Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Support and Hope for the Poconos

Did you know that 1 in 9 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s?

November marks Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a time to recognize those living with Alzheimer’s and the importance of supporting those affected. Here in the Poconos, communities like East Stroudsburg, Tannersville, Milford, and beyond offer understanding and resources for families.

Understanding Alzheimer’s

Over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it was marked as the sixth-leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older in 2022.

Many families across Monroe County and beyond, in towns like Dingman’s Ferry and Mount Pocono, are facing the daily challenges of memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes. Recognizing the early signs, such as forgetfulness, difficulty completing familiar tasks, or trouble finding the right words, can make a real difference in someone seeking help.

Symptoms

Signs for Alzheimer’s can vary, as there are three stages: early, middle, and late. The early and middle stages include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Difficulty with familiar tasks, and challenges in planning or solving problems
• Confusion with time or place
• Problems with words in speaking or writing
• Poor judgement and changes in mood or personality

As Alzheimer’s progresses, symptoms can intensify and become severe. Individuals in the late-stage experience:

• Complete loss of awareness or surroundings
• Difficulty with basic personal care such as eating, dressing, and bathing
• Weight loss, difficulty swallowing, loss of control over bladder
• Agression, paranoia, and delusions

Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, many strategies and treatments may change disease progression with drug and non-drug options to help treat symptoms. Planning and finding the right mix of management strategies with the help of a medical professional can make the disease more manageable. A few tactics for managing symptoms include: 

• Cholinesterase inhibitors: This medicine boosts cell-to-cell communications and may improve symptoms related to behavior, such as agitation or depression.

• Memantine: This medicine works to slow the progression of symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Oftentimes, it’s used in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor.

• Therapy & Counseling: Without medication, a few types of therapy are recommended to alleviate symptoms. Cognitive therapy helps individuals cope with cognitive and emotional challenges. Occupational therapy helps individuals maintain their daily functioning and independence. Physical therapy helps individuals improve mobility and balance.

Support Groups and Resources for Those with Alzheimer’s in the Poconos

• Memory Cafe at Conni’s Cafe, supported by The Monroe County Dementia Coalition
• Music Therapy for People Living with Dementia, supported by The Friendly Community Center
• Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, supported by The Alzheimer’s Association
• Positive Approach to Care, supported by Teepa Snow a leading dementia care and education specialist

How Griswold Home Care Can Help

At Griswold, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, professional support for families navigating Alzheimer’s. Whether you’re in Tannersville, Pocono Lake, Tobyhanna, or any part of the Pocono Mountains, our team can help with:

• Personal care and daily living assistance
• Companionship and memory-stimulating activities
• Respite care for family Caregivers
• Guidance on local resources within our community

If you’re concerned about memory loss in a loved one or want to learn more, reach out to our Griswold Pocono office. Together, we can make Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month a time of hope and action for everyone in our community. Contact us today for a personalized care plan!