Dementia often affects how people normally think. However, contrary to what we commonly associate with disease and illness, it is not just a single entity – it is a collection of various diseases that can influence the person’s day-to-day function, specifically their ability to comprehend, remember, and affect activities of daily living. Oftentimes, it can influence a person’s ability to perform basic life functions like eating, taking a bath, ambulating, and the like, which often take a toll not only on the person themselves, but also on their loved ones who are taking care of them.
The key to battling dementia lies mainly in knowledge. Understanding what dementia is and how it affects patients by reading a Dementia Help Guide would drastically help a patient with dementia and surmount the challenges that come with it.
Stages and Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia is said to happen in a series of stages; it does not affect activities of daily living right away. It usually progresses through three stages namely early, middle, and late stages.
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Early dementia often comprises symptoms associated with confusion and what most people mistake to be forgetfulness. In this stage, the patient is still primarily independent and it does not affect activities of daily living. This means that the patient can still function on their own with little to no help from relatives or loved ones. Most of the time, if a patient is still in this stage, they are often encouraged to continue being a part of their own care for as long as possible.
The middle stage is when the changes in personality and behavior become more apparent. In this period, the patient may be more irritable or even experience hallucinations. Memory and critical thinking skills may decline at this age, leaving the older adult more susceptible to falls, and injuries, and can be misled by others. It is difficult to leave them completely on their own which often affects activities of daily living of the client. Precaution and patience are needed when dealing with patients at this stage.
The last stage is also known as the late stage since symptoms of dementia are most severe in this stage and dementia can affect activities of daily living completely. While symptoms differ from patient to patient, it is expected that there is a change in mood and behavior such as fear, anxiety, or irritability which are not always as apparent or sudden in the previous stages. At this time, the patient with dementia will definitely need the most support and help with almost all activities of daily living, specifically with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulating, and transferring. This is often the stage where caretakers of the patient experience burnout since the patient is completely dependent on them to survive. Endurance and perseverance are necessary for loved ones to help them overcome the difficulties of taking care of the patient, as well as manage the patient’s emotions and mood swings in this period.
Preventing How Dementia Can Affect Activities of Daily Living
Activities of daily living are tasks done by patients to survive, maintain daily bodily function and basically stay alive and well. As explained in the stages earlier, the severity of the stage will affect the activities of daily living of the patient.
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Dementia cannot be attributed to one specific cause, thus, it cannot overtly be prevented. However, there are some ways to help reduce the risk of having dementia in the future. Overall, it is done by promoting a healthy lifestyle. Staying physically fit and exercising, avoiding vices like alcohol and smoking, eating healthy foods and having a balanced diet, and avoiding high risk activities that can cause head injury are just some of the ways that our lifestyle can minimize our risk of developing dementia later on in life.
For patients already with dementia, it, unfortunately, cannot be cured. However, patients can mitigate its effects, especially in the early stages by encouraging patients to be as independent as possible and allowing them to perform tasks they are still capable of doing. If they can still eat, bathe, or move around on their own, allow them to do so. This does not only instill in them a certain level of confidence in caring for themselves, but it also gives them cognitive stimulation. Other activities like puzzles, reading, or trying out new skills can help them participate in mentally stimulating activities to help lessen the impacts of the symptoms of dementia and stall the long-term progression of the disease.
Overall, dementia can affect not only the individual with dementia but also the lives of the people around them. It is important that caretakers and relatives of those with dementia equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to help patients to their fullest potential. To learn more about dementia, and concrete skills and management strategies read the Dementia Help Guide.
