Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is a life-changing moment.
Whether it’s your spouse, parent, or loved one, the news can bring a wave of emotions: uncertainty, fear, and questions about what will happen next.
But you are not alone.
At Kensington Senior Living, we provide care, comfort, guidance, and a compassionate community for families facing Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lewy Body Dementia.
Join our expert-led events
If you’re looking for answers, we invite you to join our community events. We recently hosted “Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s: Treatments & Diagnosis.”
The discussion featured leading experts who covered:
- The latest research on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lewy Body Dementia
- Available treatments and therapies to slow disease progression
- Strategies for caregiving and long-term planning
If you or a loved one has been affected by a memory disorder, our events like this one are an opportunity to learn from professionals who truly understand.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
What an Alzheimer’s diagnosis means
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking skills, and behavior.
While many associate it primarily with forgetfulness, the disease impacts a person’s ability to communicate, problem-solve, and eventually perform daily tasks independently.
While it is the most common form of dementia, each person’s experience is unique.
The three stages of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s progresses gradually, typically moving through three stages:
- Early Stage (Mild Cognitive Impairment): Memory lapses, difficulty with organization, trouble recalling names, and occasional confusion
- Middle Stage (Moderate Alzheimer’s): Increased forgetfulness, mood swings, difficulty recognizing loved ones, and struggles with daily tasks
- Late Stage (Severe Alzheimer’s): Loss of communication, inability to perform self-care, and the need for 24/7 support
While Alzheimer’s currently has no cure, early intervention can help slow its progression and improve the quality of life.
What to do after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
If your loved one has recently been diagnosed, it’s important to take action—both emotionally and practically.
Educate yourself
Knowledge is key. Learning about Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lewy Body Dementia will help you make informed decisions and prepare for what’s ahead.
Seek out:
- Trusted resources like the Alzheimer’s Association and National Institute on Aging
- Books and online courses about dementia care
- Seminars and events, such as our expert-led discussion on memory disorders
Build a support network
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is not something anyone should do alone.
To create a strong care system, lean on family, friends, and professionals.
Consider:
- Caregiver support groups for emotional support and advice
- Respite care to take breaks while ensuring your loved one’s safety
- Professional memory care services when home care becomes too challenging
Build a medical care team
Having the right medical team in place is crucial.
A medical team may include:
- A neurologist to monitor the disease’s progression
- A memory care specialist to recommend therapies
- A primary care physician to manage overall health
- A geriatric psychiatrist to support emotional well-being
Treatment plans may include:
- Medications to manage cognitive symptoms (e.g., Donepezil, Rivastigmine)
- Lifestyle modifications like diet, exercise, and cognitive stimulation
- Clinical trials that provide access to emerging treatments
Plan for the future
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, meaning care needs will change over time.
Planning ensures a smoother transition when more support is needed.
Discuss:
- Legal documents (power of attorney, living wills, financial planning)
- Care preferences (home care, memory care, assisted living)
- Safety modifications at home, such as grab bars, alarm systems, and simplified routines
At Kensington Senior Living, we help families navigate these decisions with compassion and expertise.
Understanding Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia
While Alzheimer’s is the most well-known form of dementia, Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) also affect cognitive function and quality of life.
- Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is characterized by hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, and movement issues.
- Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) often begins with tremors and movement difficulties, later progressing to memory loss.
Because these conditions can be misdiagnosed or mistaken for Alzheimer’s, working with neurological specialists is essential.
Is it time to consider memory care?
One of the most challenging questions for families is when to transition to memory care.
While every situation is unique, signs in your loved one will indicate it may be time:
- Increased confusion and disorientation: wandering or getting lost
- Difficulty with daily activities: dressing, eating, or using the restroom
- Caregiver burnout: You’re feeling physically or emotionally overwhelmed in caring for your loved one
- Safety concerns: falls, leaving appliances on, or forgetting medications
What memory care offers
As Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses, families often reach a turning point where they ask, is it time for professional care?
Memory care communities, like Kensington Senior Living, offer:
- 24/7 expert support tailored to cognitive and physical needs
- A safe and secure environment to reduce confusion and anxiety
- Enriching programs designed to enhance well-being and cognitive function
- A compassionate community where your loved one is treated like family
Deciding to transition to memory care isn’t easy, but it’s often the best way to ensure a loved one receives the highest level of dignified and loving support.
You are not alone—Let’s navigate this journey together
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is overwhelming, not just for the individual but for the entire family.
As a caregiver, you may feel the weight of responsibility, wondering if you’re making the right decisions, if your loved one is getting the best care, or how you’ll manage the emotional and physical demands of the journey ahead.
But you don’t have to do this alone.
A community of support and compassion
At Kensington Senior Living, we believe in more than just providing care—we believe in building a community of support.
Our memory care neighborhoods are designed to offer safety, comfort, and dignity to those living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lewy Body Dementia.
We offer:
- 24/7 expert care from trained memory care specialists
- Engaging, memory-enhancing programs designed to promote cognitive well-being
- A warm, loving environment where residents feel truly at home
Guiding families through difficult decisions
We understand that choosing the proper care is a deeply personal decision.
That’s why we’re here to walk this journey with you—answering your questions, offering guidance, and helping you find the best path forward for your loved one.
Whether you need:
- Advice on care options tailored to your loved one’s stage of dementia
- Emotional support as a caregiver navigating this journey
- A compassionate memory care community that feels like home
Take the next steps after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
You don’t have to have all the answers right now, but you do have support. Let us be your partner in this journey.
Contact Kensington Senior Living today to learn how our team can support your family.