Dementia robs people of so many memories and the ability to identify their loved ones. There is a lot of stress that goes with caring for someone who has dementia. Here are some ways you can manage the situation with love and realism.
You need to understand that this condition is more than just memory loss. That loss is one sign of the condition. Some cases of dementia do not come with memory loss, more so for those who do not have Alzheimer’s disease. A less known form of dementia, for instance, is frontotemporal dementia. In this one the neurons in the front and side of the brain will begin to die off, thus causing the lobes to reduce in size. One will have a hard time planning activities, doing chores like cooking, concentrating on something, staying motivated, as well as personality changes. With the increased damage shall come even more changes. The fact that it does not present as the usual cases have led to misdiagnosis as schizophrenia, depression, or Parkinson’s disease. Those with Alzheimer’s disease, on the other hand, are going through more than memory loss, as it is a neurological decline process. They will dials erratic and shocking behavior.
Holding arguments with them is a waste of time. You need to forget the rational reactions one would expect in such situations. Dementia takes away their rationality, which leaves them at their most irrational. They are not actively trying to hurt you. They will not take kindly to you trying to correct them. This only goes to make them feel insulted and belittled.
The best way to manage their distressing situations is to consider their feelings beyond their reactions. When they say things that do not make sense, look at how their reactions are. You shall know more about how to resolve their distress when you understand what it is that has them feeling that way in the first place.
You should also keep your communication simple. They can no longer sustain a rational conversation. By going for simple conversations, you will understand each other better. As much as their conversations will begin well, they will not finish them well. Keep your sentences simple and direct.
You need to also face the reality of the situation. There are days when it will be good, and other when it will be terrible. You need to make it possible for the good days, but do not force them. You need to then know that you help only goes so far. Dementia is a progressive and irreversible process. It may go on for long, but it only gets worse. There shall be a need to make plans for assisted living home or specialized care for them. You can learn about these provisions on this site.