Reduce, Recognize and Reach Out – A Look at Senior Memory Care

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly seven million Americans aged 65 and older suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia in 2024. In addition, due in part to the country’s aging population, that number is expected to double by 2060.

Reduce Your Risk

Although cognitive decline may not be preventable, a healthy lifestyle can help to significantly slow that decline.

Some key tips include:

• Exercising regularly – Move daily to maintain good circulation including walking, swimming or biking.
• Eating a healthy diet – A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats has been shown to support brain function.
• Challenging the brain – Engage in activities like reading or
  doing puzzles.
• Being social – Maintain relationships and plan for
  social interaction.
• Managing chronic conditions – Keep conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease under control.

Recognize Early Signs

The early signs of cognitive decline can include:

• Forgetting recent conversations or misplacing items
• Losing track of where you are or what time it is 
• Struggling to follow conversations or difficulty finding the
  right words when speaking
• Experiencing mood swings, personality changes or
  disinterest in being social
• Struggling to complete routine tasks like cooking
  and cleaning
• If you notice any of these signs in a family member of loved one,
  be sure to have them evaluated.
• Reach Out for Care and Support

If a senior with cognitive and behavioral challenges needs support and is referred to St. Joseph Hospital’s Senior Behavioral Health Unit for inpatient care, they’ll receive compassionate, specialized and comprehensive care as well as support for their families. 

To learn more about the hospital’s services and care for older adults, please visit stjosephhospital.com.