Learning More About Dementia With Alzheimer’s Care in Houston, TX

As our loved ones age, it’s not uncommon for them to start experiencing memory loss and other cognitive declines. This process can be challenging for everyone involved. It’s often difficult to know what is happening and if they will be okay.

One of the first questions we often ask is, “Is this Alzheimer’s?”

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. However, there are many types with various symptoms and causes. Dementia is an umbrella term for multiple types of cognitive impairments that interfere with daily life.

Proveer at Northgate provides Alzheimer’s care in Houston. Our specialized caregivers receive regular training on the latest dementia care techniques and technology. The team in our community provides care for multiple types of memory loss.

Use this guide to learn more about what may cause your loved ones’ memory loss. Consult with your family doctor for more information.

Proveer at Northgate | Caregiver talking with a group of seniors and writing down notes
Prostock-studios – stock.adobe.com

The Most Common Form of Dementia: Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of progressive dementia and accounts for 60-80% of all cases of dementia. Alzheimer’s typically affects people over the age of 65, and early symptoms include such things as:

  • Forgetting recently learned information
  • Difficulty planning or solving problems
  • Losing track of time or place
  • Mood swings

As Alzheimer’s progresses, patients may experience severe memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, and difficulty speaking or writing.

Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and certain types of head trauma can also lead to Alzheimer’s later in life. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. Treatments are available in memory care communities that can help slow its progression.

Other Common and Rare Forms of Dementia

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. It occurs when there is damage to the brain’s blood vessels. Problems with thinking, reasoning, and making decisions usually follow.

This form of dementia often occurs after a stroke. It can also be caused by other conditions that affect blood flow to the brain, such as atherosclerosis or hypertension.

Vascular dementia typically affects the brain areas that store and retrieve information. There is no cure for vascular dementia. Treatments usually address underlying vessel blockages like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a type of dementia that affects both cognitive abilities and motor skills. It is characterized by:

  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms (tremors, stiffness)
  • Fluctuations in alertness and attention span

The alpha-synuclein protein is the major component of Lewy bodies that builds in the brain. It’s a common characteristic of Parkinson’s and may also be found in people with Alzheimer’s. Often it’s referred to as “dementia with Lewy bodies” due to its function across other brain abnormalities.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes. These are the part of the brain responsible for:

  • Planning
  • Decision-making
  • Interpreting language

FTD can cause impulsive behaviors, difficulty understanding, or a change in muscle mobility.

Mixed Dementia

Mixed dementia is a type of dementia that involves features of two or more different types of dementia.

For example, someone may have both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Rare Types of Dementia

In addition to the types of dementias described above, there are many other less common types of dementias. The symptoms are similar and include:

  • Huntington’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
  • Normal pressure hydrocephalus
  • Corticobasal syndrome
  • Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
  • Traumatic brain injury

Where do you turn when a loved one develops dementia?

Contact the Alzheimer’s Association in Houston as soon as a doctor confirms a case of dementia. Reach out to their resources for support groups and counseling. Remember, you are not alone. Nearly 1.1 million Texans care for a family member with Alzheimer’s.

Care may be manageable in the early stages of dementia. However, a lot of heavy lifting comes as the disease progresses. Finding professional memory care in Houston can be a gift.

Specialized Memory Care Communities in Houston

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing dementia. The specially trained team with Proveer at Northgate has extensive experience dealing with all types of dementia. Let us provide tailored care and support for your loved one.

To start, we will work with family members to develop an individualized care plan that meets your loved one’s needs.

Memory care residents with Proveer at Northgate benefit from the Cherish Program. Our signature approach keeps loved ones active and engaged. Memory loss can slow through exercise and purposeful activity. Let your loved ones experience meaning and purpose.

Every associate in our building completes training to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Seniors living in a highly personalized and supportive environment can experience a higher quality of life.

 

Discover Alzheimer’s Care Near You

Don’t try to provide care alone. Discover the cost-effective options for dementia care in Houston. Contact us for a personalized tour of the relief waiting for you and your loved one.

Want to learn more?

Tell us about your loved one’s needs and we’ll provide you with valuable information tailored to you and your family.

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