Health Tips
What is Dementia
More than a third of people over the age of 85 have dementia from conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Lewy bodies, or vascular dementia.
People with dementia have a progressive brain disorder that makes it more and more difficult for them to remember things, think clearly, communicate with others, or take care of themselves.
It can be painful to watch your loved one go through it. Sometimes their confusion and discomfort are quite evident. Other times, they may appear to painlessly return to a more childlike mental state. It can be very painful to not be recognized by them any more. In addition, dementia can cause mood swings and even change a person’s personality and behavior to such an extent that you may not readily recognize them as the person they once were.
Dementia is more common than one might think. About one-third of people age 85 and older (32%) have Alzheimer’s disease, for example.
Dementia Care
There are several common dementia-associated behaviors which require special handling for your loved one’s comfort and well being, beyond the support of essential activities of daily living.
- Wandering
People with dementia wander around. They might be bored, have medication issues or be looking for “something” or someone. They might be trying to fulfill a physical need—thirst, hunger, a need to use the toilet or exercise. - Agitation
Irritability, sleeplessness, and/or verbally or physically aggressive behaviors: often these types of behavior progress with the stages of dementia, from mild to more severe.
- Sleeplessness/Sundowning
Restlessness, agitation, disorientation and other troubling behaviors in people with dementia often get worse at the end of the day and sometimes continue throughout the night. Experts believe this behavior, commonly called sundowning, is caused by a combination of factors.
- Eating/Nutrition
People with dementia literally begin to forget that they need to eat and drink. The consequences of poor nutrition are extensive.
Learn More
Brain disease causes the vast majority of dementia cases. The damage from these diseases results in the destruction of brain cells integral to language, reasoning, memory, and emotion, and produces the symptoms of dementia, which vary greatly. At least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia:
- Memory
- Communication and language
- Ability to focus and pay attention
- Reasoning and judgment
- Visual perception
Alzheimer’s Organization is a great resource for information about dementia, and ways to deal with it.
Health Tips
- 22 Jul 2014
- Elder Care