While dementia is a terrible disease that is ravaging the minds of many, it is also a disease that can be managed. There are many ways to keep your loved one safe from dementia and dementia-related issues. As a matter of fact, there are even ways to prevent dementia, which is something that most families are not expecting to happen.
Luckily, there are ways to help your loved one stay safe from the devastating memory loss and cognitive decline that can accompany dementia. With a little bit of knowledge and planning, you can help your loved one stay safe from dementia, even if it does come to fruition.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a serious brain disease that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Dementia is an umbrella term for various diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Huntington’s Disease. These diseases can cause the sufferer to forget who they are or what they know.
When Does Dementia Occur?
Dementia can occur at any age, but most people will get it around the age of 65. It is important to know that dementia does not just happen overnight. It takes about 10 years for symptoms to show up. And by the time your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, they are likely already experiencing some memory loss and cognitive decline.
What Are the Types of Dementia?
Sadly, dementia is a disease that can strike any of you and it is difficult to know at what point you will start to notice the symptoms. However, by knowing the types of dementia that exist and knowing how to monitor dementia, you have a better chance of preventing your loved one from getting this terrible disease.
One type of dementia that exists is Alzheimer’s disease. This type usually strikes people who are over 60 years old and has been found in nearly 50 million Americans so far. The only way to diagnose this disease currently is through an autopsy after death, so doctors cannot detect or diagnose Alzheimer’s while someone still alive.
There are two main signs that can help to know how to monitor alzheimer’s disease: memory loss and difficulty performing daily tasks like bathing themselves or eating a meal without assistance from another person.
How Can You Help Your Loved One With Dementia?
With a little bit of work and knowing how to monitor dementia patients, you can help your loved one stay safe from dementia. There are many things that you can do to help prevent and manage the progression of the disease. One of the most important ways is to keep your aging loved one mentally active.
Keeping your loved one engaged in mental tasks will ensure that when their cognitive skills start declining, they won’t experience any sense of loss and disappointment. This is especially important for people with Alzheimer’s disease, who often find it difficult to come up with new thoughts or ideas on their own.
Lastly, it’s important to maintain a positive outlook on life so that as dementia progresses your loved one won’t be scared or frightened by what lies ahead. They’ll be able to live out their remaining years without feeling like there’s nothing to worry about.
