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November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Posted on Nov 23, 2021

November became National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month back in 1983 when fewer than 2 million Americans had been diagnosed with the disease. Today, that number has almost tripled as it approaches 6 million, and by 2050, an estimated 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s.

During the month of November, the aim is to make the general public more aware of this harrowing disease and the potential care options available to those affected.

The Virginian specializes in memory care near Fairfax, VA, with its one-of-a-kind innovative memory care program--Heartfelt CONNECTIONS®.

Facts About Alzheimer’s

• While this disease affects approximately 1 in 2 families in the United States, most people aren’t aware of basic information regarding the disease.

• Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, which is a general term used for loss of memory and other specific cognitive abilities.

• While increasing age is the greatest known factor in developing Alzheimer’s, it is not a normal part of aging. Most people with the diagnosis are over 65, but there are an estimated 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

• Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that worsens over time.

• Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

• Those diagnosed with the disease live an average of eight years after symptoms become noticeable, but some have lived up to 20 years after developing the disease.

• There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments for certain symptoms, slowing them from progressing and improving the quality of life.

Not lost upon us are the heroes who provide care to those with Alzheimer’s. Every year, unpaid caregivers such as family members and loved ones provide billions of hours of care, adding up to memory care costs valued at well over $200 billion.

The estimated lifetime cost of dementia care for those affected is just under $350,000. Contact a staff member at our state-of-the-art Memory Care facility near Fairfax, VA if you or a loved one want to learn more about Alzheimer’s and how those affected can be cared for.

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

While memory loss is typically one of the most common, and first warning signs of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, there are other signs you should be aware of, including:

• Getting lost in familiar places

• Forgetting everyday tasks, such as grocery shopping or paying bills

• Taking longer to complete routine tasks

• Changes in vision or perception of reality

• Having difficulty with numbers or passage of time

• Misplacing items in odd places

• Drastic change in mood and/or personality

If you or a loved one are experiencing several of these symptoms listed above, it may be time to consult with a medical professional as quickly as possible. Early diagnosis can help with the treatment and possibly reverse the causes of memory loss or at the very least improve your quality of life.

Memory Care at The Virginian

The Virginian is an independent and assisted living facility with specialized memory care in Fairfax, VA. Residents living on our campus in Northern Virginia near Washington, DC, receive individualized care treatment.

We create an individualized service plan for those who are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, making sure to include the resident and their family in all decisions within their care plan.

Our Memory Care neighborhood is specifically designed for seniors living with forms of memory loss. Our professional team leads an upbeat and secure community ensuring each resident makes the most of every day.

We urge you to find a way to help raise awareness this month. Whether it’s by donating your time, money, or services, please spread the word about Alzheimer’s. We can help beat this disease.