Reduce their intake of substances that cause their energy to spike, like caffeine and sugar. 
  • Be gentle with your words and your touch. Don’t try to hold your loved one down, and don’t raise your voice. Instead, talk to them gently and offer them reassurance that they’re safe.

Memory care in Sussex County New Jersey

UMC at Bristol Glen’s Tapestries memory care program in Sussex County, New Jersey, is a state-of-the-art memory care neighborhood for people with dementia. Whether your loved one has just been diagnosed or you’ve been caring for them at home for several years, when you move them to UMC at Bristol Glen you can rest assured that they will be cared for around the clock by our multidisciplinary team.All Tapestries residents are supported with medication assistance, 24/7 health monitoring, and emotional and spiritual support all in a secure setting.  

For more information about UMC at Bristol Glen, or if you have any questions about our Tapestries memory care neighborhood, please contact our team today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/memory-support/understanding-dementia-behaviors/

Wednesday, 25 August 2021

Easy Steps to Talk to a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

https://umcommunities.org/blog/easy-steps-to-talk-to-a-loved-one-with-alzheimers/

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, knowing what to do next and how to best take care of their changing needs can easily become overwhelming. Alzheimer’s is a diagnosis that affects the whole family, including the person’s close friends, and although there are many movies depicting the memory loss experience, nothing can prepare you for experiencing it first-hand. 

Our Tapestries Memory Care team at UMC at Pitman understands that families can feel a little frustrated and stuck when it comes to communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s. We’ve put together some tips that we hope will help you keep the important lines of communication open and active:

  • Try to avoid asking short-term memory questions. People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s often exhibit short-term memory loss as a symptom, so they may have trouble recalling details from events that recently happened. For example, if you ask them what they had for dinner the night before, they may not be able to recall their meal or if they ate at all. Being unable to recall somewhat basic information can cause your loved one to become frustrated and agitated. 
  • Don’t correct them. They ask for sugar, but you know they meant to ask for salt instead. While it’s tempting to correct them until they repeat the correct word, people with Alzheimer’s often mix up common words or forget them altogether. Instead of saying “No, you need salt, not sugar” we recommend ignoring these small mix-ups. 
  • Try not to be alarmed by aggressive behavior. Losing your memory is a very difficult process, and people with dementia often exhibit aggressive behavior when they don’t recognize their environment or when they find they are unable to communicate what they truly want to say. Acting aggressively may be the only way they can express their frustration or discomfort, so try to pay extra  attention to what’s frustrating them when they get aggressive.
  • Don’t patronize them or talk down to them. Your loved one is an adult who deserves care and respect, so talking down to them or using baby talk can make them feel insulted and patronized. It also won’t help them communicate more efficiently with you, and instead may have the opposite effect.

Memory care in Pitman NJ

If you feel that your loved one with Alzheimer’s can no longer live safely at home, or if you’re no longer able to provide the level of care they need to be safe and healthy, it may be time to consider a specialized memory care neighborhood. At Pitman, our Tapestries Memory Care neighborhood has been designed specifically for people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, and our highly experienced Life Enrichment Team Specialists (LETS) work with each resident to deal positively with their memory loss. 

Whether your loved one is in the early stages of memory loss or their dementia has advanced, at Tapestries we help our residents communicate their needs, thoughts and feelings, while developing their strengths and capabilities. We understand the communication process can be frustrating, but our LETS are trained to maximize our residents’ quality of life at all stages. 

For more information about Tapestries Memory Care at UMC at Pitman, or if you have any questions, please contact our team today.

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/easy-steps-to-talk-to-a-loved-one-with-alzheimers/

Thursday, 15 July 2021

5 Movies About Dementia You Don’t Want to Miss

https://umcommunities.org/memory-support/5-movies-about-dementia-you-dont-want-to-miss/

In the past, movies and television shows have been criticized for portraying dementia in unrealistic and unrelatable ways, often buying into cliches and stereotypes. However, in more recent years, filmmakers have been treating dementia with the care and consideration it deserves, and we’ve seen a variety of movies about dementia that are much more realistic. 

