Marjorie P. Lee Senior Living Blog

Do you have someone with dementia on your holiday shopping list this year? If so, you may be worried about finding the perfect present. Factor in the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and choosing something appropriate can be even more challenging.

To that end, we’ve created a holiday guide to gifts for seniors with dementia broken out by stage of the disease. Whether you're looking for something personal, practical, or in between, we've got a gift idea for you.

One of the keys to keeping your mind limber is regular mental exercise. Your muscles need physical training to stay strong; your brain needs to be stretched out, too!

One of the best ways to exercise your brain is to challenge it by learning a new skill. Research has shown is that seniors who continue to learn after retirement may experience a lower incidence rate of memory loss and cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The wonderful thing about science is that it's never finished. The pursuit of knowledge never stops. When one discovery is made, it leads to many others. It's a never-ending search.

We know that there's plenty to learn about Alzheimer's dementia, age-related memory loss, and other cognitive disorders. Frankly, we've barely scratched the surface. But scratching at it we are.

So, just what is the difference between assisted living and memory care?

Our memory care experts here at Marjorie P. Lee (MPL) are often asked this question. Usually, it's by people whose senior loved ones have recently been diagnosed with dementia or begun to show signs of memory loss, who are considering placement and don't know what care options are available to them in Cincinnati.

It can be disconcerting to realize you have a gap in your memory or to notice it in someone you love.

That’s because the first thing most people think of when they notice an older person is having difficulty remembering things is probably Alzheimer’s disease — especially given the relatively high profile the disease has had over the past several decades.

You’re in a rush, stressed out and running late on an already-busy day. Now, you’re on your way back out the door, thinking about all the errands you still need to run and, suddenly, you can’t remember where you left your keys. You don’t even remember the last time you had them.

Is it overtired and unable to think clearly? Or is it actual memory loss? When is it normal, age-related memory loss, versus a sign of a stroke, early-onset dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?

Although there are quite a few myths about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care floating around out there, it’s no myth that people who engage in active aging and lifelong learning seem to be at less risk of developing early memory loss.

That’s why the memory care experts here at Marjorie P. Lee urge all seniors to stay sharp by reading, socializing, and remaining as active as possible. Simply put, there’s really no such thing as too much mental stimulation.

It can be disconcerting to observe memory changes in an aging parent or loved one.

Noticing someone’s memory loss leaves you worrying. Worrying that your parent or older relative is developing Alzheimer’s or age-related dementia. Worrying that he or she isn’t getting the proper care to preserve memory. Worrying that your loved one might someday wind up in a dangerous situation and won’t be able to help him or herself.

The holidays are wonderful times to share with family and friends.  However, for families living with dementia, the season is often challenging.  But knowing the obstacles that can arise during the Christmas season and understanding how to provide the most appropriate senior care will help things go more smoothly during this special time of year.