Why We Fear Symptoms of Dementia in Seniors

Why fear symptoms of dementia? It has been projected that of the 35 million adults 65 years of age and older in the United States, there will be at least 140,000 older adults diagnosed with some form of cognitive impairment. For many, it is a hard realization that the parent that once cared for us, now has been diagnosed with “dementia”. Dementia is used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses, in which brain cells shrink or disappear. It is a progressive decline in the ability to remember, to think, and to learn and make judgments.

As the disease affects different areas of the brain, different functions and abilities are lost. Each individual is uniquely affected and at widely varying rates of progression. As a result, there must be an individualized approach to the care of each individual exhibiting symptoms of dementia.

There is no cure for dementia at this time and it is currently not possible to restore brain cells affected by the disease. However, there are treatments to help caregivers and the aging adult cope with the challenges they face. A patient with symptoms of dementia can still experience love, joy and sadness. Effective and individualized care combined with emotional support can improve the quality and richness of a patient’s life.

Many aging adults and family members want to age in their home or remain in familiar surroundings as long as possible. The benefits of remaining in familiar surroundings has been shown to allow the aging adult to have a better quality of life and reduce or avoid admission to an institutional setting.

The first step to this process is planning ahead. Involve your parents in as many aspects of the planning as possible. Work together to get organized. Address issues, such as durable power of attorney for health and finances. It is also important to put an Advanced Directive in place now. Five Wishes is a form of an Advanced Directive that is easy to use and comprehensive approach to addressing end of life issues. Identify where the important legal and financial documents are kept and who are their professional advisers. Review medical/health insurance, long term care policies. Be prepared should a crisis occur. If your parent is uncommunicative, consult a legal or financial professional on your own to learn your options.

Addressing symptoms of dementia in your home

Assess the home environment and make the necessary changes to the home as the senile dementia disease progresses. Safety is the ultimate concern. You may have to curtail activities that pose a safety risk, such as cooking, driving, operating machinery.

Educate yourself about resources in the community; talk to professionals early on to learn what options, such as in-home support, adult day care, home visiting physicians, and behavioral specialists that are available in your area. Bring in a professional, such as a care manager or elder care consultant to assist you in maneuvering the health care delivery system and coordinating care.

If you are making the decision to maintain your aging loved one with symptoms of dementia at home, there are classes that educate on how to approach the aging adult when they exhibit such behaviors such as agitation, hoarding, disrobing. They will also teach you how to respond to those behaviors or even prevent such behaviors. Psycho education, includes teaching coping strategies and problem-solving skills to families, friends, and/or caregivers to help them deal more effectively with dementia in the elderly.

Be proactive and take the time to receive individualized, specific education and training. Knowing how to understand and manage disruptive and depressive behaviors before they occur can decrease the stress level of the caregiver.

Find a support group, whether at work, through a local hospital, or on the Internet. Even listening can be enlightening and comforting.

Use the Internet to educate yourself about a particular condition or disease, and network with professionals and other caregivers on-line. Investigate online skill training. With outside support and understanding, the situation can be greatly improved, and can allow for a better quality of life for everyone involved.

There are some significant steps needed to ease the stress on caregivers as well. One large part is to make sure that all siblings and family members are getting involved. They may not realize how much work is actually required and must be reminded that their help is needed. If other siblings live far away, they can still participate in other ways, such as financially or providing support through phone calls. It is crucial for the caregiver not to feel alone or as if there is not anyone to fall back on. It is important for the caregiver to take care of themselves, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Utilizing community services, such as adult day care, family counseling or individual counseling, and home care services can empower the caregiver to maintain a positive attitude, lead a healthier life and maintain social contacts to avoid isolation and decrease stress.

Article by Diane Carbo RN