Understanding Dementia Progression: A Guide to the FAST Scale A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, triggering questions about what to expect and how to prepare. One valuable tool used by caregivers and medical professionals to better understand and track the progression of dementia is the Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST). What Is the FAST Scale?
Is Dementia Hereditary? About Risk Factors Is dementia hereditary? Dementia is a complex condition with a multitude of contributing factors beyond genetics. Having a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s does increase your risk, but it does not mean you will develop the disease. Researchers have identified many factors that may contribute to developing Alzheimer’s and
Terms like “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are often used interchangeably, but these terms represent distinct concepts: dementia is a broad category of symptoms affecting cognitive function, while Alzheimer’s is a specific, progressive brain disease. Knowing this difference helps you understand the diagnosis, find tailored care, and provide a better quality of life for your loved one.
At Avalon Memory Care, we understand that engaging activities play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of individuals with dementia. Activities aren’t just fun, but also promote cognitive stimulation, emotional connection, and a sense of purpose. Here are a few of our favorite activities and their benefits: Pet Therapy According to UCLA Health, petting
Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be time-consuming and emotionally-taxing. For caregivers, prioritizing their own self-care is difficult but is essential for minimizing stress and burnout. Setting healthy habits for your daily routine not only will improve your personal well-being but ultimately impacts your ability to provide care for your
It’s human nature to make our own decisions, take charge of our personal schedules, and be independent. When dementia is diagnosed, however, patients become limited in doing many of the activities that came with adulting. It’s a tough reality, but there are resources that can help ease our senior loved ones into this unknown world.
Music has a remarkable effect on those with dementia, and here at Avalon Memory Care, we love incorporating music into our activity programming. “It is clear that music does something magical that words cannot do at certain points in the dementia brain,” says Holly Bagwell, former Outreach Coordinator. Part of our residential caregiving plan is
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