Aging puts seniors at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, which is why family caregivers should do everything possible to help their loved ones stave off this health condition. Caregivers and their families need to know what symptoms and signs to watch out for, which includes damage caused to the sensory memory systems. Take a closer look at how Alzheimer’s disease can impact the brain’s memory systems in aging adults.
Shrinks the Hippocampus
The hippocampus is the area of the brain responsible for developing new memories, and it is often viewed as a gateway memories need to pass through so they can be stored in a long-term memory bank. However, Alzheimer’s disease causes the hippocampus to shrink, making it difficult for seniors to form new memories and retrieve old ones, which is one of the reasons memory impairment is the first symptom seniors with Alzheimer’s disease experience in the early stages.
Alzheimer’s disease is a serious medical condition that can impact the ability to perform daily tasks independently. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a Green Valley home care company you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Damages the Cerebrum
The cerebrum is one of the largest parts of the human brain associated with the memory system. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it causes more damage to the cerebrum, which makes it difficult for seniors to think clearly or act on a situation in the correct manner. The cerebral cortex, which is the outer layer of the cerebrum, is divided into four sections known as lobes. All of the lobes are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, causing the sensory systems to be disrupted and lead to memory loss and mood swings.
Destroys Cell Connections in the Brain
Alzheimer’s disease destroys cell connections, an issue that will likely continue to worsen over time and cause changes in memory, intelligence, and the ability to judge people, places, and situations. As the disease progresses, your loved one’s brain cells may die, making it difficult for his or her brain to function properly.
As Alzheimer’s disease destroys cell connections in the brain, your loved one may find it difficult to manage daily tasks. However, he or she can benefit from professional in-home care in a number of ways. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Green Valley respite care experts at Embrace In-Home Care are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Negatively Impacts the Amygdala
When Alzheimer’s disease severely damages the amygdala, seniors often experience emotional instability. The amygdala is responsible for memory, survival instincts, and emotions. When Alzheimer’s disease develops, seniors have difficulty managing basic emotions such as fear, sadness, and anger, which is one of the reasons they experience behavioral changes. Your loved one may also have difficulty storing memories and events and retrieving those memories in the future. For example, if your loved one knows sitting in a specific chair weakens his or her muscles, he or she may forget this fact and continue to sit in the chair in the future, which could lead to increased aggression, agitation, and other negative behaviors.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Green Valley, Arizona, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. Call Embrace In-Home Care at (520) 625-2050 to hire a professionally trained in-home care expert for your elderly loved one.