Important Mental Health Tips for Seniors

Aging in place comes with so many changes as you transition into your senior years. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself and ensure that you are prioritizing your health through any journey you are on. Working on your physical health to mental health gives seniors the opportunity to continue to improve how they live a healthy lifestyle. Practicing routine mental health techniques contributes to better overall mental well-being. This is important for you as a senior as you go through major life changes as you age. Continue reading to discover some important mental health tips for seniors to follow and implement in their lives.

Healthy Mental Well-Being Tips

Mental health plays an essential role in our overall health. Taking care of your mental health and recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders will allow you to take the next step in your mental health journey. Starting your mental health journey will allow you to improve your quality of life. 

Stick to a Healthy Lifestyle

It has most likely been emphasized to you the importance of having a healthy and balanced diet. Getting enough fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy, and healthy fats in each meal you have is the goal. However, sometimes our diet can really lack some of the important nutrients we need. If you find yourself eating more junk food instead of reaching for a bowl of fruit or incorporating protein into every meal you have, it’s time to change that habit. Eating right contributes to having healthy mental well-being. Fueling your brain with good food is an easy step you can take to keep your mental health sharp.

Not only does having a good diet contribute to better mental health but so does getting exercise. It’s important for us to keep moving as we age to keep our bones and muscles strong. Taking a walk around your community with some close friends is an easy way to get in some movement and stay active. You can also switch it up and try some tai chi to help better your balance.  

You will also want to keep track of your sleep schedule. Getting enough sleep is essential for good brain function. When you have the proper amount of sleep, you will be able to easily focus the next day and have enough energy to be able to do any fun activities you have planned. And just like everything else, sleep is impacted as we age. If you feel like something isn’t right when you sleep, consider seeing your doctor.

On top of all this, the most important thing you want to stay on top of is making sure you are taking your medication. Ensure that you are taking your medication at the right times each day. If you see you are running low on a certain prescription, give your primary care physician a call to get it filled. Be sure to jot down any side effects you feel if you’ve started a new medication, as well.

Talk to Someone You Trust

Whether you are going through a period of grief or are experiencing depression or anxiety, it’s important to have a circle of people you trust to confide in. Having an outlet to release these feelings prevents you from being overwhelmed or stressed. Maybe getting together with a few of your neighbors and having conversations about what is going on in each other's lives is something that brings you relief. If this helps you feel relaxed and eases your feelings of anxiety, be sure to make this practice a priority for you. This will lead you to better emotional wellness.

Additionally, if you believe the emotions you are experiencing are more serious, find a mental health professional to talk to. Mental health can be a tough subject for some to come to terms with. It’s not uncommon for people to not want to ask for help; however, there is help available for you to take advantage of. Make an appointment with an online psychiatrist to discuss your mental health state and start your journey of mental growth. You a friend or family member can also research local mental health providers at Psychology Today.

Keep Busy

If you enjoy playing brain games or doing challenging puzzles, then you are keeping your brain function sharp. By doing mind games like crossword puzzles, you are stimulating your brain, which is needed more often as we age. Try blocking out 30 minutes a day to challenge yourself. If crosswords or sudoku puzzles aren’t your forte, try mastering a skill like knitting or baking.  

Another way to keep busy as you age is to socialize with others. Socializing will help you come out of or avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness. Spend time with your friends and family by trying new things, getting together for a meal, or enjoying some time outdoors. You can also join any clubs or attend any events your community might be hosting. Getting involved and making new connections will contribute to your overall happiness and mental health.

Trying out these techniques will uncover ways you can greatly improve your mental well-being. Whether you're going through a period of grief, isolation, or anxiety, there are resources available for you to utilize. Exploring these different coping mechanisms will help to manage any stress or anxiety you are experiencing. Switch your mindset today by treating your mental wellness just as important as your physical wellness. Having a healthy body and mind will leave you with great satisfaction.


