When looking for support for an aging loved one, memory care services are an important consideration. You may be reviewing your options, looking at assisted living or nursing homes. Memory care facilities exist on their own, and memory care services may also be integrated within other senior living environments.

In this article:

• What Makes Memory Care Different?
• Is there a Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care?
• Benefits of Memory Care
• Memory Care Services at Five Star Senior Living
• Find a Memory Care Community Near You

Let’s take a look at the services that memory care provides and how to choose the best memory care program for your needs.

What Makes Memory Care Different?

When you think of senior living, you may think of things like support for household chores, social opportunities like games and activities, access to specially-prepared meals, and accessible medical assistance. Memory care takes these aspects of senior care a step further by catering specifically to those with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The enrichment of a memory care facility is focused on reducing confusion for residents and providing a safe environment for those who may be more apt to become disoriented.

Is there a Difference Between Memory Care and Dementia Care?

Memory care and dementia care are interchangeable terms. Memory care is the term most commonly used to refer to support for various memory-impacted conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Dementia being an overarching term that encompasses various conditions that impact cognitive functioning.

Benefits of Memory Care

When dealing with a memory-related diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s disease, it impacts not only the patient but their loved ones and other caregivers. Memory care provides numerous benefits to the residents, including:

• 24/7 hands-on support for functions of daily living, ensuring that residents are safe and supported
• Specially-trained caregivers who are experts in supporting those with memory-related conditions
• Relief of caregiver burnout and the anxiety associated with being an untrained caregiver for a loved one experiencing memory loss
• Specialized enrichment activities and therapeutic support for cognitive functioning
• The reassurance that residents are nourished with regular meals and get appropriate social engagement
• A consistent, familiar environment that helps reduce disorientation and stress
• Immediate access to medical care

Memory Care Services at Five Star Senior Living

At Five Star Senior Living, we live up to our name in all that we do, and this includes memory care. Our specialized memory care services include:

Montessori-based dementia programming – our innovative Bridge to Rediscovery memory care program offers a nurturing, whole-person approach to memory care, catering your loved one’s environment and activities to their specific needs and preferences. Residents are supported in maintaining as much independence as possible while being safely supported by a team of trained professionals.

Customized memory care plans – we take your loved one’s entire life story into account when creating a customized memory care plan for them. This extra level of care ensures that they have as smooth a transition as possible and feel supported while living in our community.

Restaurant-quality dining with empowering choices – it’s important for those with memory-related conditions to continue to feel empowered about making choices, and to settle into predictable routines. Our memory care dining services offer an opportunity for social interaction and routine while providing residents with butler-style service to give them the power of choice over their meals to suit their taste.

Secured neighborhoods and safe environments – safety of our memory care residents is our top priority. All of our memory care neighborhoods are secured so that residents are only able to exit the property while supervised. We also ensure that our properties provide a consistent and safe environment, from visual cues to help prevent disorientation, to comfortable and familiar furniture.

Memory-specific recreational and occupational therapy – as part of our holistic approach to memory care, we ensure that residents receive personalized enrichment that helps them build a sense of purpose, keeps their spirits up, and allows them to retain as many skills as possible. We meet your loved one where they are and prioritize helping them to feel secure, valued, and engaged in their environment.

Safe opportunities for social interaction – A memory-related diagnosis can feel scary and isolating. Our caring and trained memory care professionals design programming that encourages residents to interact with one another and continue to enjoy social engagement at whatever level is most comfortable to them.

Support for families and caregivers – At Five Star, we know how stressful a memory care diagnosis can be on the family. Our compassionate memory care experts are here to provide guidance and reassurance every step of the way, empowering you to make the best choice for your family. If you’re unsure whether your loved one may need memory care, we can help you identify signs of memory loss and identify what the right next steps may be for you.

Find a Memory Care Community Near You

Choosing a memory care community can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With senior living communities in 28 states, we’re here to help you find the right memory care community for your loved one. Contact us today to take the next steps in finding the right memory care for you.

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Our memories make us who we are. They’re the good moments, the bad ones, and everything in between. They can be our happiest hours and our most important lessons learned. Which is why Alzheimer’s deterioration of memory and other mental functions makes it one of the most profoundly challenging forms of dementia.

Whether in the early stages or later stages, people with Alzheimer’s can struggle to remember recent events, conversations, and people in their lives, but with a few strategies and activities you can help support your loved one regain lost memories.

