Dementia or Senile Dementia is a brain disorder seriously affecting a person's ability in carrying out daily activities. It is a loss of brain function which affects memory, thinking and even behavior. It is an inevitable phenomenon for those who are at risk and will manifest when they reach old age. Relatives, as well as the support system of the patient should be enlightened on how to take care of their family members with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is characterized by a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. In the United States, as many as five million Americans are living with Alzheimer's and it is included in the ten leading causes of death in the country.
However, due to the burden of the disease the care givers might feel exhausted in the process. That is why learning the crucial ways on how to properly take care of patients with AD could be helpful. Part of living with Alzheimer's is adapting to the 'new normal' brought about by the disease. Relative and caregivers should adapt and understand the situation first in order for them to truly know what is going on.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, learning of the diagnosis is not an easy situation and most relatives feel bad about it. To be able to support your relative with the disease, they should continue participating with their relative, partner or parent. They can adapt to new activities that they both can enjoy and promote independence so the patient may be able to perform his or her activities of everyday life.
Meanwhile, the National Institute of Aging reports that communicating with the patient and their relatives is important to be able to plan the treatment with them. Caregivers can make new activities, renovate the house to promote care and make everything organized to help their relative. For example, making the room well lighted even at night to help patients move around without too much assistance. Letting relatives use cards posted on the wall to remember information and letting them bring identification cards every time they go out. Security and safety are very important so they have to make sure doors and exits are always locked.
Tending to patients is a tedious task but with love and compassion, both the patient and the caregiver would do anything to surpass this tough situation.
