WHY TALK ABOUT DEMENTIA?

  • Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells.  

• This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other.  

• When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behaviour and feelings can be affected.   

There are over 100 different types of dementias. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common one. 

 Like other chronic illnesses or ‘lifestyle diseases’, reducing the risk of dementia involves a healthy diet, regular exercise and active care of your emotional and mental state. 

Treatment of Dementia

There is no cure against Dementia. The progression of the illness can sometimes be slowed down by treating some of the symptoms.

Treating dementia requires a holistic, team approach. Medication, although it is important, should not be the only form of treatment.

Medication:

There are 3 licensed medications for the treatment of the above types of Dementia:

1. Donepezil (brand names: Aricept, Palixid and Yasnal-Q)
2. Rivastigmine (brand name Exelon)
3. Galantamine (brand name Reminyl)

These medications have been proven to:

• Slow down the progression of the illness- however, they cannot cure the illness.
• Reduce the person’s chances of developing severe symptoms (like hallucinations and paranoia)
• Reduce the harshness of symptoms they experience

Psychologists

Psychology is a very healthy way of talking through difficult situations to help persons cope with issues happening in their lives. This is particularly useful to help persons understand what a diagnosis of dementia can mean for then, or to help family members cope with the disease when things are stressful and they feel frustrated.

Speech & Language Pathologists

These professionals are very useful for stroke and dementia patients. They are trained in helping people with communication issues or swallowing problems.

​Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapy is very important for persons who have fallen ill and can no longer go about their daily tasks the way they used to. Occupational Therapists assist with increasing a person’s independence and confidence by helping them to adapt and learn how to do day to day tasks such as bathing, dressing and hobbies even though they are ill.

Caring for a person living with dementia is not an easy task. Carers or caregivers refer to persons who offer support, either part time or full time (these can be unpaid relatives or friends or formal, paid care providers). Support may take the form of medication administration, company on doctor’s visits, running errands or practical nursing care.

Here are some tips to help you manage your caring role:

1. Communicate clearly

• make one point at a time
• use simple words
• minimize distractions and noise – such as television or radio – to help the person focus on what you are saying.

2. Dealing with personal hygiene

• Respect that bathing may be scary and uncomfortable for some persons with AD.
• be gentle and respectful of their wishes.
• Use products that the person is accustomed to.
• develop a routine.

3. Engage and encourage

• get the person involved in meaningful activities.
• make the activities simple so that the person will succeed at it.
• watch for signs of agitation and frustration with an activity. Gently help or distract them.
• praise the person for doing the activity.
• encourage physical activities. Spend time outside as much as possible.

4. Consider Safety

• keeping the person safe is the most important aspect of care giving.
• keep a recent picture of the person.
• notify neighbours in advance that the person has a tendency to wander.
• Ensure that breakable or dangerous items are kept out of reach

 5. Do not argue

• The person is experiencing a different reality from you. Arguing with them will only make things more difficult. Instead, distract them or go along with the conversation.

6. Slow Down

• Care requires lots of patients and a calm demeanour.
• Plan ahead and stay organised
• Know when you need a break and plan ahead so that you can get it

7. Smile

• The person with dementia will notice your emotional state, body language and tone of voice.

8. Talk with others

• Do not feel guilty if you get frustrated, or feel unappreciated. This is normal among caregivers.
• Talk to others who can help, or who can just listen without judgement.

Dementia is a complex illness that researchers are still learning about. Diagnosing dementia must therefore be done carefully and thoroughly. This is to help eliminate other diseases with similar symptoms before concluding that the core issue is dementia.

• A thorough physical examination is the first step to rule out issues like infections.
• The doctor will take the patient’s medical history
• The doctor may administer a dementia screening test or a cognitive test. This involves a series of questions which help to gauge memory skills, thinking ability, orientation, etc.
• The doctor may refer the person to a specialist, or send them to get a CT scan, which takes X-ray images of the brain, or an MRI and EEG which detects abnormal brain wave activity, or another similar test as needed.
• The doctor may also do blood tests to ensure that symptoms are not in fact due to thyroid functions problems, or deficiencies.

Prepare for your doctor’s visit:

Ensure that you record all medications, vitamins, and food supplements being used by the person with dementia. Ask to speak to your doctor privately if you are afraid of offending your loved one with dementia.