Here are 5 movies about dementia that our memory care specialists in Camden County, NJ recommend:

Away From Her (2006) –  This independent Canadian film is about a married couple whose relationship becomes strained when the wife begins to exhibit signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Feeling concerned about becoming a burden, she voluntarily moves into a memory care neighborhood where she can receive the care she needs. Actress Julie Christie, who plays the wife, received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of a woman with dementia. 

Still Alice (2014) – Superstar Julianne Moore stars as Alice, a professor of linguistics diagnosed with familial Alzheimer’s disease shortly after she turns 50. It explores how her diagnosis and her gradual deterioration affects her job, her husband, and her three grown children. 

The film received wide critical acclaim and earned Julianne Moore an Academy Award for Best Actress. Moore researched dementia extensively while preparing for her role as Alice. 

The Notebook (2004) – Based on the international best-selling novel from Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook follows an elderly husband caring for his wife, who has dementia. In an attempt to rekindle her memories of their life together he reads to her from his notebook, and through his reading we learn more about their lives together.

Firefly Dreams (2001) – One for international film lovers, this popular Japanese movie follows a teenager sent out to the country for the summer. She’s tasked with caring for an elderly neighbor with Alzheimer’s disease and is initially resistant, but the two soon develop a life-changing bond. 

A Song For Martin (2001) – This Swedish movie has been praised for its realistic portrayal of caregiving. It follows Barbara and Martin, two people who meet and marry in middle-age. Soon after, we learn that Martin has dementia. 

Finding a memory care neighborhood in NJ

If someone you love has dementia and you’re no longer able to provide adequate care for them at home, it may be time to consider moving them into a memory care neighborhood. We understand how difficult this decision can be for everyone involved, but your loved one’s health, safety, and comfort are of the utmost importance. Memory care neighborhoods have the 24-hour attentiveness and specialized level of care they need. 

UMC at Collingswood, our state-of-the-art memory care neighborhood in Camden County NJ, employs a resident-centered approach that emphasizes their dignity, safety, comfort, and health. Our team of specialists and the deep relationship we have with the local community enables us to provide a well-rounded experience for all of our residents.

For more information about the memory care neighborhood at UMC at Collingswood, please contact our team today. Discover why so many people in Camden County NJ trust us with their loved one’s memory care by visiting our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/memory-support/5-movies-about-dementia-you-dont-want-to-miss/

Friday, 11 June 2021

The Types of Dementia Explained

 

https://umcommunities.org/blog/the-types-of-dementia-explained/

If someone you loved has been diagnosed with dementia, you may be starting to think about memory care neighborhoods. Although dementia can start off slowly, it often progresses into something more serious. People with dementia struggle to live alone as their condition develops. Professional memory care neighborhoods are equipped with the necessary safety measures to keep residents secure and comfortable.

Dementia does not describe a specific disease. There are several different types of dementia, all with their own specific symptoms and challenges. So, what are the most common types of dementia and how do they present in older adults?

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is probably the first condition that comes to mind. Symptoms include both gradual and sudden memory loss, as well as difficulty completing routine tasks and following instructions. As mentioned above, it may start out seemingly harmless. However, if your loved one exhibits any of the following symptoms we recommend consulting with their doctor:

–   Uncharacteristic moodiness or changes in personality

–   Forgetting where they placed commonly used items or placing those items in strange or unfamiliar places

–   Inability to remember dates and times

–   Inability to stick to a planned routine

–   Difficulty speaking, writing, and generally expressing themselves

Vascular Dementia

This type of dementia often happens after someone has a stroke. Since strokes affect different parts of the brain, the symptoms of someone with vascular dementia will depend on which part of their brain was affected. Common symptoms include:

–   Difficulty making plans and decisions

–   Exhibiting uncharacteristically poor judgment

–   Inability to recognize people and places they know very well

–   Difficulty walking and sudden trouble with balance

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning, and independent function due to abnormal deposits that damage brain cells. Symptoms include; changes in thinking and reasoning, confusion that varies significantly from one time to another or one day to another, visual hallucinations, delusions, and trouble interpreting visual information.

