Important Things to Know About Dementia
Tue, Apr 4th, 2023
According to Oxford Languages Dictionary, dementia is a condition characterized by progressive or persistent loss of intellectual functioning, especially with impairment inf memory and abstract thinking, and often with personality change, resulting from organic disease of the brain. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, but there are many other types of dementia as well, such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and more.
What Are the Early Signs of Dementia?
Early signs of dementia can be difficult to spot, as they can be easily mistaken for normal age-related changes. However, it's important to be aware of these signs, as early detection and intervention can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for those affected.
Some of the early signs of dementia include:
- Memory loss: forgetting recently learned information, important dates, and events, or repeatedly asking the same questions.
- Difficulty with familiar tasks: struggling to perform tasks that were once routine, such as preparing a meal, using a phone, or managing finances.
- Disorientation: getting lost in familiar places or forgetting where things are kept.
- Language problems: difficulty finding the right words, following a conversation, or writing coherently.
- Changes in mood and behavior: becoming increasingly anxious, irritable, depressed, or withdrawn.
- Poor judgement: making poor decisions, giving away money or possessions, or falling for scams.
- Decreased sense of smell: a loss of sense of smell has been linked to early onset of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's.
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the type of dementia, and not everyone with dementia will experience all of these symptoms.
Types of Dementia
As mentioned earlier, Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of all cases. It is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to the death of brain cells and the gradual decline of cognitive function.
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia and is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, often as a result of stroke or other cardiovascular disease. Symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and difficulty with speech and motor skills.
Lewy body dementia is a type of dementia that affects both cognitive and motor functions, and is characterized by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain known as Lewy bodies. Symptoms can include hallucinations, fluctuating attention and alertness, tremors, and muscle stiffness.
Frontotemporal dementia is a rare form of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for language, behavior, and personality. Symptoms can include changes in personality, social behavior, and language skills, as well as a decline in memory and cognitive function.
How to Help a Loved One Living with Dementia
If you have a loved one who is living with dementia, it can be challenging to know how to support them. Here are some tips that may help:
- Educate Yourself: Learning about dementia can help you understand what your loved one is going through and how you can help. It can also help you prepare for the future as the disease progresses.
- Create a Safe Environment: Make sure that the environment is safe and supportive for your loved one. Remove any potential hazards, such as loose rugs or cords, and install grab bars in the bathroom and shower.
- Maintain a Routine: Establish a daily routine that your loved one can rely on, including mealtimes, activities, and medications. This can help reduce confusion and anxiety.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected with your loved one through regular visits, phone calls, or video chats. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Encourage Physical Activity: Physical activity can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost overall wellbeing. Encourage your loved one to get some exercise every day, such as walking or swimming.
- Seek Professional Help: If you are having difficulty managing your loved one's care, consider enlisting the help of a professional caregiver or dementia specialist. They can provide valuable insight and guidance.
Living with dementia can be difficult, but with the right support and understanding, it is possible to make life more manageable for your loved one. Taking the time to educate yourself about dementia and connecting with other families going through similar experiences can be a big help as you navigate this journey together.
If you need help modifying your home environment to make it safer for you or a loved one to perform everyday tasks, give us a call!