November is Alzheimer’ s Disease Awareness Month

In 1983, when President Ronald Reagan designated the month of November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, less than two million Americans were afflicted with the condition. Today, the number of people in our country struggling with Alzheimer’s is more than six million! Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month was established to honor those living with the disease, while advocating for awareness, education, and a cure.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a type of dementia, which in general refers to memory loss and cognitive decline that is significant enough to interfere with one’s daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 3/4 of all dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease; it gets worse over time, and the person affected eventually loses the ability to accomplish daily tasks.

Symptoms to look for include struggling with memory, communication, and planning, all which may initially be mild. Gradual changes in behavior, along with declining memory, communication, and navigational abilities may indicate the progression of the disease. Impaired judgement and confusion will eventually become more frequent, and at the severe stage the person may be unaware of their environment, require daily assistance with personal needs, and be unable to carry on a conversation.

If you have a loved one who is showing signs of Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia, it’s important to have them evaluated by a physician. In addition to Independent Living, Assisted Living, Long Term Care, and Short Term Skilled Care, Newton Village offers Assisted Living Memory Care, where a registered nurse will complete an assessment to determine the services most beneficial for each person and develop a unique service plan. Residents benefit from a controlled entrance, private apartments, and services that include housekeeping, laundry, and meals served in a central dining area. Staff trained in dementia care are on site 24 hours daily, learning residents’ stories and helping them participate in daily life. For more information, please contact:

Newton Village

110 N. 5th Avenue W

Newton, Iowa 50208

641-792-0115

www.NewtonVillage.org