At Pines Villages, we promote the importance of keeping healthy and establishing a lifestyle that leads to wellness and happiness. Keeping your health a top priority allows you to fully enjoy all that life has to offer.

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today.

Valuable Healthy Aging Tips For Seniors

Learning to create and maintain healthy habits as your body ages is a lifelong journey and important to begin at any age. As seniors, it is vital to manage your health and wellness as health situations occur more frequently as you get older. In this article, we’ll dive into the different areas of your daily routine that may require changes to promote a healthier lifestyle. Keep reading along to uncover some new ways that seniors can create healthy habits to ensure their long-term health and wellbeing. 

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAMILY HEALTH HISTORY

Being familiar with your family health history is an essential part of fostering healthy habits. Knowing what you may be predisposed to will only allow you to make more mindful decisions around your health as you age. As a senior, knowing the health concerns you have and providing that information to your family can help the younger generations prioritize their wellness early on. Here are some of the main health areas you can focus on in your research of your family’s health history: 

HEART DISEASE

As heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, it’s important to keep heart health top of mind. Many cardiac diseases can have hereditary beginnings, including arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and cardiomyopathy. Other health factors that may attribute to heart disease, such as high blood pressure, can also have familial ties. Heart health can affect many systems in the body when left undiagnosed and untreated. 

TYPE 2 DIABETES

This type of diabetes occurs when the body has abnormally high blood sugar levels, which prompt the pancreas to create more and more insulin, resulting in the body’s resistance to insulin over time. While this disease is a more common diagnosis for older individuals, it is possible to diagnose younger people with prediabetes. There is no clear pattern of inheritance with Type 2 Diabetes, however, the likelihood of having the disease increases with every family member that receives the diagnosis. 

EYE DISEASE

Many eye diseases have hereditary connections to take note of–from astigmatisms to glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the health of your eyes is not something to take lightly. Many of these conditions are treatable, not curable, and they come with many warning signs. As glaucoma and AMD are the leading causes of blindness in adults, seniors should pay close attention to any eye-related struggles they have. This includes frequent changes to vision prescriptions, eye pain, eye dryness, and even blurriness. 

BE PROACTIVE

Knowing what is in your family history is a great starting point to creating a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways to create healthy habits based on the health risk areas mentioned above: 

HEART DISEASE

There are many ways you can have a heart-healthy life as you age. Eating healthy, staying active, and limiting stressors are just a few ways you can actively promote your wellness and protect your heart. Speaking with your doctor about what foods you need in your diet and creating a fitness routine that works with your lifestyle will be vital to your wellness. Making these changes can be a fun opportunity to try new things. Finding fun recipes, utilizing online workout classes to do from home, or even taking a walk around the park with family can give seniors the chance to experience new things daily. It is important to note that stress and anxiety can elevate things like high blood pressure, so seniors should consider implementing stress-relieving activities–like socializing with friends and family–to help prioritize all factors of their health, physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

TYPE 2 DIABETES

The habits you form to manage your diabetes or prevent the onset of it, are very similar to those you create to protect the health of your heart. As Type 2 Diabetes comes from high blood sugar levels, your diet is critical to your wellness. Creating a diet with proper portions and cholesterol levels is crucial to diabetic health. As diabetes can affect other areas of your health, having appointments with your physicians to check on your kidneys, eyes, and feet can help determine if there are other areas of your health that are in need of treatment. You can also monitor your blood levels at home with at-home glucose monitoring kits. These are great for anyone who may be predisposed to diabetes, or if you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

EYE DISEASE

As many eye diseases that come with age are more so treatable than curable, it is important to be as proactive as possible. With any changes to your eyes or vision seeing your eye doctor can help determine a course of action for your eye health. Experts recommend that seniors see their eye doctor every year to closely monitor any vision changes. These routine exams allow for regular eyeglasses adjustments to ensure seniors wear eyeglasses with a proper prescription at all times. When seniors notice a change in their vision or their eyes they must see their eye doctor to assess the situation. They may recommend certain vitamins or vitamin-rich foods to help reduce the onset of certain eye diseases or prescribe eye medication to help alleviate any symptoms that disrupt daily life. 
 

