Dementia is a collective term describing symptoms of cognitive decline. This memory loss suggests confusion, forgetfulness, or even clumsiness. Dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Confusion in the elderly patient is usually a symptom of delirium or dementia.
What are the premonition signs?
The problem with short term memory includes:
· Forgetting where the remote control is, or where the keys are located.
· Remembering to pay bills.
· Planning and preparing meals or even eating meals.
· Remembering appointments or important dates, such as birthdays.
· Traveling outside the neighborhood.
· Recalling names or faces.
· Fluctuating personality and mood.
Taking care of family members who have dementia can take an emotional and physical toll on the caretaker. As you may figure, this is a 24/7 job. Eating, itself, is a full-time job, as it requires arduous coaxing into chewing or swallowing. Falls and balance issues become more predominant. Mood swings are unpredictable and can be extreme. And in severe cases, they may be unable to bath or use the bathroom on their own.
Dementia is a progressive condition. As the symptoms continue to persist, the situation worsens. . This state of well being may be genetically linked as well. Alzheimer’s Association suggests that adopting multiple healthy lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet, avoid smoking, regular exercise, and cognitive stimulation may decrease the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Key Principles in management:
· Optimizing your family’s physical and mental function through physical activity and mind plasticity principals and activities,
· Treating the underlying medical and other conditions (eg, hypertension, depression),
· Assessing the environment safely,
· Encouraging physical and mental activities,
· Avoiding situations stressing intellectual capabilities,
· Emphasizing good nutrition meals,
· Identifying and managing behavioral symptoms.
There are many dynamics involving the loved ones with dementia. While it is maybe difficult to do it alone, think about having a team that can help you take care of the one who you love.