If you are living with a loved one with dementia it can be very stressful and demanding. Using a mental health service to assist with their care can help you make their life and yours a little easier. Here are some points you should know about dementia and the treatments available:
What is Dementia?
Dementia affects many aspects of mental function with symptoms that include:
*Memory loss
*Personality changes
*Impaired intellectual functions
*Noticeable decline in communication
*Decline in learning
*Lack of problem solving skills
What is the outcome?
In most cases dementia will lead to a continued progression of debilitating mental function. It will become more difficult for a loved one to function even with the simplest of tasks including things such as personal hygiene, preparing food and cleaning their home. Changes will include increased impairment in judgment, an inability to reason, poor communication skills and neglect of self care. Patients with dementia will also become less and less social and eventually will be at risk if left on their own.
How to Prevent Onset of Symptoms
There are a number of ways you can slow down the onset of symptoms and research has shown physical exercise as well as keeping the mind working will help keep patients mentally sharp. You can assist loved ones, even those who do not yet have dementia, with the following activities to help maintain mental clarity:
*Daily exercise
*Brain healthy diet
*Remain mentally challenged and socially engaged
*Restful sleep
*Stress free living
*Limited alcohol consumption
Planning Ahead
While your loved one is still mostly in control of their faculties make a plan and assign a power of attorney. Also look at medical care and make important end of life decisions. Work together to watch for signs of depression and to see if the symptoms are worsening. Seek the assistance of a mental health service specializing in geriatric care to assist with creating a dementia friendly environment. This will allow the patient to live as independently as possible as well as experience more joy in their lives. Think of safety and even the risk of the patient wandering off. Try to remain one step ahead of the symptoms in order to be prepared as each symptom worsens.
Working with a mental health service will allow you to anticipate what is to come and how to best care for your loved one. Planning as much as you can together while they are still able is the best way to offer assistance.
