by Guest Blogger, Diana S.
What You Should Know About Dementia
Dementia is not an illness that happens overnight; it is actually a collection of various symptoms, possibly due to a disease. It is a dreadful and often feared condition that can be hard to deal with, especially for those around the patient.
If you have someone who’s struggling with dementia or you worry if you could end up suffering from it, here are a few things you should know:
The early signs of dementia
Most frequently, if you experience greater loss of memory and focus, or even gradually start failing to communicate in a clear and understandable way, chances are you are experiencing dementia in its early stages. Unfortunately, we still can’t be sure what all early signs of dementia could be as they don’t tend to manifest immediately. This makes diagnosing dementia all the harder, but not impossible. Nevertheless, look out for losses in function and focus, and contact your physician if you experience something similar. However, if you are the one experiencing dementia, chances are you won’t be aware of the symptoms; this is why it’s important you listen to the people around you pointing out the changes in your usual behavior.
Alzheimer’s disease
Perhaps the most commonly known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. In essence, Alzheimer’s is an irreversible brain disorder that slowly erases your memories and your ability to think and remember clearly. Over time, even the simplest of tasks become a burden and impossible for those having Alzheimer’s. Without relying on everyday help, patients grow unable to function properly.
Treating dementia
Unfortunately, a definitive cure for dementia does not exist yet, and it is only possible to slow down the progress to a certain degree. Some of the medicine that can be used is there to prevent further regression of memory, but only in combination with certain mental exercises that help boost brain functions and promote better memory.
Look for help
After a while, dementia can take its toll and make it extremely hard to do things on your own. Losing your memory and having to see everyone around you fade into black is not easy to deal with. Unless the early stages of dementia are recognized and there is someone to help you out, it can become a battle that cannot be fought alone. The great thing is that there are services ready to help take care of you/your loved one. Choosing the right aged care facilities for someone with dementia can be a cinch if you find out that the staff is highly trained and professional. Creating an environment for those with dementia is a must, so that no matter what happens, they are surrounded by people they can rely on.
Alternative medicine
Currently, no drug can effectively reverse the effects of dementia, and without doing a bit of work on your own as well, you cannot expect to get better. The best alternative method to help deal with and fight dementia is to do daily problem-solving tasks, puzzles, memory games, and various language boosting activities. Engage in a game of chess regularly, pick up a foreign language, help your kids/grandkids with math problems, be in charge of paying the bills, etc. These are meant to boost brain functions and help keep the memory intact, all the while reducing the effects of dementia.
Unfortunately, dementia cannot be stopped, yet, the effects can be slowed down to a degree so that you can live your life comfortably. With communities built for those suffering from dementia and your personal engagement in slowing it down, things don’t have to be too hard.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
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