At Pines Villages, we promote the importance of keeping healthy and establishing a lifestyle that leads to wellness and happiness. Keeping your health a top priority allows you to fully enjoy all that life has to offer.

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today! 

An In-Depth Guide to Downsizing for Seniors

Throughout our lives, we collect things that we need as we start a family, raise kids, make home improvements, and enjoy hobbies. These items are all meaningful to us in one way or another, but they continue to take up space in our homes even after they are done being used. As we get older, there may come a point in time when we decide it’s time to downsize and move into a smaller space for convenience. That means figuring out what to do with all our extra stuff. 

There are many decisions, considerations, and plans that go into downsizing, often making it a difficult undertaking. However, this in-depth guide will cover everything you need to know about downsizing for seniors and include helpful tips to get you started on the right foot. Here are the most important steps for downsizing.

Figure Out Where You Are Moving

The first step after you’ve decided it’s time to downsize is to figure out where you are moving to next. There are a few main options, including moving into a smaller house, moving into a townhome or apartment, moving in with a relative, or moving into a senior living community. Determining where you will be living next is essential to knowing just how much room you will have and the number of belongings that you can bring with you. This will give you a clear picture of what you can keep while downsizing.

Deciding to move can be a difficult process, so it’s important to focus on the benefits of downsizing during your move to encourage you. Here are a few advantages to keep in mind:

• Maintenance-free living

• Fewer responsibilities - including cooking, cleaning, and transportation

• Live among your peers and indulge in your interests

• Take more vacations and day trips

Make a Plan

The next step is to make a plan for your downsize. Like all moves, there are a lot of different variables and things to consider when you are downsizing. Making a plan will help you to stay on track, keep things in perspective, and ensure that your downsize goes as smoothly as possible. Think about when you will be moving and the work you will need to do to be ready by that time. Consider making a timeline with benchmarks to help keep you on track.

It also often helps to make a checklist for seniors when downsizing. This should include things like:

• Start early - You may think you don’t have very many things to go through, but many forgotten items tend to pop up, and sorting almost always ends up taking longer than you first anticipate. Be sure to start your downsizing efforts early to guarantee that you are ready to move when the time comes.

• Make a floor plan - Make a floor plan for the new space you will be moving to. This will help you to plan what belongings will fit and what you need to get rid of.

• Gift early - When you come across something you already know you intend to give to a loved one, then gift the item early. This will be beneficial because it will help declutter your space, give you time to properly let go of the item so you are not giving everything away all at once, and give the item a new life with your loved one.

• Focus on one room at a time - Part of your plan should include tackling one room at a time. This will help you to stay organized and not create a bigger mess while downsizing.

• Keep, toss, or give away - This is a common sorting method used when moving and downsizing that involves putting items into one of three categories: keep, toss, or give away. You should try to promptly decide whether you want to keep something, throw it away, or give it away to a loved one or charity. It’s also important to avoid putting items in a “maybe” category that will require you to hold on to them and revisit your decision at a later time.

• Don’t keep duplicates - If you have duplicates of an item, get rid of the extra ones so you don’t waste space on things you don’t need.

• Label! - Set up a labeling system and label everything so you know what you have already gone through, what you’re keeping, and what you’re getting rid of. This will save you time and energy in the long run, and also give you peace of mind.

• Focus on problem areas - When you begin to sort through your belongings, you should focus on problem areas first, especially if they are high-traffic areas or are restricting you from reaching other parts of your house.

• Use technology - Consider going digital and using technology to help you downsize. If you have a lot of photographs, homemade camcorder videos, letters, or artwork, you can scan them or convert them so you are able to save them online or on a hard drive. This might be a task to ask kids or grandchildren to help with, chances are it will be easy for them, and make them feel good for being able to help you.

