Memory Care FAQs

There is not one specific test to determine if an individual has dementia. Physicians diagnose Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by completing a thorough physical examination, laboratory testing and obtaining one’s medical history. Additionally, the physician may also ask to speak with a family member to learn about or confirm the presence of specific symptoms associated with dementia.

Since there is not one test that provides a dementia diagnosis physicians may run a number of additional tests.  A doctor may perform various neuropsychological and cognitive tests to assess memory, comprehension, attention, judgment and reasoning, and verbal capabilities. An individual may also receive neurological tests that are designed to evaluate balance and reflexes, language capabilities, senses, problem-solving and movement.

Brain scans such as CT, RMI and PET scans may be utilized.  Psychiatric evaluations may also be conducted to determine if there is an underlying mental health condition such as depression contributing to symptoms.  Questions regarding behaviors that may be causing concern may also be discussed.  The overlap in symptoms of the various types of dementia can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis.  However, it’s vital that you work with neurologists, geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists, or neuropsychologists to obtain an accurate dementia diagnosis and to assess your need for professional dementia care.

Do you have a mother or father with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Terra Vista is a dementia care community in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois that cares for individuals with Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s, and other types of dementia. Give us a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 or contact a staff member online to discuss the Alzheimer’s and dementia care options that are available at our memory care facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms that affects memory or brain functions.  Dementia, caused by damage to brain cells,  affects an individual’s ability to communicate which in turn affects one’s feelings, behaviors, and thinking.  These symptoms typically impact one’s daily life and activities. Dementia is not a normal part of aging.

There are many types of dementia.  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia affecting 60% to 80% of those with dementia.  Other dementia types include Frontotemporal disorders, Lewy Body dementia, vascular dementia and mixed dementia.

Dementia symptoms vary depending upon the cause but common signs include cognitive changes such as memory loss, difficulty finding words or communicating with others, challenges with spatial and visual abilities, difficulty handling complex tasks or problem-solving, disorientation and confusion and difficulty with motor functions and coordination.  Psychological changes may also be apparent. These changes may include depression, anxiety, paranoia, inappropriate behavior, and personality changes.

If you’re struggling to care for a family member with dementia, it may be time to consider a dementia care community. Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s and dementia care community in Oakbrook Terrace that specializes at caring for individuals with all types of dementia. From housekeeping, medication coordination, to nurse supervision, our community will help enrich the life of your family member. Give our team a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to learn more about our amenities and memory programs.

When you are in the process of researching dementia care communities and facilities for a family member, we recommend comparing the benefits provided at each institution. Our dementia care assisted living facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois offers amenities that are designed to enhance comfortability and socialization, such as gardening, yoga, field trips, pet therapy, aromatherapy, art sessions, and more. Our dementia care community also includes Innerwalk, the largest multi-sensory outdoor courtyard in the area. The courtyard features many activities such as intuitive pathways with seating, beautiful views, plants, herb gardens, and wayfinding elements.

Terra Vista is a dementia care assisted living facility and community that also offers care options such as nurse supervision, medication monitoring, laundry assistance, sensory programming, care supplies, meals, and snacks. In addition, Terra Vista offers expanded medical services for individuals with insurance. We also continuously invite geriatric physicians, optometrists, dentists, psychologists, podiatrists, and social workers to our dementia care campus to provide innovative medical care services to residents.

Our dementia assisted living facility provides many dining options to residents. We focus on providing a family style dining experience that is designed to accommodate sociability and physical mobility. Terra Vista features a total of four dining rooms that include an open atmosphere that allow residents, staff, and family to socialize. The goal of the staff at our Alzheimer’s and dementia care community is to connect with residents, assess behavior, and respond appropriately. If you need assistance caring for a family member with dementia, give us a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to learn more about our dementia care assisted living facility and community.

While we are aware of the common symptoms of dementia, professionals are still conducting studies and research to determine the exact causes of different forms of dementia. The most common signs of dementia that may indicate it’s time to move to a dementia care community include short term memory loss, inability to multitask, language recognition issues, and inability to accurately analyze body language. These indicators of dementia may be caused by various elements. The most common related factor of dementia is the age of an individual. According to researchers, the probability of developing Alzheimer’s nearly doubles every five years after the age of 65.

