More than 40 attentive seniors and family members turned out for an informative presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego to discuss the “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease” last Wednesday, May 4th at Silvergate Rancho Bernardo — the area’s newest luxury senior living community.
“Caregiving for a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or memory loss at home is often overwhelming and exhausting for family members,” said Sondra Brakeville, Executive Director for Silvergate Rancho Bernardo. “We partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to share resources with seniors and their families in order to help them assess a loved one’s cognitive status and navigate the path to better care, which is all anyone wants for their mom or dad.”
Speaker Rebecca Turman, Program and Education Specialist for the San Diego Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, gave attendees a comprehensive overview of the top 10 warning signs to watch for as well as an update on the latest research under development for families concerned about a loved who may be experiencing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, key signs to look for include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decrease or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
Turman continued to say that although the scientific community is no closer to a cure, early detection is now possible and depends largely on seniors being assessed by a physician at the onset of one or more of these key warning signs. Families are encouraged to note what they’re seeing, become educated and seek guidance from trusted sources like the Alzheimer’s Association.
“I came to this event today to become more acquainted with this troubling disease because my husband is starting to experience memory loss issues that have me concerned,” said Nancy Wentworth, a local senior who lives nearby and received Silvergate’s invitation to hear about what constitutes symptoms versus what can be considered normal challenges with aging. “He wasn’t taking his blood thinner medication correctly and that resulted in a stroke. I hope other seniors educate themselves like we are doing here at Silvergate today.”
Guests also heard from Greg Petree, President of AmeriCare Health & Retirement – Silvergate’s parent company. “Although we all continue to hope for a cure to Alzheimer’s in our lifetime, until that day, what we do know is that there is a lot seniors can do now to help delay the onset of dementia-like symptoms. Staying active, developing new friendships, continual learning, and proper nutrition all help the brain stay healthy. Independent senior living communities like Silvergate Rancho Bernardo specialize in just that.”
After the presentation, guests were able to tour Silvergate’s newest Memory Care Suites, a separate building on the property specifically designed for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and memory loss. Participants were introduced to Silvergate’s unique concept of “neighborhood” design which provides a more personalized, home-like environment where residents enjoy the highest level of comfort, engagement, and supervision without the possibility of wandering in corridors or long hallways.
About Silvergate Rancho Bernardo
With one of the highest caregiver-to-resident ratios in the senior living industry, Silvergate Rancho Bernardo’s experienced memory care team provides high-touch care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With more eyes on fewer residents, families can rest assured that the greatest standard of care and the highest level of supervision will ensure the safety and security of a loved one residing at the community’s Memory Care Suites.
For those actively looking for a proven memory care solution for their loved one, families can call Pam Rundle, Marketing Director for Silvergate Rancho Bernardo, at 858-683-9938 for more information about the community’s Memory Care Suites or visit www.SilvergateRR.com/RB.
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