Dementia

What is Dementia

Dementia is a term used to describe a number of symptoms that affect memory and thinking. The most common symptoms include:

• Memory loss.
• Trouble with language and communication.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Poor judgment.
• Problems with reasoning.
• Child-like behavior and language.
• Extreme anxiety.
• Angry outbursts.
• Wandering from home or public places.

Dementia is the loss of two or more brain functions, such as:

• Memory.
• Decision making.
• Behavior.
• Speaking.
• Thinking.
• Problem solving.

There are many types of dementia. The most common type is called progressive dementia. Progressive dementia gets worse with time and it is irreversible. An example of this type of dementia is Alzheimers disease.

Dementia usually gets worse slowly over time. In the early stages, people with dementia can stay independent and safe with some help. In later stages, they need help with daily tasks such as dressing, grooming, and using the bathroom.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• Nerve cell damage in the brain.
• Genetic mutations.
• Certain medicines.
• Multiple small strokes.
• An infection, such as chronic meningitis.
• A metabolic problem, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid disease.
• Pressure on the brain, such as from a tumor or blood clot.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Sudden changes in mood.
• Depression.
• Problems with balance.
• Changes in personality.
• Poor short-term memory.
• Agitation.
• Delusions.
• Hallucinations.
• Having a hard time:
  • Speaking thoughts.
  • Finding words.
  • Solving problems.
  • Doing familiar tasks.
  • Understanding familiar ideas.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with an assessment by your health care provider. During this assessment, your health care provider will talk with you and your family, friends, or caregivers about your symptoms.

A thorough medical history will be taken, and you will have a physical exam and tests. Tests may include:

• Lab tests, such as blood or urine tests.
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, PET scan, or MRI.
• A lumbar puncture. This test involves removing and testing a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
• An electroencephalogram (EEG). In this test, small metal discs are used to measure electrical activity in the brain.
• Memory tests, cognitive tests, and neuropsychological tests. These tests evaluate brain function.

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the dementia. It may involve taking medicines that may help:

• To control the dementia.
• To slow down the disease.
• To manage symptoms.

In some cases, treating the cause of the dementia can improve symptoms, reverse symptoms, or slow down how quickly the dementia gets worse.

Your health care provider can help direct you to support groups, organizations, and other health care providers who can help with decisions about your care.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicine

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Avoid taking medicines that can affect thinking, such as pain or sleeping medicines.

Lifestyle

• Make healthy lifestyle choices:
  • Be physically active as told by your health care provider.
  • Do notuse any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Practice stress-management techniques when you get stressed.
  • Stay social.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Make sure to get quality sleep. These tips can help you to get a good night’s rest:
  • Avoid napping during the day.
  • Keep your sleeping area dark and cool.
  • Avoid exercising during the few hours before you go to bed.
  • Avoid caffeine products in the evening.

General instructions

• Work with your health care provider to determine what you need help with and what your safety needs are.
• If you were given a bracelet that tracks your location, make sure to wear it.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have any new symptoms.
• You have problems with choking or swallowing.
• You have any symptoms of a different illness.

Get help right away if:

• You develop a fever.
• You have new or worsening confusion.
• You have new or worsening sleepiness.
• You have a hard time staying awake.
• You or your family members become concerned for your safety.

Dementia Caregiver Guide

Tips to help the person with dementia cope

Dementia can be frightening and confusing. Here are some tips to help the person with dementia cope with changes caused by the disease.

General tips

• Keep the person on track with his or her routine.
• Try to identify areas where the person may need help.
• Be supportive, patient, calm, and encouraging.
• Gently remind the person that adjusting to changes takes time.
• Help with the tasks that the person has asked for help with.
• Keep the person involved in daily tasks and decisions as much as possible.
• Encourage conversation, but try not to get frustrated or harried if the person struggles to find words or does not seem to appreciate your help.

Communication tips

• When the person is talking or seems frustrated, make eye contact and hold the person’s hand.
• Ask specific questions that need yes or no answers.
• Use simple words, short sentences, and a calm voice. Only give one direction at a time.
• When offering choices, limit them to just 1 or 2.
• Avoid correcting the person in a negative way.
• If the person is struggling to find the right words, gently try to help him or her.

How to recognize symptoms of stress

Symptoms of stress in caregivers include:

• Feeling frustrated or angry with the person with dementia.
• Denying that the person has dementia or that his or her symptoms will not improve.
• Feeling hopeless and unappreciated.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed.
• Developing stress-related health problems.
• Feeling like you have too little time for your own life.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Make sure that you and the person you are caring for:
  • Get regular sleep.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat regular, nutritious meals.
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care providers.
  • Attend all scheduled health care appointments.
• Join a support group with others who are caregivers.
• Ask about respite care resources so that you can have a regular break from the stress of caregiving.
• Look for signs of stress in yourself and in the person you are caring for. If you notice signs of stress, take steps to manage it.
• Consider any safety risks and take steps to avoid them.
• Organize medications in a pill box for each day of the week.
• Create a plan to handle any legal or financial matters. Get legal or financial advice if needed.

Keep a calendar in a central location to remind the person of appointments or other activities.

Tips for reducing the risk of injury

• Keep floors clear of clutter. Remove rugs, magazine racks, and floor lamps.
• Keep hallways well lit, especially at night.
• Put a handrail and nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower.
• Put childproof locks on cabinets that contain dangerous items, such as medicines, alcohol, guns, toxic cleaning items, sharp tools or utensils, matches, and lighters.
• Put the locks in places where the person cannot see or reach them easily. This will help ensure that the person does not wander out of the house and get lost.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses in a convenient area.
• Remove car keys and lock garage doors so that the person does not try to get in the car and drive.
• Have the person wear a bracelet that tracks locations and identifies the person as having memory problems. This should be worn at all times for safety.

Where to find support:

Many individuals and organizations offer support. These include:

• Support groups for people with dementia and for caregivers.
• Counselors or therapists.
• Home health care services.
• Adult day care centers.

Contact a health care provider if:

• The person’s health is rapidly getting worse.
• You are no longer able to care for the person.
• Caring for the person is affecting your physical and emotional health.
• The person threatens himself or herself, you, or anyone else.

Summary

• Dementia is a term used to describe a number of symptoms that affect memory and thinking.
• Dementia usually gets worse slowly over time.
• Take steps to reduce the person’s risk of injury, and to plan for future care.
• Caregivers need support, relief from caregiving, and time for their own lives.

Seek Additional Information

https://www.dementia.org/what-is-dementia