6 Tips to Help Dementia Patients Remember

Tip #1: Develop Regular Schedules and Routines

Whether it’s making coffee and reading the news in the morning or walking the dog and watching a favorite game show in the evening, keeping a routine is one of the best ways for anyone to remember. A routine can help exercise the brain by assigning a regular physical task to each moment. 

Programs like Five Star’s Bridge to Rediscovery, design a lifestyle with each memory care resident’s specific needs in mind. Activities and schedules are built around your loved one’s abilities with an emphasis on building and maintaining skills.

Tip #2: Using Sentimental Objects and Media

We all keep photos of loved ones on our desk or put on our favorite song to match our mood. Using objects and media can help a person with Alzheimer’s use their senses like taste, touch, sound, and smell to trigger feelings and memories. Make sure your loved one has plenty of photographs of family members, has easy access to music, or gets to eat their favorite meal. These can all help Alzheimer’s patients remember special moments from their past. 

Tip #3: Encourage Physical Activity

Research shows that physical exercise can slow memory decline and impairment to cognitive function. Body movement directly impacts the brain and influences the hippocampus—where memories are stored. Many Five Star communities partner with Ageility to offer residents fitness instruction and physical therapy programs that also establish a schedule.

Tip #4: Organize with Apps, Calendars, and Journals

Smartphone app stores offer a wide range of apps to set reminders, alarms, and save notes. But smartphones aren’t the only option! A sturdy wall calendar or journal are great physical alternatives to keep track of dates and times while exercising handwriting skills. 

Tip #5: Be Patient

People with dementia may have difficulty remembering what they’re doing or where they are. This can be frustrating for them and challenging for you, but it’s important to be patient.

If your loved one is trying to remember a name or a place, give them time to explain what they are trying to say. If they are still having difficulty, help them with context or give prompts. 

If the person feels under pressure it can make remembering things much more difficult. 

Tip #6: Reach out to Family and Friends

There are many ways to help a person with Alzheimer’s remember, but one of the most important is to have support from family and friends. You may already have close family members visiting your loved one, but remember to reach out to friends. You’ll find that most people will be eager to offer support. 

As important as those close relationships are, relying only on family and friends can be stressful for everyone. No matter what you and your loved ones are going through, know that you never have to go through it alone. Five Star Senior Living meets Alzheimer’s with love, compassion, and the highest level of expertise. 

Get the Best Memory Care & Alzheimer’s Support at Five Star

Our highly trained memory-care specialists support residents through an exclusive and innovative program called Bridge to Rediscovery. It’s a Montessori-based approach in which your loved one’s environment and activities are all designed around their specific abilities, preferences, and passions.

It’s not always easy to know when it might be time to consider memory care for a loved one. Check out our helpful guide to know the difference between normal signs of aging and signs of something more.

Learn More About Five Star’s Memory Care Communities Today

At Five Star Senior Living, we know that home is when comfort and community come together. Our memory care specialists enhance our resident’s daily experiences by promoting interaction, reducing agitation, and strengthening cognitive abilities.

We take the time to get to know each and every one of our memory care residents. We learn about their lives, their careers, and their interests. We get to know their loved ones. All so we can create the right environment filled with joy and purpose.

With locations across the country, it’s never been easier to find the perfect Five Star Senior Living community. Click here to find a memory care community near you.

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Memory care communities provide a home with round the clock personalized care for older adults that have conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. With skilled team members, engaging activities, and safe environments, memory care communities are designed with a focus on improving quality of life and reducing confusion for residents. There are often misconceptions about memory care—that it’s a cold, clinical facility where residents are left to entertain themselves. This is far from the truth. Resident life at a memory care community is rich and full. The best memory care communities provide your loved ones with a place that feels just like home with a warm atmosphere and community of residents that feel like family.  Many communities offer private or shared apartments that can be decorated and styled to suit your loved one. Moving a loved one who has a condition like dementia offers them engagement with activities and therapies, but it’s not just the residents who benefit. Caregivers and families can have peace of mind that their parent or grandparent is somewhere where they can thrive.

Table of Contents

• How Does Memory Care Work?
• What are the benefits of Memory Care?
• What’s the difference between Memory Care and Dementia Care?
• Do dementia patients need nursing care?
• Do people with Alzheimer’s need 24-hour Memory Care?
• What’s the difference between Memory Care and Assisted Living?
• What’s the difference between memory care and a nursing home?
• Is Memory Care right for my parent or loved one?
• Memory Care vs. home care – which is better?
• Who is Memory Care best suited for?
• What does Memory Care cost?
• Talking about moving to Memory Care with a loved one
• What support is included at a Memory Care facility for families and caregivers?
• Maintaining an active senior lifestyle in Memory Care
• How to find the right Memory Care community near you for your needs
• Find a Memory Care Facility Near You

How Does Memory Care Work?