In addition, there are various forms of diseases and conditions that can be inherited from family members that may increase your chances of developing dementia. The continous death of brain cells and the formation of neurodegenerative disease are associated with the development of dementia.

The most common causes of dementia include head injuries, tumors, heart disease, high blood pressure, and HIV disease. In addition, continuous head injuries caused by sports and other activities are associated with certain types of dementia. Various types of dementia are able to be treated by resolving issues with medications, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid issues. If you or a family member is struggling with dementia, contact a specialist at our dementia nursing care community and facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. We are a dementia care community that provides long term specialized programs and activities for individuals with dementia.

Dementia is a condition that affects everybody differently. Some individuals with a common form of dementia are able to preserve their mental awareness for a long period of time. However, other people may suffer from severe mental decline in the early stages of dementia and may require specialized support from a dementia care community. There are a total of 7 stages that are used to benchmark the progression of dementia. Becoming familiar with each phase will help you better understand the mental and physical conditions of a family member with dementia.

Stage 1 of dementia is usually hard to detect since there are no common indicators of mental or physical impairment. You would be required to visit a medical professional to confirm a stage 1 diagnosis of this disease. However, stage 2 of dementia is able to be associated with short term memory issues such as forgetting dates and losing possessions such as car keys, purses, clothes, and makeup. Phase 3 of this medical condition can be linked to noticable memory and performance issues, including decreases in day-to-day productivity, speaking skills, project performance, and conflict resolution.

When a family member transitions from mild to moderate cognitive issues, this is labeled as stage 4 of dementia. If you’re in this phase of the disease, we recommend regularly visiting a doctor or medical professional and consider long term dementia care options. Once an individual reaches stage 5 and 6 of dementia, we recommend moving to a dementia nursing care community to receive assistance with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, eating, and walking.

We recommend hiring a caregiver or moving a family member into a dementia care community throughout phases 5 and 6 of the disease, if not before. Once a loved one reaches stage 7 of dementia, they will be unable to live on their own and care for themselves. It is not uncommon for senior citizens to lose their ability to walk or speak during this phase. We are a dementia care assisted living facility in Oakbrook Terrace that specializes in caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. From medication monitoring, housekeeping, cooking, to bathing, our staff will help care for your loved one.

Memory care is an assistive support program provided by Alzheimer’s and dementia care communities. Our memory care community in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois strategizes and executes daily activities with residents that are designed to retain and prolong cognitive functional capabilities.

Each of the employees at our memory care community are trained to interact and care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Terra Vista provides amenities and activities that are designed to enhance mental competencies in areas such as decision making, problem solving, processing, thinking, and remembering.

Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s and dementia care community that provides assisted living services that include medication administration, individual needs assistance, laundry assistance, meal preparation, and sensory based activities. Our memory care facility also encourages each resident to participate in fulfilling activities  such as gardening, aromatherapy, art sessions, yoga, and field trips.

Each of the apartments  at our memory care community and facility is designed with easy-to-navigate floor plans, a private restroom, laminate flooring, and comforting color pallets to ensure each resident feels comfortable and calm. The apartments also include large windows with excellent views that allow natural light to fill the environment. Terra Vista’s corridors include an intuitive floor plan accompanied by innovative security solutions to ensure your loved one is safe. To learn more about our dementia care facility and programs, fill out our Contact Form or give us a call  at (630) 534-0886 to receive assistance.

Dementia is a term that refers to a set of conditions and diseases that are associated with a decline in cognitive functioning skills, such as problem solving, memory recollection, and mental processing. Most types of dementia also interfere with daily physical activities such as exercising, walking, cleaning, and communicating. If you’ve recently started to plan your retirement with a spouse, you may be wondering if there are ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.

Studies have shown that participating in a continuous exercise schedule may lower your chances of developing dementia. An excellent way to stimulate your mind and body is to participate in cardiovascular activities such as walking, swimming, jogging, or climbing each week. Another thing you can do to lower your risk of dementia is eat healthy fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and other types of food that are high in antioxidants. Lastly, engaging in social atmospheres, clubs, or communities with friends or family is an excellent way to keep your mind healthy.