• Make an “essentials” bag - It’s also a good idea to make an “essentials” bag containing everything you will need when the time comes to move so you don’t have to search through all of your packed belongings. This can include clothing, toiletries, medication, important documents, and other supplies you may need.

Sort Through Your Belongings

Now that you’ve made a plan and have your downsizing checklist, it’s time to actually begin sorting through your belongings. Refer back to your checklist to figure out where to get started, but remember to start small, focus on problem areas, and try to concentrate on working your way through one room at a time. Also, remember to give yourself plenty of time to go through all of your belongings so you don’t have to rush right before you move.

Give Away the Items You’re Not Keeping
Once you’ve started sorting through your belongings, start giving the items you’ve placed in the “give away” category away to your loved ones, friends, or charity. Letting go of these items while you are still working your way through your belongings will provide you with extra space and less work later on. It will also feel more personal to give them away one by one instead of all at once.

Prepare for the Move

The next step in the downsizing process is to prepare for your move. Depending on your situation and your plan, this might be the time when you put your house up for sale or have a family member help you with the process. It’s also the time to figure out the exact logistics of your move, like if you are hiring movers, getting a storage unit, etc.

After you’ve sorted through all of your belongings—throwing away what you don’t want and giving away things you no longer need—you should pack up the things you’ve decided to keep and will still need going forward. Make sure your boxes are labeled (on the outside, not the top) and organized so you know exactly what each one contains. This is also the time to say goodbye to your old home. It can be difficult to do, but you should focus on all of the good it brought into your life and the exciting next step waiting for you.

There are several different options if you are looking for help with your move. The two main choices are hiring a moving company or hiring a move management company. The difference between a moving company and a move management company is that a move management company includes a move manager who oversees nearly every aspect of your move. The move manager also acts as a middleman between you and the moving company, so you have less stress and responsibility during the moving process.

Whether you hire a moving company or a move management company, here are a few things to look out for when bringing in outside help:

• Insured, Bonded, Licensed - It’s important to make sure the company you are hiring is legitimate. This means they should be insured, bonded, and licensed. The easiest way to do this is to check their USDOT (U.S. Department of Transit) number—which should be on the company’s website and also on their moving vehicles. 

• Temporary or Full-Time Employees - It’s also crucial to determine whether the company has full-time or temporary employees. A company with full-time moving employees guarantees that you will be working with professional movers who have years of experience. This will ensure that you are treated fairly, receive the level of service promised, and your moving process is easy and professional.

• Insurance Coverage - You should also look into whether a company offers insurance coverage for your belongings during a move in case something happens. Companies that don’t offer insurance are usually not legitimate and you should avoid doing business with them.

• Hidden Fees - It’s also important to look out for hidden fees when you are hiring someone to help you move. Many normal companies may try to make you pay extra for things you didn’t agree to. Finding a legitimate company with good reviews is the first step. However, you should also carefully check the services you are receiving and make sure the estimate you’re given is accurate.

One way to make sure you hire an honest, responsible mover is by looking into companies that specialize in helping older adults downsize. That way, you know you are hiring a company that you can trust and that will make your move as simple as possible.

Make the Transition to Your Next Step

Finally, it’s time to transition to the next step in your life. Downsizing and moving out of your home can be an emotional process, but it is also something that is liberating and allows you to do the things you want to without feeling tied down. You’ll also still have all of the things you decided to keep and cherish the most.

To make the transition as seamless as possible, you should have your apartment set up before moving in. Moving in before your apartment is set up can add unnecessary stress while adjusting to your new community. It’s best to plan where you want your belongings to go and recruit help from friends, family, or a reputable moving company. This step ensures that when you physically move in, your furniture is in place, your bed made, and your art and photos are hung– simply put, it feels more like home.

For example, if you’re moving to a senior living community, you’ll now be able to meet fellow residents and create new friendships. You’ll also receive all of the assistance you need with housekeeping, meals, entertainment, and other assistive services you may require. 

