Every day at Harmony Senior Services we serve families with loved ones who are diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory loss diseases. There is a lot of information about memory loss in seniors and the research process can be overwhelming.  

Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia 

The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of the known risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include a family history of the disease, head injuries, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. 

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically develop slowly over time and worsen as the disease progresses. Some Alzheimer’s indicators include: 

• Memory loss, especially of recent events 

• Difficulty with language and communication 

• Impaired judgment and decision-making 

• Difficulty with problem-solving and planning 

• Mood changes, such as depression or irritability 

• Personality changes, such as becoming more withdrawn or aggressive 

• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies 

• Difficulty with basic activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming 
   

Research into the causes and treatments of Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, and there is hope that future developments may lead to a better understanding of the disease and new treatments that can improve the lives of those affected by it. 

Harmony Senior Services’ Signature Memory Care Program – Harmony Reflections is built on elements that support a senior living with Alzheimer’s disease. The Reflections Program has 5-Key Components; Family Focused, Wellness, Reflections Program: Art and Music, Dining with Dignity, and Harmony Square. Each component engages the resident's present-day experiences while stimulating positive memories through therapeutic visual and tactile aids. We partner with each resident's family to create their individual life story profile - a process for collecting and sharing the resident's life history, preferences, routines, and habits. 

If you are researching solutions for a loved one living with dementia or you would like to learn more about Harmony’s Signature Memory Care Program, call a Harmony community today to speak with one of our dedicated caregivers.