Discover the critical differences between Alzheimer's and dementia, as well as the symptoms, what causes Alzheimer's, and best practices. 

<p>
   Dementia and Alzheimer's are often confused as the same term, however, 
   they are defined differently. Alzheimer's is a specific brain disease that 
   is the most common type of dementia, a term that describes the symptoms we 
   associate with the disease.
</p>
<p>
   An estimated <a href="https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures" target="_blank">6.7 million people are living with dementia, 73% of 
   whom are over the age of 65.</a> By 2050, this number is projected to 
   rise to nearly 13 million, according to the <a href="https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures" target="_blank">Alzheimer's Association</a>. 
</p>
<p>Dementia impacts not only the patient, but those who care for them, love them, and interact with them at home, at a job, or in the community. 
   It is imperative to recognize the signs and symptoms and understand how to care for individuals with the unique 
   challenges of this disease. 
   Whether you are a caregiver, have a relative, or have a friend who has 
   dementia, we are here to educate you and create an easier journey. 
</p>
<p>Our caregivers at <a href="https://workforcesolutionsgroup.com/caregivercareers/" target="_blank">Cross Country</a>, who are more exposed to the elderly, and provide non-medical in-home care, have a higher chance of interaction. Now, more than ever, the demand for in-home caregivers is high and will continue to be the case. <a href="https://www.alz.org/news/2022/facts-figures-alzheimers-mild-cognitive-impairment" target="_blank">As the size of the U.S. population age 65 and older continues to grow, so too will the number and proportion of Americans with Alzheimer's or other dementias.</a> </p>
<p>All the following information is part of our caregiver annual training program. Let's start with the basics. </p>
<h2>What is Dementia?</h2>
<p>Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability that interferes with daily life, including memory. 
   Over time, Alzheimer's, just one of the dementias, and other diseases <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia" target="_blank">destroy nerve cells and 
   damage the brain, typically leading to deterioration in cognitive function.</a>
</p>
<h2>What is Alzheimer's?</h2>
<p>Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, as mentioned above. 
   It is a degenerative brain disease caused by brain cell damage that slowly destroys 
   memory and thinking skills, eventually making the simplest tasks impossible. 
   The most commonly known early symptom is trouble remembering new information.
</p>
<h2>Challenges of Living with Alzheimer's</h2>
<p>The challenges of living with the disease will be unique to each person, 
   and there's no way of knowing what those will be in advance. As Alzheimer's progresses, 
   symptoms will get more severe, including disorientation, confusion, and trouble 
   speaking and swallowing. The way someone with Alzheimer's communicates will be 
   the most noticeable.
</p>
<ul>
   <li> Needing more time to respond to questions </li>
   <li> Having trouble finding the right words  </li>
   <li> Losing their train of thought </li>
   <li> Repeating words, stories, or questions </li>
</ul>
<h2>Best Practices</h2>
<p>It is never easy to watch your loved ones age, especially when dementia is present. 
   However, an environment where everyone can thrive is possible with education, 
   patience, love, and an expert caregiver. Best practices 
   can be put into place to help someone with dementia feel comfortable and safe.
</p>
<ul>
   <li>Establish a daily routine, as tasks like bathing and medical appointments are more manageable when the person is alert and refreshed.</li>
   <li>Allow the person to do as much as possible with the least assistance to help them feel more independent.</li>
   <li>Incorporate time for breaks during tasks that may take longer than they used to.</li>
   <li>Provide a small number of choices throughout the day, such as two outfits to choose 
      from while getting dressed. 
   </li>
   <li>Provide simple, one-step instruction which helps the person understand clearly.</li>
   <li>Reduce distractions around the person.,like turning off the TV during mealtime.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Deescalating Situations</h2>
<p>It is very common for individuals with dementia to become upset or distressed when confused. 
   To keep them calm and reduce agitation, here are some techniques that can help.
</p>
<ul>
   <li>Speak firmly and calmly.</li>
   <li>Only allow one person to talk at a time, as multiple voices add to the confusion.</li>
   <li>Avoid aggressive body language like clenching your fists or scowling, 
      even though it is easy to get frustrated.
   </li>
   <li>	Do not argue or use negative words like "no" or "you can't." </li>
   <li>Never be patronizing, and remember they are still adults with feelings and rights.</li>
</ul>
<p>While there is no cure for Alzheimer's, promising research, understanding of the disease, actions to reduce the risk of development, 
   earlier diagnosis, and new treatments have significantly increased. 
</p>
<p>For more information, help, and support, please visit the <a href="https://www.alz.org/" target="_blnak">Alzheimer's Association</a>.  
   If you seek a career where you can make a difference in people's lives, head to <a href="https://workforcesolutionsgroup.com/caregivercareers/" target="_blank">Cross Country Workforce 
   Solutions Group</a> to learn more and apply for an in-home caregiver for the elderly.
</p>
<h2>Ways to Get Involved</h2>
<ul>
   <li> Join Cross Country and save the date for the <a href="https://www.alzheimersla.org/get-involved/events/making-memories-festival/" target="_blank">3rd Annual Alzheimer's Los Angeles Making Memories Festival</a> 
      on Sunday, November 12, 2023. 
   </li>
   <li>Join Cross Country at the 2023 <a href="https://act.alz.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=walk_homepage" target="_blank">Walk to End Alzheimer's</a> in your area to 
      honor those affected by Alzheimer's. 
   </li>
</ul>

Alzheimer's and Dementia: Signs, Symptoms, and Best Practices