Resources

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

We Can Help with Placement Finders

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

  • Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
  • Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. But Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Approximately 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease (also known as early-onset Alzheimer’s).
  • Alzheimer’s worsens over time. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.
  • Alzheimer’s has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Although current Alzheimer’s treatments cannot stop Alzheimer’s from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information.
Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing.

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information because Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer’s advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

People with memory loss or other possible signs of Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. Anyone experiencing dementia-like symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you need assistance finding a doctor with experience evaluating memory problems, your local Alzheimer’s Association can help. Earlier diagnosis and intervention methods are improving dramatically, and treatment options and sources of support can improve quality of life. Two helpful support resources you can tap into are ALZConnected, our messages boards and online social networking community, and Alzheimer’s Navigator, a web tool that creates customized action plans, based on answers you provide through short, online surveys.

 

Alzheimer’s and the Brain

Microscopic changes in the brain begin long before the first signs of memory loss.

The brain has 100 billion nerve cells (neurons). Each nerve cell connects with many others to form communication networks. Groups of nerve cells have special jobs. Some are involved in thinking, learning and remembering. Others help us see, hear and smell.

To do their work, brain cells operate like tiny factories. They receive supplies, generate energy, construct equipment and get rid of waste. Cells also process and store information and communicate with other cells. Keeping everything running requires coordination as well as large amounts of fuel and oxygen.

Scientists believe Alzheimer’s disease prevents parts of a cell’s factory from running well. They are not sure where the trouble starts. But just like a real factory, backups and breakdowns in one system cause problems in other areas. As damage spreads, cells lose their ability to do their jobs and, eventually die, causing irreversible changes in the brain.

The Role of Plaques and Tangles

Two abnormal structures called plaques and tangles are prime suspects in damaging and killing nerve cells.

  1. Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid (BAY-tuh AM-uh-loyd) that build up in the spaces between nerve cells.
  2. Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau (rhymes with “wow”) that build up inside cells.

Though autopsy studies show that most people develop some plaques and tangles as they age, those with Alzheimer’s tend to develop far more and in a predictable pattern, beginning in the areas important for memory before spreading to other regions.

Scientists do not know exactly what role plaques and tangles play in Alzheimer’s disease. Most experts believe they somehow play a critical role in blocking communication among nerve cells and disrupting processes that cells need to survive.

It’s the destruction and death of nerve cells that causes memory failure, personality changes, problems carrying out daily activities and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Research and Progress

In 1906, German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer first described “a peciliar disease” — one of profound memory loss and microscopic brain changes — a disease we now know as Alzheimer’s.

Today, Alzheimer’s is at the forefront of biomedical research. Researchers are working to uncover as many aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as possible. Some of the most remarkable progress has shed light on how Alzheimer’s affects the brain. The hope is this better understanding will lead to new treatments. Many potential approaches are currently under investigation worldwide

Article Source: Alzheimer’s Association

If you are looking for the perfect place for your loved one to live, place your trust in New Day Lifestyle for Seniors. You will be impressed with the knowledge, experience and expertise that Mimi Tapia-Bowie has working with seniors. I don't think you can find a more dedicated, hard-working or caring person to help you find the best "home" for your loved one.!

Sara M.

Recently met with Owner, Mimi Tapia-Bowie to learn more about her new Business, New Day Lifestyle for Seniors. What impressed me so much was Mimi’s passion for serving Seniors and their Families. In addition, Mimi is an extremely knowledgeable source of information for finding the best Community for your Family. She is very well-known in the Senior Industry. You will be very pleased by utilizing Mimi’s knowledge; passion; and vibrant personality in your search for your loved one’s new home.
Patrice K.

I believe with all the expertise in this field that this is absolutely the best place to get information to help care for your loved one. Very knowledgeable and resourceful.
Jennifer P.

Mimi is very knowledgeable, compassionate and professional about helping families choose the right place for their loved ones care and well-being. She is a true Blessing to so many.
Rhonda C.

The founder has invested many years of her life ensuring seniors are taken care of, I am positive it will only get better from here.
Deyneshea G.

With sincere honesty, New Day Lifestyle For Seniors will be the best source available to find a new home for you or your loved one. My prior experience working with the Founder, proved that Mimi Tapia - Bowie, has the expertise and will be able to provide the all around best options available to ensure you or your family member are safe and happy.

Diane D.

Mimi has over 15 years experience in the North Dallas area Senior Living Industry, as well as personal experience being a caregiver to her mother and grandmother. She utilizes this knowledge and experience, as well as her passion to serve others, when assisting her clients find their New Lifestyle. I will recommend her services to anyone I know that is searching to find the best fit for themselves, or their loved one!

Teri M.

I highly recommend the services of New Day Lifestyle For Seniors.  They understand the many options available for seniors and will do everything to make sure that you and your loved one are completely satisfied.

Robb M.

Hands down the best service in town!! Mimi has tremendous knowledge and knows the behind the scenes of the industry to help guide you and your family find the right place!! Her geniuine care and work ethic are an added touch!

Deepa P.

Mimi is very informative and so helpful! I highly recommend New Day Lifestyle for Seniors!

Shayla A.

New Day Lifestyle for Seniors with Mimi is the best concierge for seniors looking to simplify and relocate to the best fit community to match their needs.  Mimi has more experience, relationships, and value to offer in this area than anyone I've ever met.  Her diligence, care, followup, and support is first class, and I couldn't imagine sending my friends and family anyone else.  Thank you for all you do!

Lance T.

Working with Mimi has been a godsend for me!
I called Mimi from Los Angeles in need of a facility for my dad, not familiar with the area. Immediately, I felt at ease with her. She is polite, caring, well informed, and understanding of my concern for the right fit, for my disabled dad. She found a great fit for my dad and he is as happy, as I am relieved. Mimi also visited my dad weeks later to check on him. Visiting various locations, it is clear to me, Mimi is well respected and liked. I highly recommend her, you won’t regret it.

Nancy G.

Add Your Testimony on Our Services Here

9 + 2 =

Proverbs 9:11

The tree of life is growing where the spirit never dies, and the bright light of salvation shines in dark and empty skies.

FAMILY OWNED AND LOCALLY OPERATED
469.247.9811
5100 Eldorado Pkwy Ste 102 #600, McKinney, TX 75070

Follow us