What you need to know about Dementia

Dementia is a wide term for a group of brain illnesses that damage and kill brain cells and affect cognitive abilities’ smooth functioning. 

These diseases can cause problems with memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, speech and language, personality changes, and a decrease in one’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks and activities.

The term dementia also refers to any loss of cognitive functioning that is not due to sensory impairment or psychological illness; instead, it has short-term and long-term effects, severely affecting a person’s memory.

Each year more than 55 million people worldwide suffer some form of Dementia. (1)

Causes of Dementia

Dementia is caused by past brain damage, such as stroke or degeneration through old age. Symptoms can include loss of memory and judgment; confusion about the time or place; personality changes; and language, communication, and swallowing problems.

Many forms of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and other neurological diseases can cause the same symptoms.

How it affects the quality of life

Dementia is a term that is used to describe a variety of conditions. conditions that cause severe brain deterioration and various other symptoms.

These symptoms affect the victim’s mental capabilities such as speech, emotions, and social interactions and affect their physical abilities, especially in the cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

When elderly patients have dementia, many changes start occurring in their lifestyle, ultimately affecting their quality of life. However though it may be challenging to understand the person experiencing dementia as they go from being able to socialize to not recognizing even their family members, it is essential to interact with them as much as possible and treat them like normal.

When you speak of “dementia,” a lot comes to mind. However, one thing is certain: the capability of a person who has dementia to perform daily tasks decreases with time. As a result, this disorder makes day-to-day life very difficult for patients and their loved ones.

Taking care of the patient

Irrespective of the gravity of the disease, favorably, there are dementia home care services that assist the patient and their families in providing the proper care that they deserve.

Let us share tips on the type of home care services and how to choose them wisely as per your requirement.

• Companion Service – They assist the patient with monitoring, leisure activities, and visitor visits.
• Personal Care – Bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, exercising
• Homemaker – Offer assistance with housekeeping, grocery shopping, and meal preparation.
• Skilled caretaker- A licensed health professional can assist with wound care, injections, physical therapy, and other medical needs. Once a physician has ordered these skilled care services, a home health care organization frequently organizes them.

How to choose the service provider

• The primary care doctor treating Alzheimer’s patients should be consulted. In addition, inquire about residential healthcare professionals who have expertise in caring for dementia patients.
• Use the online tool provided by Health care to identify and compare Medicare-certified Home Health agencies in your area.
• Enquire about the opinions of friends, family, and neighbors. Receiving a detailed account from someone who has used in-home care services might be particularly beneficial.