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Sometimes, people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease go on to develop this type of dementia. The symptoms often include visual hallucinations, difficulty with basic movements and walking very slowly, trembling, episodes of spacing out and staring blankly ahead, and difficulty paying attention.

Huntington’s Disease

This is a genetic disease that causes parts of the brain to stop working as time progresses. Although a person may have the gene for Huntington’s Disease since birth, they typically start exhibiting symptoms between ages 30 and 50. Symptoms include problems with reasoning, poor judgment, inability to concentrate, struggling with planning and organization, and noticeable lapses in memory.

Professional memory care in Camden County 

People with dementia can greatly benefit from memory care neighborhoods that have been built with their safety, comfort, and overall well-being in mind. At Tapestries Memory Care at Collingswood, we’ve structured everything around the latest dementia research to ensure our residents have the best possible quality of life. 

While we understand the desire to keep your loved one with dementia close, it’s not always possible given our busy lives. At UMC at Collingswood, your loved one will be safe, secure, comfortable, and happy all while having direct and around-the-clock access to any medical care they may require. 

For more information about Tapestries Memory Care at UMC, please contact our team today. Discover why so many families in Camden County choose our compassionate memory care neighborhood for their loved ones. To learn more, visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/the-types-of-dementia-explained/

Thursday, 22 April 2021

Knowing the Stages of Alzheimer’s

https://umcommunities.org/blog/knowing-the-stages-of-alzheimers/

 Early diagnosis is key to implementing the best methods available to temporarily halt or slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. If someone you love has been diagnosed with this condition, you may not know what to expect as it progresses. 

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, understanding each stage can help you work with your loved one to manage the disease and keep some symptoms from getting worse over time. Most importantly, knowing each stage can help provide the best quality of life for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Our Continued Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Sussex County has outlined each stage of Alzheimer’s and provided insight into the best ways to manage dementia. 

Stage 1: Before any symptoms are noticeable

Changes in the brain can start happening before the person exhibits any symptoms, often 10 to 15 years before. While no treatments can halt the development of Alzheimer’s at this stage, doctors recommend having regular screenings to help detect early signs. Make sure to set up recurring appointments for your loved one. Also, set reminders in your phone or calendar so you are prepared to take your loved one to these appointments.   

Stage 2: Basic forgetfulness 

We all forget things occasionally, like where we left our keys or our cell phone, and this stage of Alzheimer’s can often appear as the usual forgetfulness. However, you may notice your loved one starts forgetting names of people, places, and things that they usually would not have trouble remembering. You may notice it happening before a licensed professional because nobody knows your mom and dad like you do. You understand what can be chalked up to stress or lack of sleep and what is a serious cause of concern. Trust your gut if something seems off with your loved one, get them to a doctor as soon as possible. 

Stage 3: Substantial memory difficulties 

This stage is beyond forgetting the occasional name of someone you met last month. Although a common excuse is to blame it on age, it soon becomes apparent that age is not the culprit. Substantial memory difficulties include having trouble remembering something you just saw or read, trouble with organization and making plans, and noticeably struggling in social situations. At this stage, or even before this stage, it’s important to start thinking about professional memory care local to you and your family. Memory care centers are experienced in managing Alzheimer’s and incorporating the latest research available into methods that enhance care and provide meaning to your loved one each day. 

Stage 4: Beyond memory loss

Once significant memory loss has set in, your loved one will be able to remember things like their name and where they live, but their short-term memory will be markedly worse. The ongoing damage  to their brain cells makes recalling and retaining information very difficult, and they can become irritable, stressed, and withdrawn. Experienced dementia caregivers will have the patience and flexibility to try different techniques to minimize stress, irritability and other negative behaviors. They will also be able to share these techniques with you and your family to ensure everyone has chances to connect with your loved one in  positive ways. 

