It’s always a good idea to talk to a friend of your family about it. If it’s you, it’s suggested to visit a doctor and if it’s a loved one, ask the person whether he or she plans to see a doctor and offer to accompany him or her to the appointment.
It might be difficult to know what to do if you fear a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another kind of dementia. It might be a sensitive subject to bring up, so think carefully about what to say and when to say it.
Some words of encouragement would be: There are many things that could be causing this, and dementia could be one of them. Let’s see if the doctor can shed any light on what’s going on. The sooner we figure out what’s causing these issues, the sooner we can fix them. I believe that talking with a doctor would give us both peace of mind.
Dementia symptoms such as memory loss, impaired judgment, and personality changes emerge gradually. Symptoms that appear unexpectedly may be caused by something else.
What are the direct signs that someone may be suffering from dementia?
There are a few clear warning indicators of Dementia. Keep an eye out for these behavioral and cognitive changes that may suggest your loved one is in the early stages of the disease.
Memory Loss
This can manifest as a failure to recall recent events or the repetition of the same inquiry. The individual may also frequently misplace items and grow upset while seeking them.
Confusion Regarding Time or Place
The individual may lose track of where they are or what year it is.
Difficulty Understanding Visual Information
Your loved one may fail to recognize familiar faces and may struggle to judge distances.
Trouble with Written and Verbal Communication
Your loved one may regularly struggle to find the correct word or communicate their views.
Lack of Interest
The individual may lose interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Trouble with Familiar Tasks
The individual may struggle to complete common tasks such as following a recipe or balancing a cheque book. They may become disoriented when travelling to familiar locations.
Problems Planning or Thinking Ahead
The individual may struggle to pay bills on time or plan activities.
Mood or Personality Changes
Your loved one may be unusually agitated or exhibit unusual mood swings.
Poor Judgement
Your formerly knowledgeable loved one may be easily influenced by salespeople or drive more recklessly.
Take specific note if the changes you’re observing are abrupt. This could be an indication of delirium or another physical ailment that can be treated. It is vital that a healthcare expert evaluates your loved one as soon as possible in this situation. If the symptoms appear gradually over time, they are more likely to be caused by dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
How do you cope with someone with dementia?
Include quiet times as well as activities throughout your day. Keep sentimental items and photographs of the house to make the person feel safer. If the person doesn’t remember who you are, remind him or her, but don’t say, “Don’t you remember?” Encourage as long as possible a two-way conversation.
According to another research by the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India, it is estimated that over 3.7 million people are affected by dementia in our country. This is expected to double by 2030. It is estimated that the cost of taking care of a person with dementia is about INR 43,000 annually; much of which is met by the families. The financial burden will only increase in the coming years.
People with Alzheimer’s and associated dementias exhibit impairments in thinking, remembering, and reasoning that affect daily life and activities early on. People suffering from these conditions will eventually require more assistance with routine, everyday tasks. Bathing, grooming, and dressing may be included. It may be upsetting for the individual to require assistance with such intimate duties. A few pointers to keep in mind both early on and as the condition progresses:
- Maintain a schedule by showering, dressing, and eating at the same time every day.
- Assist the individual with writing down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notepad or calendar.
- Plan activities that the individual will appreciate and try to do at the same time every day.
- Consider a system or reminders to assist folks who must take prescriptions on a regular basis.
- Allow the person to do as much as possible when dressing or bathing.
- Purchase clothing that is loose-fitting, comfortable, and easy to use, such as outfits with elastic waistbands, fabric closures, or giant zipper pulls instead of shoelaces, buttons, or buckles.
- To assist an unsteady person and prevent falls, use a strong shower chair. Shower chairs are available at medication stores and medical supply stores.
- Always be gentle and respectful. Tell the person what you’re going to do step by step while you assist them with bathing or dressing.
- Serve meals in a constant, familiar location and allow ample time for the person to eat.
Caring for someone with dementia is a team effort that involves many people sharing tasks and responsibilities. Taking care of another person, no matter what type of caregiver you are, can be challenging at times.
What is the best way to calm down someone with dementia?
According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, 52% exhibited some aggressive behavior, 35% patients were reported to be verbally aggressive and a further 18% were assaultive to their caregivers. Aggressive behavior is a common phenomenon in AD and approximately one in five sufferers is assaultive. Assaultive behavior is associated with male gender and dyspraxia.
Some ways you can cope with agitation or aggression in dementia patients:
- Assure the individual. Speak clearly. Pay attention to his or her worries and frustrations. If the person is furious or afraid, try to demonstrate that you understand.
- Allow the individual to maintain as much control over his or her life as feasible.
- Include quiet times as well as activities throughout your day.
- Try gentle stroking, relaxing music, reading, or going for a walk.
- Reduce the amount of noise, clutter, and people in the room.
- Distract the individual with a favorite snack, object, or pastime.
- Limit the amount of caffeine the person drinks and eats.
Some things caregivers can do:
- If you believe your own problems are harming the person with Alzheimer’s, slow down and attempt to relax.
- Find a way to take a break from caring for others.
- When you require assistance, ask for it. This could include requesting family and friends for assistance or contacting local services for further care needs.
- Join an online or in-person caregivers support group. Meeting other caregivers allows you to exchange tales and ideas, which can make you feel less isolated.
- Seek the assistance of a mental health expert to help you cope with anxiety and stress. Discuss treatment options with your doctor.
As a caregiver or family member of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you can take steps to make the house a safer place. Removing risks and installing safety elements around the home can enable the individual to move about more independently and safely.