Recognizing loved ones, remembering precious events of times past and staying focused are everyday functions most people take for granted that progressively worsen in individuals suffering from dementia. Left untreated dementia becomes debilitating and can leave the your loved ones feeling helpless and alone. If you or someone you know is suffering from the affects of dementia it's imperative to know what it is, how it forms, and care options available.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a generalized term given to medical conditions that severely interfere with a person's ability to carryout everyday tasks. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's Disease followed by the second most common form, Vascular Dementia.
Diagnosis and Causes
Typically these illnesses are identified by a decline in core mental competencies such as: memory, judgment and visual perception. The cause of such declines are directly linked to damage found in various brain cells. It appears that the when the brain is unable to communicate normally, certain regions become affected. These regions control thinking, behavior and feelings.
Treatment
When identified early the affects of dementia can be carefully examined and the best treatment plan can be executed to make sure the individual obtains the maximum benefits available; reversal of dementia-like symptoms or temporary relief of symptoms for more advanced dementia.
Dementia Care
Quite possibly the most essential action when it comes to living with dementia is the care one receives. Caring for someone with dementia is no walk in the park. It requires a lot of compassion, patience and understanding. No one chooses to have dementia. Dementia is something that happens overtime to some and is not the direct result of life's choices. Sadly, once developed there is no going back. What's left is to move forward to making life as fulfilling and rewarding as possible for your loved one.
Generally speaking there are two types of care settings for those living with dementia. At home or in a care community. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Home Care: Dealing with the loss of independence is hard enough, uprooting to an unfamiliar surrounding can be frightening and prove too much for some. As a result, home care is the easiest transition for most. It gives loved ones the security of familiarity by being able to be cared for while staying at home. However, this option is not always feasible. It requires a lot of time on the caregiver's end and can stretch a person's emotional state thin. "The United States National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging’s Caregiver Guide shows that caregivers themselves are often at increased risk for depression and illness."
Senior Care: Assisted living communities may require an adjustment, but they are well equipped with the latest state of the art dementia care. Structured around a memory approach, seniors are given every opportunity to be independent while maintaining their own level of comfort. Financially speaking senior living will cost more upfront, yet overtime the move will pay itself out. You'll have the ease of knowing your loved ones have access to around the clock care and everything else they may need to carry out daily activities. This option not only gives individuals the most freedom but also alleviates any guilt of being a burden to loved ones.
Ultimately, the care received makes the difference in the life lived. If you cannot be the caregiver your loved one needs during this time it's OK. Rest assure you have options and help is available. What questions to you have about dementia that we can answer for you? Leave them in the comments.
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