It’s essential to realize an adjustment period for this significant transition, just like moving anywhere new. Expect it to take a few months before it truly feels like home. Having your apartment set up before move-in, signing up for activities, frequent visits from friends and family, meeting your neighbors, dining with others, and generally engaging within the community will help speed up the process. Soon you will have created a routine that works for you, and you’ll be able to enjoy all that senior living has to offer.

Downsizing can be a difficult process, but this guide will help you navigate it smoothly and transition into your next step. We hope that step brings you to Pines Village Retirement Communities!

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

A Guide to Senior Transportation

Aging can impact what individuals are able to do independently. This applies to physical tasks, cooking, maintaining a living space, and mobility. Mobility refers to the ability to move around and access basic and essential activities, including navigating your living space and traveling to other places outside your home. 

There are currently around 54 million adults over the age of 65 in the United States, with that number expected to rise to 80 million individuals by 2040. As more adults continue to age, it’s likely that some of them will need help getting around. On average, older adults make 3.4 trips per day, so they still have plenty of places they need to go, even if they may have trouble getting there.  So, what are the best methods of transportation for seniors? We’ll cover all of the best options available in this guide to senior transportation.

Personal Transportation for Seniors

• Driving Yourself - The first—and most common—option for senior transportation is to drive themselves. This offers the quickest and most convenient choice for individuals to get around, as long as they do not have any impairments or disabilities that hinder their ability to drive safely. The CDC reports that more than 45 million adults who are 65 and older are still licensed to drive. However, these adult drivers are also at a greater risk of being involved in an accident.

• Family Members - The second most common way for older adults to get around is to have family members drive them. This option provides additional assistance for individuals who have disabilities or impairments, as their family members can offer individualized support—like helping with a wheelchair or other medical device. However, it also leaves seniors in a position where they must rely on someone else (who may not always be available) in order to travel.

• Caregivers or Home Care Aides - Older adults can also hire a caregiver or home care aide to drive them where they need to go. However, this can often be expensive and requires finding and hiring someone trustworthy. All older adults who hire a caregiver for transit services should research local agencies that screen employees and complete background checks so you know you are in good hands.

Public Transportation

Another option for older adults to get around is public transportation. Depending on where you live—in a big city, for instance—there may be many options that can quickly take you where you need to go. Another benefit of public transportation is that there are often senior fares that reduce the cost. Most forms of public transportation are also accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or who have other disabilities. 

However, only about 3% of older adults’ trips are made via public transportation. Depending on the forms of transit available in certain areas and where you need to go, public transit may be a great way to get from Point A to Point B. But, it also may not be a viable option for certain trips for older adults—getting groceries, visiting the doctor, and more.

Rideshare Services and Taxis

Rideshare services—like Uber and Lyft—and taxis are additional transportation options for older adults. These services allow seniors to call for transit services whenever they need them, whether on an app or by making a phone call. They can also either involve riding alone or sharing a ride with other passengers. The main benefit of these options is that older adults can choose when they need to leave and where they need to go, and can almost always be picked up shortly thereafter.

Companies like Uber even offer something known as Uber Health, which allows older adults to get rides for medical visits without having to sign up for an account. Signing up and managing an account is one of the downsides of rideshare apps, as they can often be confusing and difficult to use for individuals who are not used to them. Additionally, much like taxis, these services can also be expensive depending on the destination, distance traveled, and departure time.

Senior Living Community Transportation Services

Older adults who live in senior living communities get to enjoy many different amenities, but one of the most important ones is transportation services. Many communities provide a variety of transportation options that allow residents to get where they need to go easily, quickly, and safely. These communities also have transportation professionals on their staff that provide door-to-door service for residents, so you know you are in good hands and can always get to your destination.

These services are also usually prepared to provide transportation for disabled seniors, with many communities owning vans and buses with chairlifts and other modifications to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Having these services available is also critical when winter comes, as many communities have temperature-controlled vehicles, so residents don’t have to worry about warming up their cars or driving in hazardous conditions. 