Stage 5: Independence decreases

At this stage it’s usually no longer safe for your loved one to live alone without full-time assistance. It’s also common for people to struggle with daily tasks like getting dressed, preparing food, and light cleaning around the house. If you’ve opted for an in-home dementia caregiver, now is the time to really consider the move into a memory care community where support is available 24-7. 

Stage 6: Severe symptoms

Everything becomes more strained during this stage, including communication, expressing emotions, and day-to-day activities. People in this stage will often become frustrated with their loved ones and the people taking care of them. 

Stage 7: Losing physical control

During the final phase of Alzheimer’s, the body begins to shut down alongside the brain. Your loved one will need help walking, sitting up, caring for themselves, and they’ll most likely need someone to take care of them around the clock. 

Advanced memory care in Sussex County, NJ

At United Methodist Communities, our Tapestries® Memory Care is specially designed to support and care for people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. All of our residents are at different stages in their journey and we provide around-the-clock support and security to ensure quality of care and quality of life. 

When your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it affects your entire family. You may be wondering how you’ll care for them as the disease progresses. For most families it’s not possible for one person to take on the role of full-time caregiver. At a certain stage, medical expertise is required to keep your loved one as comfortable as possible — which is our ongoing goal at Tapestries®. 

For more information about Tapestries® Memory Care in Sussex County, NJ, or if you have any questions about assisted living, please contact United Methodist Communities today at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/knowing-the-stages-of-alzheimers/

Thursday, 24 December 2020

Forgetfulness or Dementia?

https://umcommunities.org/blog/forgetfulness-or-dementia/


We all forget things sometimes. It’s why we have reminders on our phones, why we keep post-it notes around the house, and why so many of us use a planner on a daily basis.

You may have noticed that as you get older you tend to forget things more frequently. This is a completely normal part of aging and nothing to be concerned about. But when does forgetfulness become more than just forgetfulness? If you’ve noticed that you’re having more trouble remembering things, or if a loved one is displaying some worrying signs of potential memory loss, it may be time to see a doctor.

What are some of the major differences between forgetfulness and dementia?

Forgetfulness often presents in one or several of the following ways:

  • Absentmindedness. Even the most organized people lose focus from time to time. It’s common to forget a scheduled appointment, forget to pick up some of the items on your grocery list, or forget to call your friend back.
  • Forgetting some memories over time. As we age, it’s normal to not be able to recall certain memories. Some people have better memories than others, but forgetting some memories is generally not a cause for concern.
  • Depression and anxiety can cause people to be more forgetful than usual and sometimes mental health issues can be misdiagnosed as dementia.

Contrarily, there are certain signs that may point to the onset of dementia:

  • Major changes in personality. This is different and more severe than simply experiencing mood swings. People experiencing dementia can sometimes exhibit behaviors that are completely out of character for them.
  • Forgetting important details and information. Even those of us with bad memories don’t forget things like our mother’s name, our children’s birthdays, and our address. When people have difficulty remembering crucial information it may be time to speak with a doctor.
  • Experiencing disorientation when in a new environment. Older adults who are disoriented often appear confused and are unable to fully grasp where they are. Disorientation is worrisome if it happens often in new areas, and even more so in familiar areas.
  • A loss of interest in bathing, grooming, and overall appearance, along with an increasingly messy and unsanitary living space.

Memory care in assisted living

When older adults with dementia can no longer remain safe at home, they can benefit greatly from a professional memory care program that provides around the clock support. Memory care programs like Tapestries® have experts who can help manage the onset of dementia, giving residents the highest quality of life in a safe environment. Tapestries® believes in the importance of letting older adults with dementia live life on their own terms, focusing on their individual interests and passions.

Dementia isn’t something that people experience alone. Their entire family goes through it and needs emotional support too. Assisted living communities with memory care residences offer that support to the entire family, and believe in involving them in their loved one’s care. Seniors with dementia fare better when their families are involved, and when they receive complete, comprehensive memory care.

