COMPASSIONATE MEMORY CARE IN NEW ORLEANS

Does it have to be Alzheimer’s Disease? This is a common question among people encountering memory loss for the first time. There are many forms of memory loss, each with its diagnosis and treatment options. It’s critical to have a memory care assessment performed to determine which type of memory love affects your elderly loved one. 

Alzheimer’s Disease is a form of dementia and the most commonly associated memory loss condition synonymous with old age. Alzheimer’s is caused by general atrophy and “shrinking” of the brain. Changes in “planning” and “solving problems” along with simple memory loss “where is everything?” are early-onset symptoms of the condition. 

Dementia can be caused by various factors that cause the misfiring of the electrical signals between neurons. Dementia is defined as the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with everyday activities. Dementia can be caused by disease (Alzheimer’s), traumatic brain injury, or chronic substance abuse. Depending on the root cause, we have a multi-faceted treatment program at Peristyle Residences to help manage the condition and alleviate symptoms.

Parkinson’s Disease is a condition that is mainly associated with an apparent physical decline in motor ability and bodily function. Parkinson’s can significantly impact the NeoCortex and Limbic System, resulting in memory loss. 

Direct impacts to the head leading to concussions and head trauma are some of the most well-known incidents directly leading to memory loss. This sudden movement and effects on the brain can twist and stretch the cells and nerves in the brain or change how chemicals and signals work for a time. 

As the body ages, integral moving parts of our anatomy that generally interact with each other slow down. Oxygen and blood flow are two of the significant factors that can influence memory retention. Memory loss can be prevented by ensuring blood flows 100% correctly on a fundamental level. 

Primary progressive aphasia (uh-FAY-zhuh) is a rare nervous system syndrome that affects the ability to communicate. People with it can have trouble expressing their thoughts and understanding or finding words. Aphasia can lead to memory loss if not caught in the early stage. 

One of the most challenging and arduous decisions a patient, family, or caregiver can make is when to seek care or medical assistance for memory loss. Here is a checklist of questions you should ask yourself when deciding whether to care for your elderly loved one. 

• What is causing their memory loss?
• Is memory loss affecting their happiness and daily life? 
• Do they forget where they put things, significant life events, and people’s faces? 
• Do they mix up their medications?
• Are they unable to manage their finances?
• Does your loved one wander or get lost?
• Do they exhibit unordinary acts of aggression?
• Do they need to remember to perform activities of daily living such as laundry, oral hygiene, taking out the trash, etc? 

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, seek a medical test immediately for your elderly loved one. If your loved one is struggling even just a bit to get a grasp of things, the wisest decision is to seek medical care so that you can alleviate the symptoms and start preventative measures.

Many people wonder about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. While the words are often used together, they are different conditions. Dementia is a general term for a range of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, marked by a gradual progression over time. Understanding this distinction—and approaching it with empathy—can help families better support a loved one living with memory loss.

Medicare does not cover the cost of room and board in memory care communities. However, it may help pay for certain medical services your loved one receives while in memory care, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, or therapy. Families typically pay for residential memory care through long-term care insurance, personal funds, or other financial resources. It’s a good idea to consult both Medicare and supplemental insurance providers to understand exactly what services may be covered.

In the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease, individuals typically lose the ability to communicate clearly, recognize loved ones, or manage basic functions such as eating and walking. Around-the-clock care is generally required at this stage, as the person becomes increasingly dependent on others for daily living. While this stage can be difficult for families, compassionate memory care helps ensure dignity and comfort.

On average, a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may live another 4 to 8 years, though some live 15 years or more. The disease’s progression differs greatly among individuals, often influenced by age, general health, and pre-existing medical conditions. What makes a significant difference is the type of care and environment they receive, which can greatly influence comfort and quality of life along the way.

Doctors typically assess dementia stages through a combination of medical history, cognitive testing, physical exams, and input from caregivers. They may use tools like the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) or the Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST) to assess the severity of memory loss. Because symptoms progress differently for each individual, a professional evaluation is the way to determine the stage of dementia.

At Peristyle, memory care refers to living in a small residential memory care home specially designed for people living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, aphasia, or related memory conditions. Unlike extensive facilities, our homes foster a more intimate, homelike environment where staff trained in dementia care support residents 24 hours a day.

While our assisted living supports daily tasks like grooming, bathing, and mobility, our memory care homes are built around the challenges of cognitive decline. We prioritize safety measures, specialized staff training, and personalized care plans that prioritize cognitive support in conjunction with physical care.

Each Peristyle home is equipped with monitored security systems, fire suppression systems, and automatic sprinkler systems. Bathrooms are ADA-compliant with safety features. Every caregiver undergoes a background check and receives dementia training. We also have secured doors to prevent wandering, a common issue among patients with dementia.