When symptoms of dementia begin to manifest and a dementia diagnosis is made, it can be daunting for an individual. Feelings of vulnerability and inadequacy often accompany a dementia diagnosis. Treating a person that has received a dementia diagnosis with respect and compassion may help to assuage these feelings.

A study done by the Boston University of Medicine indicates that there is a link between the nutrient choline and improved memory function. Choline has been found to increase communication between brain cells. This reaction has resulted in the use of choline in many dementia medications. Certain commonly used medications have been found to decrease levels of choline, however. The study showed that loss of choline is associated with impaired cognitive function, which may worsen dementia symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that affects cognitive functions. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, individuals’ needs may change, requiring different types and levels of care. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but with treatment and proper care, the disease can be managed so that affected individuals continue to enjoy a high quality of life.

Communicating may become difficult for those who have dementia. Dementia affects different areas of the brain and may impact a person’s ability to communicate affectively through both speech and body language. Dementia may also affect the person’s ability to understand and process information that is being communicated. Communication is crucial for maintaining a positive environment, so it is very important that those in association with dementia sufferers take the time to understand and communicate successfully.

Positive Interaction

The BBC recently posted a story about how those with dementia can have their memories triggered by being shown old photographs.

Staying in the home can be extremely beneficial to seniors with dementia. The familiarity and comfort of surroundings, as well as the interaction with loved ones and beloved pets, can help to mitigate difficult dementia behaviors and sometimes slow the progression of the disease. However, staying in the home also presents certain safety issues that are not present in other settings such as nursing homes.

Dementia is often misunderstood. While dementia is often referred to as a condition, it is in fact a collection of symptoms that effect cognitive functions. Dementia is caused by damage to the cells of the brain. The cause of brain damage may influence the way that dementia symptoms affect the sufferer. Finding the root cause of dementia symptoms may also allow the underlying cause to be treated, in some cases. Approximately 20 percent of dementia causes are treatable.

Michael J. Costigan knows firsthand what individuals with dementia and the families that love them deal with when trying to provide comfort and care throughout the difficult process. It was his own experience caring for a loved one with a common form of the degenerative disease which inspired him to open his ComForcare location in Burlington, New Jersey nearly a decade ago.  

Dementia and delirium are both conditions that may cause sufferers to exhibit difficult behaviors. To prevent injuries and worsening conditions, caregivers should work to identify the cause of the behaviors. Once causes have been assessed, it may be possible to take steps to mitigate the behaviors.