Wherever it is you need to go, the transportation services of a senior living community are sure to get you there–whether it’s to get groceries, go out to eat, visit family, go shopping, attend medical appointments, or even if you’re just bored and want to go for a ride. Many communities also provide a personal driver to take you to the doctor right away when you are feeling ill.

At Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc., we are a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. We offer many of the transportation services mentioned above for our residents in order to support all of their needs, as well as stopping at additional places like:

• Eastport Centre: Medical Offices

• Valparaiso Marketplace:  Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, Aldi, Marshalls, Michaels, etc.

• Porter’s Vale Shopping Center: Meijer, JC Penney, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, Party City, etc.

• Walmart

• Medical Centers on South Sturdy 

• Coolwood Plaza: Strack & Van Til, Strarbucks, etc.

• Additional locations outside of Valparaiso and escort service available
  
  

This way, we ensure that our residents can travel to all of their favorite destinations and return home to our community safely. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!

What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?

When an older adult in your life—whether it’s a parent, grandparent, or other loved one—begins to show signs of mental decline, it can be difficult to determine what the cause is and what you should do. Is it due to normal aging? Or is it something more, like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? Finding out more information about these different possibilities is the first step toward helping your loved one.

In this article, we’ll explain the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as covering other important information about the two conditions. First, let’s look at dementia.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a term that is used to cover a variety of symptoms associated with declining mental ability. It is a medical condition of the brain and not specifically a psychological or mental illness, although there can be behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia. Dementia symptoms are often overlooked because they are simply thought to be signs of normal aging in older adults. However, dementia is not a natural part of aging and its symptoms include:

• Forgetfulness

• Memory loss

• Reduced reasoning

• Trouble paying attention

• Impaired judgment and problem solving

• Visual perception issues that aren’t related to normal age-related changes

• Changes in personality and behavior

• Any other changes that interfere with a person’s normal daily functions

In the United States, around 5 million individuals over the age of 65 are estimated to have dementia. As mentioned earlier, dementia is a term used to cover symptoms of mental decline, but there are actually many different types of dementia. Now, let’s discuss how Alzheimer’s compares to dementia.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

While dementia is a medical condition involving the decline of mental ability, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific medical disease within it. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia—making up between 60-80% of all dementia cases. 

Specifically, Alzheimer’s disease damages brain cells and causes complex brain change. While Alzheimer’s shares many of the same symptoms as dementia, one of the earliest symptoms associated with it is difficulty retaining and remembering new information. This is due to the belief that Alzheimer’s first affects the area of the brain related to learning. 

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that usually worsens over time. Because of this, there is an Alzheimer’s disease continuum with 3 main phases and the  symptoms associated with each phase:

• Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease

  • No symptoms

• Mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease

  • Mild symptoms that do not interfere with everyday activities

• Dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

  • Mild - Symptoms interfere with some everyday activities

  • Moderate - Symptoms interfere with many everyday activities

  • Severe - Symptoms interfere with most everyday activities

Now that we’ve covered what dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are, let’s look at how they differ from memory issues due to normal aging.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, and Normal Senior Memory Issues?

While normal aging can affect cognitive and memory performance, dementia—and therefore Alzheimer’s—is not a part of the normal aging process. Compared to the symptoms listed above for dementia and Alzheimer’s, here are examples of normal memory loss for older adults:

• Misplacing car keys every now and then

• Forgetting very recent events

• Having trouble finding a word, but then remembering it later

• Forgetting the name of an acquaintance

These instances are expected as older adults age. However, it’s important to monitor your parent or loved one to see if these issues continue, increase in frequency, or worsen. If they do, you should seek help from a medical professional to determine if they have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

How Are Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

If you notice your parent or loved one displaying some of the symptoms associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s, it may be time to visit a doctor to get a diagnosis. You can begin by visiting a primary care doctor to do some initial tests and examinations, but neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, geriatricians, and neuropsychologists can also diagnose dementia.