Our staff is trained to provide compassionate support to residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. By providing emotional support, the staff at our dementia care community are able to help improve the mental stability and dignity of each resident. We provide daily activities and interactions to residents with all types of dementia, such as  Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Frontotemporal, and Lewy Body.

If you need assistance caring for a family member with dementia, give us a call at (630) 534-0886. Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s and dementia care community that specializes at caring for individuals with moderate to severe memory issues.

Scientists are not able to fully pinpoint the exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease in the standard population. However, it has been determined that likely causes include lifestyle patterns, genetics, and developments to the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that becomes more severe with time. Individuals with Alzheimer’s will notice impaired short term memory capabilities due to a loss of neurons and linkages in the brain. If you have a mother or father with Alzheimer’s, it may be time to consider enrolling at our Alzheimer’s care community and facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Give us a call at (630) 534-0886 to schedule a tour of our community

Individuals that are above the age of 60 are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia compared to younger individuals. Reputable studies have displayed that one-third of the population that are 85 or older are susceptible to the formation of Alzheimer’s disease. Although we may not be aware of the exact causes of Alzheimer’s dementia, industry experts are dedicated to pinpointing the changes with neurons and brain cells among older adults to learn more about the factors that cause short-term and long-term memory loss.

If you have a history of Alzheimer’s disease in your family, this will increase the probability of memory issues in the future. However, a family history of the disease does not mean you will inherit it. In fact, there is an excellent chance that you may never develop Alzheimer’s disease. This is especially true for individuals that participate in continuous mental stimulation and physical activities. If you’re having trouble caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease, it may be time to consider investing in a professional dementia and Alzheimer’s care program. Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s care community and facility that provides programs and medical services to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

From insulin administration, medication monitoring, assisted daily living activities, to housekeeping, the staff at our dementia and Alzherimer’s care facility is dedicated to providing a comfortable, friendly, and stimulating environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s. The staff at Terra Vista is aware that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis may introduce financial stress among family members. This is why we provide dementia and Alzheimer’s care programs that feature no hidden costs or fees. In addition, our memory care assisted living rates will never deviate based on evolving Alzheimer’s care requirements. In addition, an Alzheimer’s diagnosis may qualify veterans and their partners for the VA Aid and Attendance Pension provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you have further questions about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease or our Alzheimer’s care programs and facility, give our team a call by phone at (630) 534-0886.

A common question that the staff at our dementia care community receives from family members is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Dementia is a condition that refers to mental and physical difficulties such as short-term memory loss, communication issues, and physical performance. Alzheimer’s disease is the most abundant form of dementia that causes issues with retention, verbal communication, and mental processing.

Individuals with dementia may have a hard time communicating, focusing, judging daily situations, remembering recent events, or detecting movement. Various types of dementia share the same symptoms, which will make it hard for a doctor to pinpoint the exact condition of a family member. Sharing all noticeable symptoms with your doctor will help him or her perform an accurate diagnosis and confirm the type of dementia you are affected by.

Over half the population of individuals that have dementia are living with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease results in  excess proteins and fibers in the brain that inhibit communication between nerve cells. As this form of dementia progresses, it may become necessary to move to an Alzheimer’s care community and facility due to symptoms such as mental instability, mood alterations, and increased agitation. In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, there are other types of dementia such as Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and Huntington’s disease. Now that you’re aware about the differences between Alzheimer’s and dementia, we recommend getting your family member tested if they are displaying common signs.