When a loved one is diagnosed with a condition like Alzheimer’s, it can create a difficult mix of emotions for family members and caregivers. While day-to-day life becomes more challenging, there are ways to make a home safer for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, but it can be costly. At a memory care community, dedicated team members offer assistance to residents through enriching activities that stimulate cognition and improve wellness while helping maintain their skills for as long as possible.

At Five Star, highly trained memory care specialists enable residents with the exclusive and innovative Bridge to Rediscovery program. Through a Montessori-based approach, residents prosper in an environment and activities built around their specific abilities, preferences, and passions. With a personalized approach residents can feel valued and secure. Memory care communities offer many of the amenities that independent living and assisted living offer, but with a much higher level of comprehensive care. Amenities like robust activities calendars, customizable care plans, top-notch dining, and secure 24/7 care. Each amenity is designed to keep your loved one at their most independent. Residents are also set up with schedules with frequent water breaks and meal times to ensure health and safety. Memory care is all about relating, motivating, and appreciating. Your family becomes ours at Five Star. Team members learn all about each resident’s hobbies, interests, and former careers. Residents with memory conditions can stay connected to the world around them.

What are the benefits of Memory Care?

There are numerous benefits to memory care for both older adults with memory conditions and their family members or caregivers. When an older adult is diagnosed with a condition like Alzheimer’s memory care can cater to that person’s every need from dressing and eating to keeping them active with therapies and programs.

Taking care of a loved one with dementia is a major undertaking for anyone. Moving your loved one to memory care can give them the attention and mental stimulation they need everyday. Plus, memory care communities encourage visits! Take a trip to a community to celebrate a birthday or just to play a game with your loved one.

What’s the difference between Memory Care and Dementia Care?

Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities like Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia that are severe enough to disrupt someone’s everyday life. Memory care, sometimes referred to as dementia care, offers curated programs and schedules for residents with memory conditions like dementia, using therapies and classes that help soothe them.

Do dementia patients need nursing care?

It depends on a person’s physical abilities. Nursing care is for a patient that needs round the clock care and monitored medical attention. A person with a dementia condition may not need a high level of medical attention, but would still need round the clock care.

Do people with Alzheimer’s need 24-hour Memory Care?

Yes. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease which causes gradual loss of memory and can cause difficulty walking, talking, as well as personality changes later on. As cognition declines, people with Alzheimer’s need more assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as drinking enough water, eating regularly, and not getting lost.

What’s the difference between Memory Care and Assisted Living?

Memory care and assisted living have similarities like scheduled activities, great dining, and dedicated team members, but their main difference is in their level of care. Assisted living gives residents personalized support where they need it such as medication management or meal assistance, but with the aim of enhancing independence.

Memory care residents need more hands-on support and specialized activities to enhance cognitive performance. For example, an assisted living resident may need help getting dressed in the morning, but can take a bus to the mall, eat by themself in the dining room, and play card games with friends. A Memory care resident needs more focused care to make sure they are eating regularly, staying engaged, and socializing. Many communities offer continuity of care—letting residents in assisted living move into memory care if their needs require it. This allows families to easily have their loved one stay in a familiar space.

What’s the difference between memory care and a nursing home?

Memory care and nursing homes are both long-term care options for older adults with memory issues that provide 24-hour care, supervised support, meals, and housing. They also are staffed by skilled team members who help with bathing, dressing, and medication management.  It’s important, however, to know there are some key differences between the two. Memory care is specialized for older adults with memory loss. Residents live in a safe environment that creates familiarity and reduces anxiety and stress. A nursing home is focused more on a patient that needs a high level of medical care. Usually these seniors can’t care for themselves, are bedridden, need a wheelchair, or require nursing care.

Is Memory Care right for my parent or loved one? 8 signs it’s time for Memory Care

Everyone can forget where they put their keys, but when forgetfulness turns into difficulty doing regular everyday tasks, it might be a sign of dementia.  Dementia is a scary word that many adult children fear. It can feel like a loved one can no longer live a fulfilling life or that they will lose control of what they do. While a dementia diagnosis can create mixed emotions, it’s important to know that it doesn’t mean your loved one can’t lead a fulfilling life.

