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| Image Credit: Pixabay |
{This is a collaborative post}
If you have ageing parents or older relatives, dementia may
be something you have thought about but never had to face. And it’s possible
you never will: the majority of older people never develop it. Nonetheless, it is certainly something worth being prepared
for, because you may one day, sooner or later, be supporting a loved one
through the condition, and here are some of the things you need to know should
that be the case.
What are the early signs of dementia?
While it is often portrayed on TV as someone forgetting
their glasses or wandering off from their home and getting lost, dementia is
more subtle. Early signs that indicate the beginnings of dementia are more
likely to be incidents like repeating the same question multiple times,
withdrawing from conversations, or becoming irritable for no apparent reason.
Confusion in familiar environments, or seeming lost in a past reality (for
example, suggesting that you all visit a relative who died some time ago), can be
signs that their cognition is wavering.
How quickly does dementia progress?
The truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some
forms progress slowly over time, allowing the individual to adjust, while
others, including Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, can cause a more rapid loss
of faculties. A diagnosis is not the immediate end of independence, but can
mark the moment where planning should begin. Having an action plan for care can
reduce stress in the future and help your family
member feel more confident in the present.
Should someone with dementia be treated at home?
There are, again, a few factors to consider: the stage of
dementia and the support network available are important, and while you may
feel it is right to look after them at home, it might not be the best thing for
them or you. What is for sure is that as the disease progresses, it will
increasingly be a good idea to look into dedicated memory care. Residential care can provide a safer and more enriching environment,
with routines and activities that are designed to support the retention of cognitive function. This isn’t “giving up” - it’s giving your loved one the
best care possible.
How do you talk to someone with dementia about their diagnosis?
At the beginning, while they still retain most of their ability to process new information, it is important to be open and supportive - let them say what they need to say and provide reassurance. As things progress, the focus should shift from explaining to comforting. There’s really no need to remind them of something they’ve forgotten or correct them on things that aren’t connected to their safety. Sometimes, it will be best to follow their lead, rather than cause distress by contradicting their false memories. Patience, warmth and validation can help them more than relitigating facts.
Dementia is hard on the person with the condition and on their loved ones, but facing it with knowledge and love can make a real difference. Whether you’re years away from needing this advice or at the beginning of the road, understanding what to expect helps you support your loved ones with clarity and care.