For more information about Tapestries® Memory Care in Gloucester County, or if you have any questions about assisted living, please contact UMC at Pitman today at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/contact/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/forgetfulness-or-dementia/


Tuesday, 29 May 2018

4 Non-Medical Therapies to Help with Memory Loss




Modern medicine is an invaluable source of treatment for a wide range of health conditions, but there are ways to supplement this resource with non-medical therapies that can help improve memory or even help prevent memory loss in older adults. Here are some effective therapies from the team at our assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ:

  1. Get creative. Participating in creative arts is a great way to exercise the mind and fight memory loss, as they boost engagement and alertness. For adults wanting to fend off memory loss, dance classes, music classes and taking to the stage, assist with mental fitness. For adults with memory loss, painting, drawing and imaginative projects like scrapbooking are suggested.
  2. Music therapy. Recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association to assist with cognitive and emotional struggles, many patients with fairly advanced memory loss can still sing and remember songs. This relaxing and energizing experience often triggers past memories.
  3. Physical exercise. Studies increasingly confirm that physical fitness is an important contributor to mental fitness, and memory is no exception. While this exercise can take any form, it should be tailored to each person’s level of physical fitness and interests. In addition to fighting memory loss, physical exercise brings countless other health benefits, as well as boosting self-esteem.
  4. Pet therapy. Many assisted living communities have resident pets or access to pet therapy. Interaction with animals is increasingly being recognized for its mental and emotional health benefits, which include helping residents feel calm, engaged in their surroundings and happy.
    It also helps residents connect with memories of their own beloved pets. In fact, some research has shown that therapy animals help improve the nutrition of residents while decreasing behavioral concerns, improving the overall quality of life.

Memory Care Services from Our Assisted Living Community in Gloucester County, NJ 

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality assisted living services in a comfortable, well-supported and beautiful environment. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, hospice care, respite care and memory care and support services. We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our assisted living community, please visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org/ contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/4-non-medical-therapies-to-help-with-memory-loss/


Tuesday, 24 April 2018

How is Dementia Diagnosed?



Dementia is a term used to describe a wide range of conditions that cause mental decline affecting someone’s ability to cope with daily life. While Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common dementia disorder, dementia in total, affects more than 5.5 million Americans, many of them seniors.

Here are some insights into how dementia is diagnosed, from the team at our assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ:

Steps to Diagnose Dementia

Unfortunately, there is no single test that determines whether someone has dementia. This means that doctors, including specialists, need to evaluate a person carefully before they can give a diagnosis. This evaluation will include:

  • Complete personal and family medical histories
  • Testing of mental status and mood
  • A physical and neurological exam
  • Tests and scans to rule out other neurological conditions that may present with dementia-like symptoms

This last step is very important, because other health conditions can result in confusion and memory loss, which require early diagnosis and treatment. Some of these conditions are easily treated and even curable, like depression, so it’s important not to ignore dementia-like symptoms.

Symptoms of Dementia Conditions 

Dementia conditions are progressive and often start very slowly. It’s important to watch out for the following symptoms to ensure early diagnosis and treatment:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty following a plan or solving a problem
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • Confusion regarding time and place, seasons or dates
  • Difficulty judging distances, determining colors or contrasts, or interpreting images
  • Difficulty pronouncing familiar words
  • Misplacing things or putting things in strange places (keys in the fridge, etc.)
  • Problems making sound judgement calls
  • Mood and personality changes

While any of these things can happen once in a while and can increase with age, it is important to take note of any significant increases in frequency and schedule a doctor’s appointment. The earlier dementia is diagnosed, the better the treatment options.


Memory Care Services for Dementia Patients – Assisted living in Gloucester County, NJ 

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality assisted living services in a comfortable, well-supported and beautiful environment. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, hospice care, respite care and memory care and support services. We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our assisted living community, please visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org/ contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/how-is-dementia-diagnosed/