The signs can be hard to see—maybe your parents are having more difficulty with regular tasks or they can’t recall memories as well. Here’s a list of some early signs of a memory-related condition:

• Difficulty finding words
• Trouble writing
• Forgetting important appointments
• Quick to anger
• Becoming tearful easily
• Misplacing items in strange locations
• Inability to remember names
• Withdrawing from social circles

Memory doesn’t just keep your loved ones safe, but situates them in an environment where they can thrive, socialize, and feel connected.

Memory Care vs. home care – which is better?

Once a loved one has been diagnosed with a memory condition it can be hard to adjust, for everyone. The challenges of dementia can feel big, but they’re not insurmountable.  Many adult children think of home care as a way to keep their parent in a familiar space, but home care comes with its own set of challenges like safety proofing the house, paying for caregivers to come into the house regularly or round the clock. Sometimes an adult child has to take on the burden of being a caregiver which can add more stress to an already difficult situation. Memory care offers the specialized care and attention your loved one needs in one package. Bathing, dressing, dining, and staying engaged are all included at memory care communities.

Here’s a list of the pros and cons of each:

Home care pros

• Senior stays in their own house
• Caregiver can be a son, daughter, or other relative

Home care cons

• Can be expensive (safety proofing, professional caregiver costs)
• Seniors can become isolated

Memory Care pros

• Skilled team members handle 24/7 care
• Enriching activities and therapies offered every day
• Set schedules for dining, water breaks, and rest
• Socialization with other residents with memory conditions in safe environment

Memory Care cons

• A new setting
• Can lead to caregiver guilt for adult children

Who is Memory Care best suited for?

Memory care is best suited for older adults with memory conditions, especially if they have been diagnosed. It’s best to know what stage your loved one is at with their condition. Forgetting where they put their phone is different from forgetting to attend important appointments or a change in personality. It’s best to talk to your loved one, their doctor, friends, and other relatives to see if they feel concerned. Memory care is beneficial to older adults in many stages of dementia. With the ability to decorate their apartments, socialize with other residents, and attend stimulating activities, memory care residents are able to continue living fulfilling lives.

What does Memory Care cost?

One of the many factors to take into consideration when looking at memory care is cost. But keeping a loved one at home can add up when you account for safety improvements and round the clock care. Memory care gives families everything in one place so they know their loved one is taken care of. The median cost of assisted living nationwide is $4,300 monthly, according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. It rises to $4,800 a month in New York ($5,991 in New York City) and $6,633 in Alaska, but falls as low as $3,800 in North Carolina. Memory care services can increase this baseline assisted living expense by varying amounts, depending on the area.

Additionally memory care includes expenses that would be otherwise be separate: 

• Electricity
• Heat and cooling
• Water
• Rent or mortgage
• Landscaping
• home maintenance
• Food
• Transportation
• Activities
• Professional caregivers

Talking about moving to Memory Care with a loved one

It’s never easy to broach the topic of moving to memory care. Fear and confusion can lead to aggression which can be made worse by memory conditions. It’s best to avoid phrases like “you have to move” and “you can’t live here.” Instead approach the topic with compassion and understanding. Keep an open mind with your loved one and share the benefits of memory care and how it can make their lives more enjoyable. Your loved one may ask why they have to leave or what it’s like at a memory care community. Remind them this is not a clinical setting—it’s a warm and welcoming one with other residents and activities. Here are some other tips for starting the conversation:

• Set realistic goals: Unless this move must happen quickly, try to be reasonable about how fast it happens. Rushing through a relocation will increase anxiety for you and your loved one.
• Establish a timeline: After you determine a realistic date for the move, sit down and create a timeline. If you are the primary family caregiver for your loved one, you may need to enlist friends and family to help or hire a professional move manager.
• Plan ahead for the day of the move: The day of the move will no doubt be hectic. For an adult with dementia, it can increase agitation and anxiety. Make sure you create a moving day plan for your family member. It may involve them staying with a loved one while you are packing up for the move. Or you could have a friend supervise the movers while you go ahead to the community. The goal is to minimize your family member’s exposure to moving day chaos and stress.
• Create a familiar environment: The transition will go more smoothly if you try to make the new apartment or suite look and feel like their old home. Ask for a copy of a floor plan ahead of time. That will help you figure out what furniture and belongings will fit. Make sure you bring family photos, familiar wall décor, bedding, and other belongings.