Terra Vista is an Alzheimer’s and dementia care community and facility that is dedicated to enriching the lives of its residents. We are solely dedicated to providing lifestyle care and medical services to individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Unlike other memory care facilities in the area, we make it easy for family members to stay connected to their loved one. Our VistaSocialTM mobile app is designed to keep you updated with the daily activities of loved ones. In addition, our dementia care community is managed by our SARA system. This platform provides alarm notifications, emergency notifications, and announcements to the staff at our Alzheimer’s care assisted living facility. Give us a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to learn more about our memory and dementia care programs in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

The brain is equipped with compartments that are referred to as ventricles. The ventricles are filled with a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that is designed to protect your spinal cord and brain from injuries. Although this type of fluid is critical to protecting each chamber of the brain, an excess amount of cerebrospinal fluid will negatively impact your physical and mental health. If the compartments of your brain are filled with too much cerebrospinal fluid, this can cause Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

The most apparent symptoms of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus include depression, walking issues, variations in mood, loss of balance, sadness, and damage to verbal communication skills. An individual with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus may have trouble participating in conversations and responding to questions. While it may be easy to assume your family member is having trouble with walking due to the natural process of aging, this type of mobility issue can be directly related to Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Individuals with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus may encounter mild to severe gait disturbances. This is a term that refers to mobility and walking difficulties. Some individuals with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus may be able to walk slowly while other people may be unable to walk or stand. The earliest symptoms of this type of dementia include walking and balance issues.

If your family member with NPH is no longer able to navigate between areas of their household, it may be the appropriate time to consider making the transition to a memory care community and facility. The staff at Terra Vista is trained to care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Give our team a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to discuss Alzheimer’s and dementia care options in Oakbrook Terrace.

The human brain relies on a network of arteries to receive resources such as oxygen, minerals, and vitamins. Your brain would not be able to process, segment, or store memories without a proper supply of nutrients. Vascular dementia is a type of dementia typically characterized by issues with strategizing, awareness, interpretation, and memory. A common cause of vascular dementia in older adults includes strokes. This type of medical condition can cause damage to the arteries in the brain.

Once an artery is damaged, your brain will not receive a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients to conduct daily activities. Although a stroke may be a common cause of vascular dementia, there are a large number of other conditions that may be responsible for nutrient and blood circulation issues in the body. The symptoms of vascular dementia will deviate based on the portion of your brain where oxygen and blood circulation is restricted.

Typical signs and symptoms of vascular dementia include depression, disorientation, anxiety, and discomposure. An individual with this type of dementia may struggle to create short-term memories of recent events, situations, and accomplishments. In addition, it may be hard for a family member with vascular dementia to create adequate strategies to resolve daily problems that are encountered in the workforce and other public settings. A large number of people with vascular dementia also struggle to construct their thoughts and memories.

An individual may experience temporary symptoms that are identical to vascular dementia after a stroke. In some cases, these symptoms may not be associated with this type of dementia and will begin to fade as an individual recovers from a stroke. Although the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease develop slowly, the progression of signs or symptoms of vascular dementia can occur at a rapid rate.

Not all individuals that have lived through a stroke will develop vascular dementia. This type of dementia will only form if a stroke causes damage to arteries and blood vessels in the brain. A stroke with no noticable signs or symptoms of brain damage is referred to as a silent stroke. On the other hand, a stroke that produces symptoms such as disorientation and short-term memory loss is referred to as an apparent stroke.

Regardless of the type of stroke you have encountered in the past, the probability of developing vascular dementia increases each time a stroke occurs and you encounter cardiovascular issues. Other types of issues that can cause damage to the blood vessels and arteries in your brain include high blood pressure, diabetes, brain hemorrhages, and atherosclerosis. If a family member is displaying evidence of vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, give the team at our memory care community a call by phone at (630) 534-0886 to become familiar with our Alzheimer’s and dementia care services.

If you’ve had to help care for a relative with Alzheimer’s, you may be wondering if you are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s later in life. The answer to this question depends on a variety of variables that are associated with the genes in your family.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is in most cases produced by mutations in a specific type of gene in your family. If a parent has this gene, there is a 50% chance that the son or daughter will inherit the gene and develop early-onset Alzheimer’s. In 40% of other cases, it is unknown why an individual develops this disease early in their life.

Most people are exposed to late-onset Alzheimer’s. This variation of the disease occurs in individuals that are between the ages of 60 – 70 years old. This form of Alzheimer’s is not associated as highly with an individual gene mutation.

On the other hand, there are a variety of genetic variables that have been found to increase the probability of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s. If you believe a relative is suffering from the symptoms of early or late-onset Alzheimer’s, give us a call  at (630) 534-0886 to schedule a tour of our Alzheimer’s and dementia care community in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.