DEMENTIA

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to portray a gathering of side effects described by conduct changes and the loss of subjective and social aptitude. The individual determined to have dementia may likewise exhibit an abnormal state of pressure and an intense affectability to their built and social environment.

According to the health department of Ireland, dementia is a syndrome characterized by progressive cognitive impairment and is associated with impairment in functional abilities and, in many cases, behavioral and psychological symptoms. There may be memory loss, usually related to short-term memory, communication difficulties, changes in personality or mood and problems with spatial awareness.

According to Alzheimer’s Association (2019) Dementia is brought about by harm to brain cells. This harm meddles with the capacity of brain cells to speak with one another. When brain cells cannot communicate normally, thinking, behavior and feelings can be affected. The brain has numerous particular areas, every one of which is in charge of various capacities (for instance, memory, judgment, and development). When cells in a particular region are damaged, that region cannot carry out its functions normally.

Symptoms of Dementia

According to Alzheimer’s Association (2019) while symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia:

Memory: this refers to the impact Dementia has on the cognitive ability of people suffering from the ailment, some lose the ability to remember some aspect of full aspect of the past and people around them, but memory loss is experienced differently on separate individuals

Communication and language: others experience dementia in the area of speech and conversation. this loss could be partial or permanent

Ability to focus and pay attention: This refers to a low level of concentration and articulation of information properly

Reasoning and judgment: Poor judgment is another common symptom in the dementia patient, their discerning ability becomes very low

Visual perception: Emotion such as delusion and paranoia become evident in dementia patients

Challenges faced by Dementia Patients and possible solution

Those who develop dementia are faced with a range of complex challenges caused by symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, which can result from the condition, but these are by no means too great to overcome. There are many ways that those living with dementia can work through the problems that they come up against, with the support of family members, friends and care  givers, allowing them to live happy, fulfilled lives (Ludlow 2018).

Guaranteeing you can discover your way around: (2018) it is regular for individuals living with dementia to encounter directional troubles causing nervousness and dread for the individual included and their relatives, modern technology, though, is providing solutions to this, with GPS tracking tools now being promoted by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to help locate people with dementia. GPS technology provides a safe, secure way for people to look out for their loved ones, who can still keep their valuable independence.

Battling the stereotype as well as the condition: It is imperative that we change the way that society views and talks about those living with dementia, and that we discourage people from using terms such as ‘past it’ or ‘suffering’ when referring to people with the condition.

This can have a knock-on effect by reducing the self-confidence of individuals living with the condition. There are many initiatives being rolled out in local areas that help to raise awareness of dementia, eg Dementia Friends, which help people with dementia feel included, understood and supported by their communities.

Keeping up an intelligent way of life: Research has demonstrated that individuals living with dementia frequently go through their days being inactive, not communicating with their encompassing condition or drawing in their brain to the extent that they once did. This can build their degrees of disturbance, nervousness, and lack of concern. To beat this test, another game called Tovertafel has been presented in various UK care homes, which includes light activities made by a projector and infrared sensors. The game gives intellectual incitement and advances physical development and discussion.

Getting away from the danger of confinement: Individuals with dementia can arrive at a phase where they are never again ready to convey through language, presenting difficulties for their capacity to connect with others and keep up associations with loved ones. So as to stop the decrease in confidence this can cause, music treatment is progressively being viewed as a help, giving a restorative boost and taking into consideration self-articulation and a reconnection with one’s past. Singing gatherings can be priceless in allowing individuals to be esteemed and heard and encourages bonds with others.

According to Corr K. (2015) carer giver are bound to face several challenges in dealing to dementia patients, these changes have been outlines alongside possible solution and the best practise to employ.

Dealing with yourself: Probably the greatest test numerous carers face is focusing on their own needs. This incorporates eating a sound eating regimen, keeping specialists and medical clinic arrangements, perceiving indications of stress and melancholy and following up on them and making ordinary ‘personal time’ as frequently as could reasonably be expected. Making yourself a need once in a while won’t just make you feel much improved, it will make you a superior care giver also.

Choosing when to give up: Conceivably the hardest test of all is realizing when to hand over the minding to another person. Watch out for signs that your cherished one needs more assistance – physically, for all intents and purposes or inwardly – than you can offer and begin searching for elective living courses of action, which could incorporate organizing relief care, living with another relative or moving to a protected lodging complex, or care home. Picking a consideration home or making arrangements for the later phases of dementia can be exceptionally extreme however breathe easy in light of realizing that you have attempted your absolute best and that you aren’t the only one.

Techniques to Gain Recipient Cooperation

Everyone’s day goes much more smoothly and is much more enjoyable when working with, rather than against, persons with dementia. The following tips will assist caregivers in gaining the cooperation of care recipients suffering from dementia while allowing them to keep their dignity and autonomy. They will also help to ease the individual’s anxiety which in itself can be the cause of one’s unwillingness to cooperate.

1. Keep instructions short, simple, and concrete. Also use visual and tactile (touch) cues.

      2)  Offer simple choices rather than asking yes or no questions.

• Ask persons with dementia for their help.
• Ask persons with dementia to try.
• Break the task down into simple steps.

If it does not go well back off, review your approach compared to these guidelines, and try again.

Conclusion:

While dementia can bring many challenges both for the person with dementia and people caring for them, there is now an increasing recognition that people can live well with dementia for a number of years, as long as there is timely access to an assessment and diagnosis and the right services and supports are in place.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alzheimer’s Association (2019). What Is Dementia?. [online] Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Available at: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia [Accessed 8 Jul. 2019].

Corr, K. (2015). Dementia challenges – what are they?. [online] Live Better With Dementia. Available at: https://dementia.livebetterwith.com/blogs/advice/dementia-challenges-what-are-they?rdrt=uf [Accessed 1 Aug. 2019].

Health.gov.ie. (2014). THE IRISH NATIONAL DEMENTIA STRATEGY. [online] Available at: https://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/30115-National-Dementia-Strategy-Eng.pdf [Accessed 14 Jul. 2019].

Ludlow, D. (2018). 5 challenges faced by people living with dementia. [online] Netdoctor. Available at: https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/a28347/living-with-dementia-challenges/ [Accessed 28 Jul. 2019].