According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia isn’t a specific disease but a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that affects our thinking, social abilities and memory in a serious way. A way that makes functioning in our daily lives harder and uncontrollable. I’m sure that you know of someone who has or has had dementia, and seen or heard of the struggles those people live with, I know I have.
The sad thing is, that there is no cure for this loss of brain function that happens. Some medications that might be prescribed may help but are not guaranteed. Dementia has different types that affect different people in different ways, but most affect the cognitive and psychological aspects of the brain. This means the person who has dementia doesn’t fully understand or have control of how they feel or what they say. Their emotional sensitivity to situations may vary from time to time and not even be aware of it.
Many who suffer may recognize their loved ones one day and not the next. They may have trouble communicating, do the simple tasks that they have done many times before, and become confused as to where they might be. Some dementia can also make coordination and motor functions more difficult. You might see a change in your loved ones personality. They might become paranoid and start to hallucinate, or they might struggle with higher anxiety.
Like I said before, there is no cure but some medications may help some symptoms. Also reducing clutter and noise in the home will help the sufferer with better focus and function. Creating more simple tasks for them to do with easier steps can help. And if the tasks are achieved, focus on the success of it and not the failure. Being patient and understanding with them is a must no matter how hard it might be. Remember, that the symptoms is what has made the person you love into the person they have become.
How To Help Them
A couple of tips that might help is to have a routine with your loved one. If you are their caretaker, set routine times for their activities. For example, keep a calendar handy and write down when bath time is each day or week. Same goes for their eating schedule. Write in the times so that they can see it. Also plan something that they enjoy doing and make a routine of it. Routine is easier for them and seeing a calendar with it written on it can help.
If your loved one is still capable of getting around by themselves, have a shower chair in the shower for more stability. And add easy to put on and more comfortable clothing into their wardrobe. With less struggle comes more peace of mind for them. To give them a more secure feeling, keep items and photos that they have always treasured around them. They may not always remember them but when they do it’s a comfort. And be respectful and allow them to keep control of their lives as much as possible.
Self-Care
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