Written by: Abby Fike LPN
Dementia and Alzheimers are two terms that are often used interchangeably. Even though they are similar and related to each other, they are not the same. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, Alzheimer’s is defined as, “a degenerative brain disease of unknown cause that is the most common form of dementia,” and dementia is defined as, “a usually progressive condition marked by the development of multiple cognitive deficits.”
So Alzheimers is defined as a brain disease. Disease sounds like a terrifying word, but disease is any deviation from a normal functional state (in this case, the brain). Dementia is a condition, and condition is a broad term that encompassess diseases and illnesses. So Alzheimers is the disease that causes degeneration in the brain, and dementia is the group of symptoms associated with it.
According to the Alzheimer Association, scientists aren’t entirely sure what causes cell loss and tissue death in Alzheimer’s but there are a couple key factors. Abnormal clusters of protein build up in the brain, as well as twisted strains of protein are contributing factors to the brains degeneration. However, even though memory can be damaged, the care that Keepsake Kottage provides will never alter.
How Does Keepsake Kottage Care for Those with Dementia and Alzheimers?
Keepsake Kottage is specialized in caring for those with dementia or Alzheimers. We provide resources to help your loved ones stay busy by providing a vast array of activities. Some of the activities that we incorporate into our care include sorting games, bingo, fidget pillows and fidget blankets that have different activities on them to keep the mind busy, thinking, and working! We also take our residents outside when the weather is nice, do movie nights, nail painting, and playing music.
We keep our memory care residents interacted and we always treat them with dignity. We understand that those with dementia and Alzheimer’s still have rights and deserve to be treated with respect. We value family at Keepsake Kottage and make it a priority.
At Keepsake Kottage, your family is our family.