By Eric San Juan
Few ailments targeting older Americans can be as invisible – and frightening – as dementia. Understanding the basics, however, can make confronting this wide range of conditions easier for you and your loved ones.
There are several types of dementia, each with its own unique set of symptoms. The most common is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Other forms include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia. It’s important to understand the differences between these in order to provide more effective care and support.
"When you've met one person with Alzheimer's, you've met just one person," said Lucey Henkin, who lost her husband to Alzheimer's. "Because, every journey they go through, every person is different, their lives are different, and how people interact with them is different."
For example, Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by damage to the brain caused by an accumulation of abnormal proteins. Vascular dementia occurs as a result of decreased blood flow to the brain, leading to problems with thinking and memory. Lewy body dementia is associated with deposits of abnormal protein in parts of the brain that control movement, behavior and cognition. Finally, Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal lobe or temporal lobe regions of the brain, which are responsible for language, emotion and decision-making abilities.
While we don’t fully understand the underlying causes of all dementias, the most recent science suggests that in most cases, cognitive decline is due to an accumulation of “risk factors” rather than a single cause. Genetics plays an important role for some types; other potential causes include poor nutrition, chronic illnesses such as diabetes or stroke, physical injury, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol or drug use.
This is why it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor any changes or potential causes early.
Recognizing the early signs of dementia is critical in providing timely intervention and support. It can be difficult to identify the signs of dementia at first; people may not experience all the symptoms right away, and the scope and type of symptoms can vary from person to person. In some cases, the changes can be hard to spot, such as subtle changes in behavior, and minor memory loss that disrupts daily life.
Common signs include difficulty understanding language or following directions, confusion with time or place, difficulty recognizing familiar places or people, changes in mood or personality, and an inability to complete daily tasks. Some people even experience delusions, hallucinations or paranoia as well.
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, it’s important to seek medical advice from your doctor, because early detection is critical to managing the effects. It’s also important to remember that there is only so much you can do.
“My father had no awareness that he had dementia, and adamantly refused my attempts to help him. I hired an eldercare manager to help me figure out a way around this,” said Cynthia Dearborn, who cared for her father when he was struck by dementia. “When I told her I wanted to keep him safe, she said that was impossible: I could only try to keep him safer. That small grammatical shift helped me hugely: it changed my task from impossible to doable. I came to terms with the fact that I couldn’t work miracles, but I could try to make the conditions of my dad’s daily life less dangerous, less frightening, more comfortable, more enjoyable.”
While there’s no way to reverse the effects of dementia, there are various treatments available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. This includes medications like cholinesterase inhibitors for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease, lifestyle changes such as mental stimulation and physical activity, and psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you or a loved one are suffering, lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your life include staying mentally and physically active, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. Diet changes to focus on include reducing sugar, limiting processed and fried foods, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
“While there is some debate about the most effective types of exercise, the best exercise is something you enjoy and will sustain indefinitely,” said Steve Vernon of Rest-Of-life Communications. “Better still is exercise that brings you social interactions, another possible protection against dementia.”
Additionally, it’s important to create an environment that is conducive to comfort and safety. For example, creating a calming atmosphere in the home by using gentle music, good lighting and familiar objects can help reduce confusion and agitation. Also, setting a routine that includes regular activities can help people with dementia feel more secure and comfortable.
Dementia does not have to be a burden; with the right support, knowledge and care, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life even if you are affected by this condition.
Also, remember that you are not alone in this journey. There are organizations offering support for those affected by dementia, both locally and online. These include Alzheimer’s Disease International, the National Council on Aging, the Alzheimer’s Association, and others. These resources provide valuable information on living with dementia as well as tips for caregivers or family members to help manage it better.
For more information on managing dementia, please consult with a medical professional.