Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to affect daily life. Sadly, many loved ones don’t understand how it progresses or how to treat a family member with dementia.
Furthermore, it is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms vary on the cause.
General Symptoms of Dementia:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty communicating
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Difficulty handling complex tasks
- Paranoia
- Agitation
- The difficulty with coordination and motor functions
- Confusion and disorientation
Generally, dementia is not a specific disease. For this reason, it is difficult to diagnose. Families who encounter loved ones with dementia will notice common patterns.
For instance, dementia describes a group of assumptions affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.
Stages 1- 3 of Dementia
No dementia to mild cognitive impairment. In this stage, this includes increased memory loss, trouble concentrating, and difficulty with verbal repetition.
Stage 4 of Dementia
Normally, stage 4 is considered the early-stage of dementia. It is not abnormal to see patients lose interest in other people or activities in this stage. What used to be simple tasks turn into a nightmare for those dealing with dementia.
The day to day activities is a burden to the patient. For example, patients often report misplacing items and having trouble remembering names. Patients struggle to find the right words in a conversation.
Additionally, some lose track of the day, date, or time. To sum it up, Dementia patients become self-reliant on their caretakers.
Stage 5-6 of Dementia
The mid-stage of Dementia includes problems sleeping. In summary, most report behavior problems in social settings. Dementia sufferers may wander or become lost.
In worse cases, patients complain about hallucinations and delusions. It is not uncommon that family members report increased hostility and aggression. Finally, personal information is usually difficult for sufferers to remember.
Stage 7 of Dementia
This is the late-state of dementia. In short, patients become more hostile, are vulnerable to infections, have difficulty eating, swallowing, and can lose considerable weight. To sum it up, dementia patients need absolute attention during this stage.
A single mishap creates problems for families and patients alike. Nevertheless, there is a way to alleviate the problems that are associated with dementia.
What Can Be Done About Dementia?
There is no cure for dementia. Prevention and medication assistance can ease symptoms. Home care is an alternative care treatment plan for dementia patients.
Globally, dementia affects about 46 million people. It is a concern with families everywhere. In conclusion, Dementia is not easy for families. It is a broad category of brain diseases. The most common is Alzheimer. Usually, age is the main reason a person’s notice a decline in their cognitive functions.
Regardless, the solution and treatment of dementia is a care-taking plan. While symptoms can’t be reversed, dementia patients can receive personal care plans that will assist families.