What support is included at a Memory Care facility for families and caregivers?

It’s not just residents who are supported at memory care—you are too! Many memory care communities offer respite care so caregivers and adult children can take a break.  One hesitation for family caregivers is that they fear feeling guilty. It’s important to remember to never feel guilty for moving a loved one on to memory care. Your loved one with a memory condition will be in a safe, warm, and mentally stimulating environment with other residents. They can meet new friends, have fun, and spend time outside with a team of skilled professionals.

Many memory care communities also offer caregiver support groups. These can be hosted at a community or online and can give caregivers a support system with others who may be going through similar situations.

Maintaining an active senior lifestyle in Memory Care

At memory care communities you can walk down the halls and see residents playing games, socializing together, pursuing hobbies, and relaxing with therapies.  Memory care residents don’t just stay inside all day either. Many communities have enclosed courtyards that offer an outside space so residents can chat about their lives for a morning gathering or take in the sun on a clear day.

How to find the right Memory Care community near you for your needs

There’s plenty of factors to consider when deciding which community to choose.  Make sure to tour the community so you know exactly what the space feels like and how team members interact with residents. Also, while it’s important, don’t get stuck on location. It’s important to decide if you want a family member close by, but the quality of care is what will keep your mind at peace and keep your loved one thriving.  When you tour a memory care community make sure to talk to team members, read through the activities calendar, and see how secure the buildings are.

Find a Memory Care Facility Near You

Five Star Senior Living offers small and intimate memory care neighborhoods where your loved one can find peace of mind and a renewed sense of purpose in a specialized environment that feels just like home sweet home.  Our award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer’s and dementia care program also provides personalized memory care based on your loved one’s specific abilities, preferences and passions. Find a memory care community near you to learn more about how a Five Star can help your loved one with dementia rediscover a meaningful life full of joy and purpose.

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Nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is projected to rise to 13 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s can help improve the quality of life for those with it and for those who may be undiagnosed. Read on to learn more about this disease, how memory care can help older adults with Alzheimer’s find joy and fulfillment, and to hear directly from some of the extraordinary leaders at Five Star Senior Living and Ageility who are working in our communities to relate, motivate, and appreciate memory care residents.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die resulting in memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is not a disease itself, but is an umbrella term for a group of thinking and social symptoms that interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as using the phone, shopping, cooking, and taking medication. Symptoms can include memory loss, changes in mood and personality, poor judgment, and difficulty completing familiar tasks. Recognizing signs early on can help make a major difference in a person’s quality of life as the disease progresses.

It’s not known what exactly causes Alzheimer’s. However, experts believe it’s not one single cause, but rather a group of several factors that can affect people differently such as age, family history, diet, and alcohol consumption.

Memory Care

Even though Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, there’s a misconception that a person with the disease will have an unfulfilling life. At memory care communities, a person living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can live in a safe and warm environment with skilled team members and engaging activities to promote their wellbeing. Learn more about what memory care is.

At Five Star Senior Living, a division of AlerisLife, our approach includes all of this and much more. We’re reimagining Alzheimer’s care with Bridge to Rediscovery (BTR), a Montessori-based approach to memory care that designs a lifestyle focused on each resident’s strengths and abilities.

Memory Care Leaders at AlerisLife

BTR director at the Palms of Fort Myers Heidi Hartsock has dedicated her career to enhancing the quality of life for people with dementia.

“Having quality programming has the potential to slow down the progression of dementia and it helps to keep people with their skills and abilities as long as possible,” she said. “I love being the person that brings joy to everybody.

Physical therapist and clinical specialist manager for Ageility Nicole Lavoie is using her skills to keep people moving.

“My big goal is to allow people to function at their best ability throughout the entire spectrum of the disease and the disease process,” she said. “We have a role in all of our disciples to achieve that so I’m on a mission to make that happen.”

Physical exercise for those with dementia is an exciting field of study for Nicole. Experts have studied how when people exercise their cognition improves. The thought was that when people exercised, their brains were stimulated by reading instructions of following an exercise program. Research now shows that physical exercise can slow the decline of memory, executive function, and all cognitive abilities.

“Physical exercise influences the hippocampus in the brain where memories are created and stored. Moving your body directly impacts your brain,” Nicole said, adding that exercising during middle age is especially important for your brain health later on in life.

