Alzheimer’s Treatment Center for Older Adults in Missouri

Learn More About Alzheimer’s Treatment at Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Missouri

Getting older comes with a variety of changes, and slight alterations in one’s memory are often noticed. We all have lapses in memory in which we can’t remember where we put our phone down, forget an appointment, or even walk into a room and immediately forget why we went there in the first place. Some changes in memory as we age are normal, however progressive memory loss is not a part of normal aging, as was once believed.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of dementia cases. Dementia is a term used for a group of symptoms that include memory loss, loss of visual perception, difficulty with communication, trouble focusing or maintaining attention, and impaired reasoning and judgment. This disease is a condition that gets worse over time due to damaged brain cells.

Some limited memory problems in our senior years are not abnormal, however, when memory problems appear to be continuously worsening over time, it may be the development of a problem that isn’t due to old age. Additionally, if other symptoms begin to appear, such as visual-spatial problems, personality changes, or unusual behavioral responses, it could mean the presence of Alzheimer’s disease.

At Lakeland’s behavioral health center in Missouri, we are aware how being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is a scary time for you and your family. While there is no cure for this disorder, recent advances in treatment options are available that will help delay the onset of some symptoms and restore some types of functioning for a period of time. This means that with the right combination of treatment, you still have a future ahead of you to spend with family and friends. At Lakeland, we can help you get your Alzheimer’s disease under control and get you back to enjoying your life.

Why Consider Treatment for Alzheimer’s at Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Missouri

At Lakeland’s behavioral health center, we understand how difficult it can be to decide upon a health program that will be best for you or a loved one. We also understand how helpless you and your loved ones may feel with the onset of memory loss and related symptoms. The sooner Alzheimer’s disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better, as proper treatment and therapy can slow the progression of this disease.

HOPE is our senior psychiatric inpatient program that is designed to treat acute mental health disorders for adults 65 years of age and older. We provide our patients with confidential and personalized treatment plans that will effectively manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Our multidisciplinary approach includes a variety of different therapeutic techniques that will help educate patients and their family on their specific condition and learn more effective coping skills.

Lakeland Behavioral Health System’s Philosophy and Benefits

The goal of our seniors center is to relieve symptoms and return patients to their best possible level of health so that they can maximize their quality of life. Each day it is our job to provide the best care and treatment to our patients and their families. Our mission is to be an outstanding provider of quality, safe, and cost-effective psychiatric services. Over the years we have helped thousands of patients through troubled times and restored emotional well-being. Our caring staff of professionals is dedicated to helping individuals change their lives and be better equipped to function in their home environment.

Types of Alzheimer’s Treatment Offered at Lakeland Behavioral Health System in Missouri

Before any treatment plans are put in place, you will undergo a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation in order to determine your specific needs. Our treatment team is made up of psychiatrists, psychologists, pharmacists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, clinical dietitians, and a recreational therapist all trained to provide you with the best possible care. The treatment team works together to create and implement an individualized treatment plan. Some of the following techniques may be used in your treatment:

Medication Management: Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease usually take medication to help manage their symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Additionally, medication may be used in order to help with symptoms from co-occurring disorders. All medication use will be monitored and altered if necessary. 

Individual Therapy: To address issues specific to the individual that may not have come up in group or that an individual feels more comfortable discussing in private.

Family Therapy: Family participation is a big part of the healing process here at Lakeland. Many times individuals who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease rely heavily on the support of their family. Family members will receive education about this disease, medication, and specific coping strategies. In addition to therapy, family members are allowed to visit for up to an hour each day.

We also have additional non-traditional approaches to help you return to your former level of functioning and improve your quality of life. Some of these include:

• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Expressive therapy
• Therapeutic exercise 

Continuing Care and Levels of Treatment for Alzheimer’s

Toward the end of your inpatient stay at Lakeland’s behavioral health center in Missouri, a discharge plan will be created according to your specific continuing needs. We will work together with you and your family to determine the best course of action for you once you have left our care. If additional treatment is needed, we will help you to identify the most appropriate program. If it has been determined that you are ready to return home, we will work with you and your family members to make sure that medication is under control and that better life skills are developed. We will also provide you with referrals for community resources and traditional outpatient therapy. Should it be decided that a different living arrangement needs to be found. We will work with the individual and their family to locate a placement that provides for the needs of the individual.