Ways You Can Lend A Helping Hand To Dementia Patients

 

According to research, 80 percent of U.S. dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Caring for someone suffering from the disease can be challenging, more so as the disease progresses since dementia is a progressive loss of mental function, and the term describes a group of conditions that damages the brain cells, which changes (or damages) the individual’s ability to remember, think, speak, and to carry out everyday tasks. With each passing day, the changes become greater thereby increasing the person’s need for more help and assistance.

Common Symptoms- Short term memory loss; difficulty completing familiar/regular tasks; disorientation; problems communicating; personality changes; loss of initiative; misplacing things; and mood swings.

The 4 stages of dementia are

1.      Mild cognitive impairment

2.      Mild dementia

3.      Moderate dementia

4.      Severe dementia

Dementia Types:

1.      Alzheimer’s disease (most common)

2.      Vascular dementia (second most common cause of dementia in older adults)

3.      Dementia with Lewy bodies

4.      Parkinson’s disease

5.      Mixed dementia

6.      Huntington's disease

Since Alzheimer’s is mostly found in aged people, so if you notice your senior loved one experiencing memory difficulties or changes, consult with a doctor right away. He or she might need senior living in Anthem care to be able to live a stable life.

Dementia worsens over time and depression, lack of vitamins, thyroid problems, use of alcohol, etc. further speeds up memory problems.

Things you can do to help:

While medicines are there to help manage symptoms, there are some natural activities that can help improve memory. Here are some ways caregivers effectively can lend their helping hands to dementia patients:

1.      Having patience and showing affection towards them can help them stay calm.

2.      Staying well-groomed goes for a toss in dementia patients, and dressing them can be a stressful endeavor on the part of caregivers and can lead to the patient feeling very frustrated. Consider adaptive wear to make the dressing easier.

3.      Conversations can wear your older adult out, so try to come up with exciting activities. When it comes to conversations, there must be exciting and entertaining things to talk about so take that route.

4.      When talking to someone with dementia, speak clearly and slowly so they can understand. Make eye contact when communicating and be a good listener.

5.      Shower love and affection on the person, and tell them how grateful you are for their presence in your life, which will make them feel cared for and secure.

6.      Spend quality time with your beloved as dementia patients need time, attention and constant reminders that you care for them. A caring attitude can help them feel encouraged and capable, giving them a purpose in life.

7.      Think proactively and arrange for their needs rather than waiting till the time they ask for help or support.

8.      Watch their sleep patterns to manage their behavior and sleep problems. Create a sleep chart and bring them to the notice of the patient’s doctor.

Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise can significantly decrease the chances of developing dementia.