Maria Lora, BTR director at The Forum at Tucson, began her career following a personal experience taking care of a loved one.

“It’s very heartwarming to be in somebody’s life and be there for them to help to assist. Some of them don’t have families so I like to be that person they can count on and hug,” she said. “Giving them love or a hug on a daily basis is very important for them.”

Caregiving has its challenges. It can be especially hard for caregivers if they are adult children taking care of a loved one. Caregiver fatigue, a mental or physical state of exhaustion, is very real.

Heidi says that caregivers should make sure they take care of themselves. Alzheimer’s is one of the hardest diseases to care for—it becomes worse as time goes on and each day poses new challenges.

“Be patient with yourself and be patient with your loved one,” she said. “It’s hard, but you’re not alone. Asking for help is important. It’s not selfish—you need to take care of yourself to take care of your loved one.”

Caregivers have lots of options available to them for support like the National Center on Caregiving, National Institute on Aging, and more.
There are ups and downs when you’re a caregiver. Alzheimer’s symptoms include behavioral changes which can be challenging for caregivers to handle, especially when that caregiver is a family member.

“Caregiver burnout is so real. It’s really hard to take care of somebody and understanding the disease can help,” Nicole said. “One thing you can do is breathe. Three deep breaths is all it takes for you and the person with the cognitive loss. It dramatically reduces whatever is their feeling at the moment.”

Deciding to move a loved one on to memory care is no easy decision. Many factors can play a role, but it’s important to remember to do what’s best for your loved one, which can sometimes mean letting someone else take care of them.

While there are nearly six million Americans living with the disease, it’s important to remember that dementia is not a normal part of aging.

“A lot of people think it might be normal, but it’s not,” Heidi said. “Forgetfulness is normal, but the confusion and everything that comes along with dementia is not normal.”

Our Mission

The decision to move a loved one to a memory care community is not an easy one, but we’re here to help and welcome your loved one as part of our family. Our skilled team members make it their mission to offer the best and most innovative approach to care.

Five Star Senior Living offers small and intimate memory care neighborhoods where your loved one can discover engaging activities and a renewed sense of purpose in a personalized environment that feels just like home sweet home.

We can help you find the right memory care community for your loved one to thrive at this new stage of life.

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When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia stemming from Alzheimer’s, understanding your options can be an emotional and difficult process. Though there is no cure, there are treatments available that can help reduce symptoms and help your loved one maintain their quality of life. While most experts agree that anyone with any form of dementia should see a specialist, there are several types to choose from. That can make it difficult to know what course of action to take.

One effective option is to visit neurologists specializing in dementia near you who can offer guidance. They can conduct a thorough neurological exam and recommend subsequent Alzheimer’s treatment. Combining a neurologist’s evaluation with the findings of other types of Alzheimer’s doctors near you—psychiatrists, psychologists and geriatricians—can help make the path to finding the best treatment for your loved one even clearer.

November is National Alzheimer’s Month. In recognition of the importance of the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, here’s what you need to know about the benefits of seeking a neurologist for your loved one with dementia.

What is the best doctor for Dementia? Do seniors with Alzheimer’s need to see a neurologist?

The short answer to this question is “maybe”. Here are three important things to consider to help you make the best decision for your loved one.

#1: Your best choice may not be your family doctor

Although a preliminary diagnosis may begin with your primary care doctor, they’ll most likely refer you to a specialist. Some people express a preference to continue seeing their family doctor because it’s someone they know and trust. Others may feel disheartened by their diagnosis and question the use of seeing a specialist.

That’s an understandable concern, but misinformed. New research is published every month about findings in Alzheimer’s treatment. Although scientists haven’t yet found a cure, they have uncovered much that is helpful for people who have been diagnosed.

Dementia is a rapidly developing area of study, and it’s likely that the family doctor won’t be as up to date with the latest information. This may be especially true in the case of early onset Alzheimer’s, where symptoms and treatment are less well-known among most regular doctors.

Seeing a specialist will ensure your loved one benefits from the most recent therapies and medications.

#2: Not all dementia specialists are trained in neurology

A specialist may know more than the family doctor about the latest research in Alzheimer’s, but there are still several types to choose from. The family doctor may refer you to any of the following, based on your loved one’s unique set of circumstances:

• Psychologist
• Geriatrician
• Geriatric psychiatrist
• General neurologist
• Behavioral neurologist

Note that not all the above are trained in neurology.

