How can I provide support to a loved one who is displaying signs of dementia?

 How can I provide support to a loved one who is displaying signs of dementia?

Dementia encompasses various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, that lead to alterations in memory, cognition, behavior, and mood, significantly hindering an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks and impacting their overall well-being. Key indicators of dementia include memory loss, impaired judgment, and communication difficulties.

Recognizing early signs of dementia in a loved one can evoke apprehension. Concerns about causing distress may arise when observing changes in their behavior. However, it remains crucial to address these changes and seek evaluation for memory issues.1 Thankfully, there are considerate approaches through which you can provide support tailored to their needs.

educating yourself about dementia:

One effective way to support your loved one is by educating yourself about dementia. According to Karen Lincoln, PhD, MSW, MA, FGSA, Director of the Center for Environmental Health Disparities Research at the University of California, Irvine, and founder of the health education program Advocates for African American Elders, individuals often hesitate to consult healthcare providers about their symptoms because they can easily mistake early signs of dementia for normal age-related memory changes.

Dr. Lincoln highlights that healthcare and education systems often fail to provide easily accessible information about dementia to communities at higher risk. She notes that despite facing the highest risk of dementia, African Americans tend to have the lowest level of Alzheimer’s literacy, which impedes their ability to recognize symptoms or understand what to look for.

Communities of color are disproportionately affected by dementia compared to white individuals. For instance, 38% of Black individuals, 35% of Indigenous communities, and 32% of Latinos are at risk of dementia after turning 65, as opposed to 30% of white individuals. Given this heightened risk, it is crucial for communities of color to actively seek information about early warning signs, differentiate between dementia and normal memory changes, and recognize when to seek assistance.

Explore Further Resources on Dementia:

• "What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?"
• "Symptoms of Dementia"
• "Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease"
• "What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?"
• "How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?"
• "How Do You Treat Alzheimer’s Disease?"
• "How To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease"
• "A Caregiver's Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease"
• "Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease"
• "Normal Age-Related Memory Changes vs. Dementia"

These Health articles offer comprehensive insights into various aspects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, providing valuable information for understanding, managing, and supporting individuals affected by these conditions

Initiating a Dialogue:

When you start noticing signs of dementia in someone you care about, it's important to approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Avoid placing blame or pressuring them to seek immediate medical attention, as this may cause them to become defensive or minimize their symptoms. Instead, try using a compassionate tone and phrases such as:

• "I've noticed a change in your health recently. Have you noticed it too?"
• "You seem different to me lately. How have you been feeling?"
• "Is there anything about your health that's been challenging for you? How can I support you?"

Using non-judgmental language and offering support can help your loved one feel comfortable sharing their experiences, making it easier for you to understand how to assist them.

Seeking Medical Assistance:

Just as you would for any other health issue, it's crucial to encourage your loved one to visit a healthcare provider if they're experiencing changes in memory or cognition. Seeking support from a healthcare professional can lead to an early diagnosis and initiation of treatment to slow the progression of the disease.

Initially, a primary care physician (PCP) is best suited to evaluate your loved one. If dementia is suspected, the PCP may refer them to a neurologist, geriatrician, or psychologist for further assessment. Attending the appointment with your loved one can help them feel more at ease, and preparing questions in advance can help you gather information and better support them. Consider asking about:

• Other health conditions or infections that may affect memory
• Diagnostic tests for distinguishing between normal aging and dementia
• The rate of dementia progression
• Lifestyle changes to mitigate memory decline
• Available resources and services for individuals with dementia

Taking these steps can facilitate the process of obtaining a diagnosis and accessing appropriate support for your loved one.

Maintaining Quality of Life:

The objective of dementia care is to uphold the quality of life of your loved one for as long as possible, recognizing that dementia is a degenerative condition that progresses over time. Unfortunately, individuals with dementia often experience a loss of autonomy as the disease advances. Here are some tips to help preserve their well-being:

1. Create a comfortable home environment and ensure their basic needs are met to enhance safety.
2. Engage in games or puzzles together to support cognitive function.
3. Encourage them to participate in tasks alongside you to maintain a sense of control.
4. Incorporate gentle exercises or walks to promote physical activity.
5. Spend time outdoors or vary their surroundings to boost mood.
6. Engage in stimulating hobbies or social interactions with loved ones to promote brain health.
7. Consider utilizing assistive devices or dementia-related products to facilitate daily life.
8. Offer physical affection and spend quality time together to reaffirm their sense of love and support.

Prioritizing Self-Care:

Dementia caregiving can be emotionally taxing for both the individual displaying symptoms and their caregivers. It's normal to experience stress, frustration, or anxiety in this role. Navneet Arora, a dementia caregiver to his mother since 2017, acknowledges that caregiving can test patience in unique ways.

It's essential to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. Dementia caregivers often face mental health challenges, and self-care can help mitigate burnout and prevent conditions like anxiety or depression. Strategies such as exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices like yoga or deep breathing can alleviate stress.

Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Seek assistance from trusted family and friends, consider joining a dementia caregiver support group like ALZConnected, or consult with a mental health professional for personalized support and coping strategies tailored to your needs.