Alvina Miller
October 15, 2024: Finding out that you or someone close to you might have dementia can be really upsetting. But learning more about the condition can help improve the situation. Accepting the possibility of dementia can change how you see things and impact your relationships and priorities. However, having symptoms doesn’t mean your life has to stop. Some types of dementia can be slowed down and, in some cases, even reversed if caught early.
The first step is to know the difference between normal forgetfulness and dementia and to understand the various types of dementia. No matter the diagnosis, there are plenty of ways dementia care can help manage symptoms so you can continue to live a happy and fulfilling life for as long as possible.
Dementia is a term used to describe different brain disorders that happen because of disease or injury, leading to memory problems, personality changes, and difficulty thinking clearly. These changes aren’t a normal part of aging and can make daily tasks, independence, and relationships much harder. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, around 50 million people worldwide have dementia, with someone being diagnosed every 3.2 seconds. Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, other forms include vascular dementia and mixed dementia.
People with dementia usually notice a decline in their ability to communicate, learn new things, remember, and solve problems. These symptoms can appear quickly or slowly, depending on the type of dementia and which parts of the brain are affected. How the disease progresses, and its effects on life will vary.
Recognizing memory changes and dementia symptoms:
As we grow older, many people experience occasional memory lapses, which can feel unsettling, especially when tasks that once felt easy become harder. It’s important to remember that not all memory issues mean dementia. Dementia affects more than just memory; it can also impact how we think, see, communicate, and even how we feel or behave. For someone to be diagnosed with dementia, they usually face challenges in one or more of these areas alongside memory problems.
Common signs and symptoms of dementia include:
- Memory Loss: Forgetting recent events or appointments, relying more on reminders, or asking the same questions repeatedly.
- Poor Judgment:Falling for scams, giving away money, or struggling with basic responsibilities like taking care of a pet.
- Difficulty Thinking Abstractly: Struggling with creative tasks, solving problems, or completing daily activities.
- Trouble Reasoning: Finding it hard to follow directions, manage finances, or work with numbers.
- Inappropriate Behavior: Acting without inhibitions, such as making inappropriate comments.
- Trouble Communicating: Difficulty finding the right words, keeping up with conversations, or understanding stories.
- Confusion and Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places, confusion about time, and not recognizing familiar people.
- Balance and Coordination Issues: Frequent falls or accidents due to loss of coordination.
- Neglecting Personal Care: Decline in personal hygiene, wearing inappropriate clothes for the weather, or neglecting nutrition.
- Changes in Personality: Becoming withdrawn, losing interest in social activities, feeling depressed, experiencing hallucinations, or becoming paranoid or agitated.
How to communicate with someone who has Alzheimer’s or dementia
People with Alzheimer’s or dementia often find it hard to communicate because they forget things. They may also get upset, anxious, or even angry. Some types of dementia affect speech, making it difficult for them to find the right words or speak clearly. It can be frustrating, but remember that the disease is causing these changes. Here are some simple ways to make communication easier:
- Speak calmly and offer reassurance. Listen to what they are feeling, and show understanding if they are upset or scared.
- Let them have as much control over their life as possible.
- Respect their personal space and boundaries.
- Balance the day with quiet times and activities.
- Keep familiar objects and photos nearby to help them feel safe.
- If they don’t remember you, gently remind them without saying, “Don’t you remember?”
- Keep conversations going for as long as they can participate.
- If words aren’t working, try distracting them with something familiar, like a favorite book or a photo album.
Tips for promoting healthy eating for those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia:
Eating well and staying active is important for everyone, especially for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. As the disease advances, it can be harder to help them maintain these healthy habits. Here are some easy tips to consider:
- Find different activities they might enjoy, such as helping with household chores, cooking, exercising, or gardening. Choose activities that match their abilities.
- Encourage them to start activities or join in to make it more fun, since people with dementia may find it hard to get things going on their own.
- Use music during activities or exercise to help motivate them, and feel free to dance along!
- Keep physical activity realistic—short, frequent bursts of exercise can be more effective.
- Go for daily walks together; it’s good for both of you!
- Stock up on a variety of healthy and easy-to-make foods, like premade salads or single-serving meals.
Understanding dementia is important for identifying its signs and symptoms, which can greatly impact both individuals and their families. As caregivers face the challenges that come with this condition, it’s vital to use effective care strategies. By staying informed and showing empathy, caregivers can offer valuable support that improves the quality of life for those with dementia. In the end, compassionate dementia care helps preserve a sense of dignity and respect, allowing individuals to maintain their independence and stay connected with their loved ones throughout their journey.
Alvina Miller is a guest contributor and covers health and care topics related to senior care.
