November is honored as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a tradition that began in 1983 when President Ronald Reagan made the official designation. At the time of its inception, fewer than 2 million people in the United States were diagnosed with this debilitating disease. Since then, it has become a critical period for raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and showing support for the more than 6.2 million Americans currently living with it. Teal is the chosen color to show support for National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month1.
Connections Wellness Group continues to observe this month with renewed vigor, remembering that each year brings us closer to understanding this complex condition and finding potential treatments. If you have a loved one showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, we offer mental health treatment programs in Texas. Call 940.360.4245 today to learn how we can help.
Understanding the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out simple tasks. It is characterized by the buildup of two proteins, beta-amyloid, and tau, which form plaques and tangles in the brain and disrupt communication between neurons.
The development of Alzheimer’s disease is currently understood to be influenced by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. However, much about its exact cause remains unknown. Ongoing research seeks to understand the complex interplay of these factors and one day provide insight into how this disease works and can be overcome.
Symptoms and Demographics
Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include the following:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Confusion with time or place
- Changes in mood and personality
While Alzheimer’s can affect adults of any age, it most commonly affects individuals aged 65 and older. However, an estimated 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment Options and Mental Health Support
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments exist that can slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life. These include medication to manage memory symptoms and therapies to help manage behavioral symptoms.
Mental health support plays a crucial role in the treatment and management of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients, families, and caregivers need access to resources and professionals who can provide emotional and psychological support.
At Connections Wellness Group, our outpatient programs include a partial hospitalization program (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), and virtual telehealth treatment options. We use evidence-based therapies, including individual, group, and family therapy, to address each patient’s specific needs and goals. Our experienced mental health professionals offer compassionate, comprehensive care at multiple locations around the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. We are committed to accessible, affordable care and work with many major insurance providers.
National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month – Act Now
Perhaps your loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline, dementia, or has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease—now is the time to act and get needed care and treatment.
At Connections Wellness Group in the Dallas-Forth Worth, Texas area, we understand the trials that come with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Our dedicated team of professionals provides comprehensive care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, offering a range of services from medication management to counseling services.
We invite you to join us on this journey towards understanding and managing Alzheimer’s disease. Let us walk with you through this challenging time, providing the support and care you need. Contact us today at 940.360.4245 or online, and let us show you how we can help.
Footnotes
1Alzheimer’s Foundation of America – “National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month”