ARTIS SENIOR LIVING South Hills A Resource for Caregivers Alzheimer's disease is estimated to affect more than 5 million Americans and that number is expected to rise over the coming decades But Alzheimer's doesn't just affect the person diagnosed. It also affects approximately 16 million Americans who provide primary care for a loved one who is living with the disease. A Better Understanding of Alzheimer's Disease Help keep the person comfortable. Look for signs of hunger, thirst, fatigue, a need to use the bathroom, or being uncomfortable with the temperature. If someone with cognitive impairment is saying something incorrect, or wanting to contact a loved one who has died, there's no need to make a correction. Keep a calm, restful environment, free of ambient noise or lights that may be distracting Allow for plenty of rest, especially after a period of activity Here's some information so you can be better informed about Alzheimer's disease and how it affects individuals and their families: What Is Alzheimer's Disease? Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia in which people lose cognitive function and the ability to react to their environment. There is currently no cure, and the average de expectancy after diagnosis is to 8 years. Scientists believe that deposits of proteins, called beta-amyloid plaques, build up in the synapses of a person's brain. These are the spaces between nerve cels that allow them to interact so a person can think, learn and remember. The buildup of these proteins gets in the way of proper brain function by blocking the normal way brain cells communicate with each other. They also cause these brain cells to atrophy over time and eventually die BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EXPERTS AT ARTIS SENIOR LIVING Symptoms and Signs of Alzheimer's The most common early signs A noticeable increase in difficulty remembering new information. There are several stages of Alzheimer's Over time, symptoms intensity and can include increased confusion Serious memory loss Mood and behavior changes Anger and frustration toward loved ones Eventually difficulty walking. speaking and swallowing Risk Factors Scientists don't understand everything about what causes Alzheimer's disease, but some risk factors have been identified. A person's risk increases with age, and most people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. Another risk factor is family history someone has a family member who had Alzheimer's, they're more likely to develop the disease than someone who doesn't This increased risk can be caused by genetics, by environmental factors, or some combination of both Head injury has also been found to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. From falls to car accidents to sports injuries, any sort of brain injury can contribute to your risk of developing Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. Treatments for Alzheimer's Though there's no cure for FDA-approved drugs people can Alzheimer's disease, there are some use to treat symptoms. Like any medication, they can each affect individuals differently There are also nondrug interventions that caregivers can use to help people with Alzheimer's cope with the difficulties of symptoms Your Partner in Memory Care Art Living of South H 1001 High Drive, the Park, PA 15102 There are many support groups that can help a caregiver with ideas and even respite. It's important for caregivers to seek support and keep themselves healthy and happy. Alzheimer's Care at Artis Senior Living Artis Senior Living is a group of 27 Memory Care communities in 11 states that are designed to maximize the comfort, safety and quality of ide of all residents. The community in Lakeview, IL, includes Assisted Living. These communities are designed to be easy and pleasant to navigate, so residents can move freely with maximum safety and minimal confusion. Areas are small, and connected to a core central area, which helps manage overstimulation Our expert care partners are specially trained to give your loved one a safe and comfortable home and give them the ability to make individual choices based on personal preferences. We also incorporate the latest technology, and continually evolve our expertise, equipment, and strategies to provide our residents with the quality of life they truly deserve. Learn more about The Artis Way by calling 412-212-6025 or visiting The ArtisWay.com/TheAlmanac ARTIS SENIOR LIVING South Hills A Resource for Caregivers Alzheimer's disease is estimated to affect more than 5 million Americans and that number is expected to rise over the coming decades But Alzheimer's doesn't just affect the person diagnosed . It also affects approximately 16 million Americans who provide primary care for a loved one who is living with the disease . A Better Understanding of Alzheimer's Disease Help keep the person comfortable . Look for signs of hunger , thirst , fatigue , a need to use the bathroom , or being uncomfortable with the temperature . If someone with cognitive impairment is saying something incorrect , or wanting to contact a loved one who has died , there's no need to make a correction . Keep a calm , restful environment , free of ambient noise or lights that may be distracting Allow for plenty of rest , especially after a period of activity Here's some information so you can be better informed about Alzheimer's disease and how it affects individuals and their families : What Is Alzheimer's Disease ? Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia in which people lose cognitive function and the ability to react to their environment . There is currently no cure , and the average de expectancy after diagnosis is to 8 years . Scientists believe that deposits of proteins , called beta - amyloid plaques , build up in the synapses of a person's brain . These are the spaces between nerve cels that allow them to interact so a person can think , learn and remember . The buildup of these proteins gets in the way of proper brain function by blocking the normal way brain cells communicate with each other . They also cause these brain cells to atrophy over time and eventually die BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE EXPERTS AT ARTIS SENIOR LIVING Symptoms and Signs of Alzheimer's The most common early signs A noticeable increase in difficulty remembering new information . There are several stages of Alzheimer's Over time , symptoms intensity and can include increased confusion Serious memory loss Mood and behavior changes Anger and frustration toward loved ones Eventually difficulty walking . speaking and swallowing Risk Factors Scientists don't understand everything about what causes Alzheimer's disease , but some risk factors have been identified . A person's risk increases with age , and most people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older . Another risk factor is family history someone has a family member who had Alzheimer's , they're more likely to develop the disease than someone who doesn't This increased risk can be caused by genetics , by environmental factors , or some combination of both Head injury has also been found to be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease . From falls to car accidents to sports injuries , any sort of brain injury can contribute to your risk of developing Alzheimer's or another type of dementia . Treatments for Alzheimer's Though there's no cure for FDA - approved drugs people can Alzheimer's disease , there are some use to treat symptoms . Like any medication , they can each affect individuals differently There are also nondrug interventions that caregivers can use to help people with Alzheimer's cope with the difficulties of symptoms Your Partner in Memory Care Art Living of South H 1001 High Drive , the Park , PA 15102 There are many support groups that can help a caregiver with ideas and even respite . It's important for caregivers to seek support and keep themselves healthy and happy . Alzheimer's Care at Artis Senior Living Artis Senior Living is a group of 27 Memory Care communities in 11 states that are designed to maximize the comfort , safety and quality of ide of all residents . The community in Lakeview , IL , includes Assisted Living . These communities are designed to be easy and pleasant to navigate , so residents can move freely with maximum safety and minimal confusion . Areas are small , and connected to a core central area , which helps manage overstimulation Our expert care partners are specially trained to give your loved one a safe and comfortable home and give them the ability to make individual choices based on personal preferences . We also incorporate the latest technology , and continually evolve our expertise , equipment , and strategies to provide our residents with the quality of life they truly deserve . Learn more about The Artis Way by calling 412-212-6025 or visiting The ArtisWay.com/TheAlmanac