Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be the beginning of a long journey. It is a terminal disease that can last up to 20 years. However, the average life expectancy after being diagnosed with AD is 8 to 10 years. As the disease progresses, the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s will change. Alzheimer’s disease is categorized into three main stages; Early (Beginning), Middle, and Late (End). Once a person with AD reaches the end stage, many of the following symptoms can be expected:

• Needs help with daily living activities such as dressing, bathing, etc.
• Difficulty eating
• Difficulty swallowing
• Incontinent of bowel and bladder
• Unable to walk or perform other motor skills
• Little or no communication
• Susceptible to infection
• Metabolic changes causing weight loss

There is no cure for AD, but with the right type of services and support, it is possible to enhance the quality of life and preserve dignity for the person with Alzheimer’s. Treatment is important to begin in the Early stage. Approved Alzheimer’s medications combined with brain fitness activities are thought to help prolong the progression of the disease. Sycamore Village offers this through early intervention and dementia-based programming. Our computerized memory exercise program and creative arts therapies program combined with our daily activities help stimulate and keep the brain active which may help prevent brain cell death and prolong the progression of AD.