Psychologists and geriatricians are not required to earn certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Psychiatrists and neurologists must earn this certification by demonstrating a thorough knowledge of neurology, among other topics.

That’s why any of these professionals may offer help but only the last two—the neurologists—will have a high level of expertise about the inner workings of the brain.

Neurologists are trained to detect subtleties of the brain that cause memory problems. Only they can conduct a thorough neurological exam and recommend subsequent treatment for brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

#3: Much of the promising research is in neurology

Since this disease is a brain disorder, it stands to reason that some of the most promising research findings come from the field of neurology. For example, in a recent study, neuroscientists found that a certain type of light therapy reversed the advance of Alzheimer’s in mice.

Only a neurologist is likely to know about research projects like this and how they might impact your loved one’s health. If you have questions about current research, a neurologist may be the best person to answer them.

Staying Informed with Five Star Senior Living

Here at Five Star Senior Living, we’re constantly working to stay current with scientific developments in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment. Our memory care program is designed around sound principles of science, much of which involves the work of neurologists.

One example is our Bridge to Rediscovery Program, a type of Montessori-based dementia program offered exclusively at Five Star Senior Living communities. This program is designed to provide a safe, nurturing environment that offers seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease a place to flourish.

If you’d like to know more about our Bridge to Rediscovery program contact us. Or to see one of our memory care neighborhoods, find a community near you and schedule a tour.

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Maybe it’s ironic—or maybe it’s fitting—but it’s kind of amazing how many memorable things can happen in a memory care community, where residents are experiencing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Dan Hass can testify to that. Dan, who served as executive director of Overlook Green Senior Living, a Five Star assisted living and memory care community in Pittsburgh, PA, saw it happen time and time again in a weekly Bible study group he ran for Overlook Green residents.

There was the one night he handed his Bible to a resident, an elderly gentleman. The man, who happened to be a former pastor, had advanced dementia, a condition that had left him unable to speak coherently. Prior to that night, no one had heard this kindly resident utter a single sentence.

The man opened the Good Book—and began to read. “The Lord is my shepherd,” he began, reciting the famous first passage of Psalm 23. “I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” The man continued, finishing with, “and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Then a second memorable thing occurred. The man closed the Bible, looked up and began to preach in his preacher’s voice. He spoke of the Old Testament and the New, righteousness and holiness, the strength of faith and the need for humility and to remember that, as the 23rd psalm teaches, we never have to feel alone if we believe.

“As soon as he opened the Bible, he became a pastor again,” recalls Dan, marveling at the memory. “We don’t know exactly what dementia does to the brain, but something about studying the Bible seems to light a spark. It’s always amazing to see how someone’s faith can be recalled even in the midst of memory loss. All of those moments are unforgettable to me.”

Helping Residents Connect Through Faith

Dan began the Bible study group about five years ago as a way to connect with residents outside of his usual role running the community—and as a way to practice his faith. It’s not uncommon for older adults to become more spiritual as they age. “I came to know the Lord about 12 years ago,” says Dan, who grew up Catholic. “That Five Star supported my starting the group says a lot about the company and its commitment to finding ways to help residents feel connected and letting team members ply their own creativity.”

As many as 10 residents have met every week for most of the past five years. The group Dan started is an example of how Five Star team members go beyond their professional roles to get to know residents personally, the better to meet their needs. In Dan’s experience, Bible study seems especially well suited to connecting with people who have dementia. “They’ve gone from a lifetime of activity to limited activity because of their dementia,” he says. “But God can still reach them.”

He recalls another resident, a woman who rarely communicated but who suddenly announced one night to the group, “I pray every night for all our residents and Five Star team members.” Another woman, whose dementia was advanced, could recite Psalm 23 word for word from memory, Dan says. He notes that another woman, who was nonverbal and seldom ventured outside her apartment, would come to Bible study accompanied by her son. Dan points to that as an example of an extra benefit of the group: that of connecting with families. “It means a lot to families when they see that this gives their loved ones such a lift,” he says.

“This is just what I needed”

Despite any limitations resulting from their dementia, the memory care residents who attend the Bible study group are not shy about expressing what their participation means to them. “A typical comment I hear is, “This is just what I needed tonight!” Dan says. He can understand how his group members feel, he adds. “There are some nights where I’ve had a long day and I think, ‘Where will I find the energy to lead the group tonight?’” But he has always found the residents inspiring and his fatigue falling away. “It energizes me,” Dan says. “It is so rewarding.”

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