Dementia is hard for family and friends to handle and understanding what is involved is pivotal. Senior Care Center deal with such issues each and every day and have some insight they would like to share in how to handle this illness.
Tip #1: It Is Not Worthwhile To Argue With A Person Who Has Dementia
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease can result in a person’s brain “malfunctioning”. This means they will say things that do not make sense, are unintelligible or obviously untrue. However, the person will believe what they say is the truth because this is the information transmitted by their brain. It can be frustrating to hear untrue pieces of information, and your immediate instinct may be to correct the person. Unfortunately, this will only lead to both of you becoming upset and arguments – and you can’t win an argument with a person who is void of any logic or reason.
Tip #2: Ignoring Symptoms Of Dementia Will Not Make It Go Away
When you start noticing an adult is struggling with their judgement, thinking processes or memory, it can be difficult to believe they may have dementia. Due to this being difficult to accept, most people avoid the symptoms hoping this will remove any problems of dementia. Unfortunately, this is a mistake because the problem will not fix itself!
The most beneficial thing to do for a person displaying systems of dementia is to book an appointment with their doctor. Firstly, the symptoms may not be dementia, as there are health conditions with similar symptoms. Second, even though dementia is incurable, an early diagnosis means the treatments are more effective with delayed progression, reduced symptoms, and an improved quality of life, possibly with home health care, rather than residential care.
Tip #3: Too Much Medication Can Result In Feelings And Acts Of Confusion
Medication is often prescribed to reduce the symptoms associated with dementia, but this can result in further problems, including agitation or disorientation. This occurs because seniors are at a high risk for difficulties related to medication side effects or contrary drug interactions. As a neurological condition, dementia can alter how specific medication influences the brain.
One method of reducing medication-related complications is by contacting a doctor if you suspect a medication is causing problems. Many doctors are willing to research alternatives that can offer better treatment without any side effects. It is crucial that the doctor regularly reviews the individual’s medication and supplements to ensure all of the drugs are required.
Tip #4: Using Validation Therapy Or Therapeutic Fibs For A Better Response
One recommendation supported by numerous dementia care professionals is to join the patient in their reality instead of forcing them to accept your reality. Attempting to understand our reality or logic can result in confusion, fear, anger, and anxiety among patients.
For instance, a person experiencing dementia may insist that they are children waiting to be collected by their mother, that they need to return to an office despite being retired, or they are heading to a family relation who passed away several years ago. Instead of pointing out the truth and where they are incorrect, using validation therapy or therapeutic fibs helps one respond to their reality. Validating this reality allows the person to express themselves in a happier and calmer way.
Tip #5: It Is Never Too Late To Improve Your Brain Health
Once you discover an older adult has dementia, and they are diagnosed, it may seem that improving neurological functioning is pointless. This is not true because healthy habits can help people with dementia function more effectively. Using “brain training”, it is possible to reduce the progression of dementia, improve the quality of life, and reduce the symptoms. For instance, doing tasks that are mentally stimulating, participating in engaging activities, and engaging in regular exercise can improve one’s brain functioning.
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