Families & aging: Dementia issues impact all members of family

[...] the physician calls you into her office: "Your Mom's symptoms point to early-stage Alzheimer's."

The doctor also recommends light supervision in the kitchen - like making sure the gas or electric burners are turned off, water isn't left on and that stubborn refrigerator door is closed completely, and no more higher-cognitive activities - like driving.

"Families describe the impact of the Alzheimer's diagnosis as like a car-windshield that begins as a tiny pebble-nick and the crack gradually travels across the entire windshield," said Carol Cooper, Care Team Director for The Amazing Place, an adult day center, where people of all ages with mild to moderate memory impairment can spend the day, be involved in social activities, a meal and stimulation in a safe, comfortable environment.

The Amazing Place, celebrating its 20th year in Houston, has a current enrollment of 56 adults, ages 49 to 99, and serves as one resource families may want to consider, once dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinsonism or any of the other forms of dementia are diagnosed.

Statistically, dementia and its associated diseases has become the sixth leading cause of death in this country, with one in three seniors succumbing to Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

"There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all, particularly when you are choosing a care facility," said Anthony Ormsby, director of marketing for Village On The Park's Steeplechase Location, which opened a 20-suite, memory care residence a few years ago.

While a facility may have all the amenities, all the ambiance you're looking for, it may not be the right fit for your family member, so I encourage families to take a look at several residences before making a decision.

[...] when I visited, in the beautiful dining room, over a well-prepared and tasty lunch, most of the other residents sat, ate and didn't say a word.

"Once dementia or Alzheimer's is diagnosed, the next step is