CT Homecare Company Demystifies Dementia for National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November

According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 7.4 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for the vast majority of dementia cases in the United States, and that total expected to double to 14 million by 2050.Despite its growing impact across the country, there still exists a lot of confusion regarding this debilitating cognitive disease. Assisted Living Home Care Services, a 30-year-old, family-owned, eldercare agency in Cheshire and Woodstock Connecticut, as well as Oxford, Massachusetts discusses symptoms, types and professional care options to commemorate National Alzheimer's and Dementia Month throughout November.

"Having provided senior care for hundreds of Connecticut families for thirty years, we know that memory loss and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia are primary concerns for our senior clients and their families," said Mario D'Aquila, MBA, chief operating officer at Assisted Living Home Care Services. "Understanding aging and dementia is no longer an option, but rather, a necessity for every member of our society."

Subscribe

D'Aquila notes that dementia is not a single disease, but a term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Various types of dementia exist, each with unique characteristics and progression patterns, including:

·Alzheimer's Disease- the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's is characterized by memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, and changes in behavior or personality. It progresses slowly and typically starts with mild cognitive impairment.

·Vascular Dementia- this type results from reduced blood flow to the brain, often caused by strokes or other vascular conditions. Symptoms may include impaired judgment, difficulty with planning, and slowed thinking.

·Lewy Body Dementia- this condition involves abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. Symptoms can include visual hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, and motor issues similar to Parkinson's disease.

·Frontotemporal Dementia- Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language skills. It tends to occur at a younger age than other dementias.

·Mixed Dementia- some individuals experience a combination of two or more types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, leading to a mix of symptoms.

Assisted Living Home Care Services trains its 700+ caregiver staff to provide services for seniors with memory difficulties, including a special dementia care certification program, an initial orientation that includes three hours of training specifically tailored to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and other forms of dementia, as well as frequent ongoing training throughout the year.

Additionally, the company recently invested in the Dementia Live® program, a nationally recognized training system that uses specialized VR-like gear to create a real-life simulation of what it feels like to live with dementia. "This specialized enhancement strengthens the knowledge, compassion and skillset of our caregivers and truly sets us apart as a home care company equipped to deliver the best dementia care," adds D'Aquila.

Recognizing the early signs of dementia is crucial for seeking timely intervention. Common early indicators include:

·Memory Loss- forgetting recent events or repeating the same question multiple times.

·Difficulty with Tasks - struggling to complete familiar tasks, like cooking or managing finances.

·Confusion - becoming disoriented in familiar environments or with time.

Language Problems- difficulty finding the right words or following conversations.

Personality or Mood Changes - increased anxiety, depression, or uncharacteristic irritability.

Withdrawal- avoiding social activities or hobbies once enjoyed.

If your elderly loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline, D'Aquila emphasizes that it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional who can perform cognitive, imaging and lab tests to rule out other conditions that may mimic dementia symptoms.

"If you're feeling overwhelmed by your loved one's dementia care needs, home care services can provide tailored support and much relief for families," adds D'Aquila. "Our agency trains our caregivers to provide services for seniors with memory difficulties, offering assistance with daily tasks like meal preparation, medication reminders and personal care, programs designed to support enhanced cognitive function and quality of life and a safe and familiar environment that promotes comfort and dignity."

Besides delivering exceptional care to the growing Alzheimer's and dementia population across the New England region, Assisted Living Home Care Services has named the Alzheimer's Association-Connecticut Chapter as the primary beneficiary for all its charitable company activities, hosting fundraising events throughout the year and raising close to $9,000 in 2026 alone. The Alzheimer's Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals, the Association maintains a home office in Chicago, a public policy office in Washington, D.C. and a presence in more than 600 communities across the country. Its annual Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.

About Assisted Living Home Care Services, Inc. Since 1996, award-winning home care agency Assisted Living Home C are Services, Inc. in Cheshire and Woodstock, Connecticut and Oxford, Massachusetts, has provided quality care to residents across Connecticut. Its unique Care Plus program blends personal care by over 700 employees and caregivers with technological safety and monitoring devices from sister company Assisted Living Technologies, Inc. The company was ranked on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies and recognized by Home Care Pulse® as a "Best of Home Care Leader In Excellence", a designation given to the best home care providers in the nation. Learn more by visiting www.assistedlivingct.com or calling 203.634.8668.