When memory loss begins to happen, some of the first signs of Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases may appear to be the struggle of completing tasks or activities that one once enjoyed. Perhaps your close relative or loved one can no longer remember how to perfect a favorite recipe, crochet a special knot, or paint in the same usual stroke. While they may struggle, this does not mean that they have lost interest or ability to do their activities, but that they may require extra support to complete these tasks while adjusting to memory loss.
Making the choice to acclimate your loved one to an assisted living facility that specializes in memory care may be the best decision in order to ensure that they are continuing to participate in their usual enriching activities in a safe environment. While many senior living facilities that deal with memory care differ, MorningStar at Beaverton recognizes the importance of encouraging our residents to participate in activities that are familiar and echo a sense of control over their changing health needs. While there is an array of amenities and activities that MorningStar offers, a popular one that actively promotes brain health in our residents dealing with memory loss includes the attraction of our grand piano. There is growing research that shows that music can have a profound impact on individuals with memory loss, according to the Alzheimer's disease research center. The piano is open to our residents and we encourage them to practice or show off their skills. However, if your loved one is no longer able to fully participate in playing piano, listening to another play still encourages brain health and can promote more memory recollection. We like to have a hands-on approach to the specialized memory care needs of our residents dealing with memory loss. This means that it is not uncommon to see these residents working alongside the chefs in the kitchen, helping employees with clerical work, or tending to one of our gardens. Participating in familiar activities such as these promote overall brain health, memory, and enrichment and allows us as caregivers to oversee your loved one while they continue to participate in the things they enjoy. To learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility, please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have and our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon offers. MorningStar at Beaverton proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors, and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about one of the finest retirement homes Beaverton, Oregon has to offer.
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Studies report approximately 12-18% of people aged 60 or older have some level of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). So how do you know if you are one of them? The first step to diagnosing MCI typically comes after a person starts to complain of forgetfulness or cognitive problems or initiated at the urging of family members. Doctors explain it is usually more serious if it comes at the request of those closest to the person because as a person develops more of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they are often not aware of their memory loss. So, how is MCI diagnosed?
Your doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation to try and determine if the problem is MCI, Alzheimer’s, normal age-related memory loss, or caused by another factor. It is important to note not all cases of MCI develop into dementia and an evaluation could identify medications as the problem. A Harvard Medical School article states, “Establishing the cause and scope of the impairment is helpful in setting a baseline for future evaluations to determine if the condition is progressing to dementia.” Some of the preliminary tests include a complete blood workup to rule out anemia, infection, kidney and liver disorders, or diabetes. Other tests may check for thyroid abnormalities, elevated blood calcium and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Cognitive tests begin with an in-depth medical history as well as questions regarding the person’s memory lapses and other thinking problems. Your physician will probably request a family member be there to reaffirm and document the changes. Experts say quickly progressing memory problems are most likely another issue as true dementia progresses slowly. Your physician may refer you to a neuropsychologist for more tests including paper and pen and computer tests to assess memory, language and other cognitive skills including motor and visual function. If deemed necessary, they may do structural and functional brain scans or an amyloid PET scan, which detects in a living brain the signs of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Beaverton offers individualized, loving care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of MorningStar’s memory care is geared toward residents’ needs from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living facilities and memory care. Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/evaluating-mci-mild-cognitive-impairment |
At MorningStar Senior Living we strive to create a true home where you can enjoy your retirement years as carefree as possible. Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, our care team is committed to giving residents a quality of life that other senior living communities simply cannot match. Archives
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