Since Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, the testing methods are the same and involve:

• A physical exam to check the vitals of the body and determine if there is an underlying cause

• Laboratory tests to check blood and other fluid levels to rule out potential causes of symptoms

• A review of the individual’s personal and family medical history to check when the symptoms began, any other changes that occurred, if there was any medication being taken, and if dementia runs in the family

• Cognitive and neurological tests to evaluate thinking and physical functioning

• Brain scans that can identify changes in the brain’s structure and function. They can also determine if a tumor, stroke, or another issue might be causing dementia. These brain scans include:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which produces detailed images of the body, including the brain

  • Computed tomography (CT), which produces images of the brain and other organs

  • Positron emission tomography (PET), which provides pictures of brain activity

• A psychiatric evaluation to determine if there is a separate mental health condition—like depression—that could be contributing to the individual’s symptoms

• Genetic tests to see if the individual is at increased risk of developing dementia

• Additional blood tests to measure levels of beta-amyloid—a protein that accumulates abnormally in people with Alzheimer’s

Does Anything Increase the Risk for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?

As mentioned in the diagnosis section, doctors will test to see if there are any underlying health issues or other factors that could increase your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some things that increase the risk of dementia:

• Family history - Individuals with a family history of dementia are more likely to develop it themselves

• Age - Age is the strongest risk factor for developing dementia. Most individuals diagnosed with dementia are over 65

• Poor heart health - High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking all can increase the risk of developing dementia if they are not treated

• Race/ethnicity - Older African American adults are twice as likely to develop dementia as white individuals. Older Hispanic adults are 1.5 times as likely to develop dementia as white individuals

• Traumatic brain injury - Suffering severe brain injuries can increase the risk of developing dementia, especially if they occur repeatedly

Currently, there is little data to determine the risk of developing dementia after contracting COVID-19. However, studies have found that individuals with dementia are more likely to contract COVID-19, require hospitalization, and have severe or fatal cases than individuals without dementia.

Other factors like stress and depression—even more common now for older adults during the pandemic—can impact cognitive impairment and dementia symptoms and even worsen them, but they do not necessarily cause dementia. That means moving or partaking in other activities that are normally stressful could increase the risk of worsening symptoms.

Are There Any Cures or Treatments?

At this point, there are no known cures for Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia. However, there are certain therapies, medications, and treatments that can help patients. These treatments can help dementia patients to manage their symptoms, like anxiety or behavioral changes. The specific medication or treatment depends on the severity of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and will be determined by a healthcare provider.

What Are Your Living Options?

If your parent or loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, one of the next things you have to determine is their living options. You may be wondering if they can live independently, in assisted living, or in memory care. You’ll have to talk to their doctor to determine the necessary level of care, but the best option for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s is generally living in a memory care facility. Memory care is the highest level of care offered by senior living communities and involves:

• A ​​secure facility

• 24-hour care

• Specialized staff

• Specialized programming

• Housekeeping

• Meals

However, depending on how advanced the dementia is, they may still be able to live in assisted living or with a family member where they can be supervised and taken care of. Dementia can progress quickly, so it’s important to keep your parent or loved one in the safest situation possible.

Pines Village Retirement Communities, Inc. is a nonprofit senior living community in Valparaiso, Indiana, with two campuses: Pines Village and Meridian Woods. The Pines Village campus offers pet-friendly independent living apartments with the option to add assistive services à la carte or in packages. The Meridian Woods campus consists of maintenance-free paired homes and Campbell St. Cafe, which, in addition to being a restaurant open to the public, hosts events and acts as a meeting space for residents and local nonprofits. 

At Pines Village, we celebrate life by enriching the lives of older adults. We pride ourselves on our culture, which is driven by a passion for serving the residents, visitors, and staff of Pines Village as well as the greater Valparaiso community. Explore our senior apartment availability, learn more about our assisted living options, or contact us with any questions today!