Alzheimer’s is a condition affecting the brain
causing a steady decline in memory and is
the leading cause of dementia. Dementia
is related to brain disorders that obstruct and
diminish cognitive performance resulting in mood
swings, loss of memory and reasoning. Those
with Alzheimer’s may experience confusion and
personality changes. Social and grooming skills
begin to change. They may experience depression
and even hallucinate and have delusions. An
estimated 4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s
disease, and more than 48 thousand in Mississippi
may develop it. It is the 4th leading cause of death
among American adults.
Any one level of care may not be able to provide
all the services needed throughout the progression
of the disease process. It is important to learn
about the disease progression and types of services
available. Internal medicine, family practice
physicians, geriatric psychiatrists and neurologists

can assist families. Physicians who are certified
in Geriatric Medicine have additional training in
working with diseases of the elderly. The local
Alzheimer’s Association has numerous resources to
assist families. Their numbers are 800.272.3900 &
601.987.0020.
If or when considering placement in a community
it is imperative that families ask facilities about the
training of the staff, the education and licensing of
staff, and the hours of RN coverage. Families should
observe staff and patient interactions, activities
occurring, and thoroughly research any facility prior
to placement.

The Independent Living or “housing only”
setting may be appropriate for persons with
mild dementia who can still care for themselves
independently, live alone safely, but have difficulty
managing an entire house. More advanced stages
of this disease generally require 24-hour care.

Any one level of care may not be able to
provide all the services needed throughout
the progression of the disease process.
It is important to learn about the disease
progression and types of services available.
Assisted Living or Personal Care Homes
usually offer a 24-hour staff. Different staff will
have different levels of skill and knowledge for
caring for persons with dementia. Settings that
provide redirectory and consistent activities are
most appropriate for persons in the early to middle
stages of the disease. Some facilities will have
special Alzheimer’s units with staff trained in
Dementia and Alzheimer’s care.
 

Skilled Nursing Facilities may have special
units that care exclusively for persons with
dementia. There should be a registered dietitian
who monitors the meals and intake. This type of
setting is appropriate for persons in the middle,
late, and end stage of the disease. Persons in the
early stages of the disease who have a medical need
may also be appropriate for this type of setting.
Continuum Care Retirement Communities
(CCRC) are settings which provide all of the options
described above. A person may receive all of the
different levels of care on one campus. However,
the person may need to be moved between
buildings to receive different services. The setting
is ideal but facilities providing Alzheimer’s care are
rare in Mississippi.

	Warning Signs of ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE The Alzheimer’s Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, has developed a checklist of common symptoms to help recognize the warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. 1 Memory loss 2 Difficulty performing familiar tasks 3 Problems with language 4 Disorientation to time and place 5 Poor or decreased judgment 6 Problems with abstract thinking 7 Misplacing things 8 Changes in mood or behavior 9 Changes in personality 10 Loss of initiative   If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, consult a physician. To receive reliable information and support, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter at 601-987-0020 or visit our website, www.msalz.org.