10 Nov Dementia Is Not a Disease, but a Symptom of a Larger Problem Than Can Be Managed at Home | Family Tree In-Home Care
Memory loss, forgetfulness, and certain behavioral changes in your loved ones point to more than just a simple problem. Their safety and security become an issue, which leaves you feeling stressed and emotional over their well-being.
What could be done for them, and for you, to keep your family safe and sound? What could be wrong with your family member? Can they get better or do they have an irreversible disease?
Healthcare assistant in a community center speaking to a senior man.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not necessarily a disease in itself but is a symptom of a larger problem. Dementia is defined as an impairment to remember the past, think constructively about the present, and a cognitive interference in making decisions about everyday tasks and problems.
Dementia signifies that there is a larger problem going on in your body because it is not a naturally occurring disease in itself. Dementia can accompany problems such as:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Lewy Body Disease
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- Huntington’s Disease
- and a mixture of any related diseases that have dementia as a symptom
There are even some causes of dementia, and dementia-related symptoms, that can be reversed with the correct care. Dementia-like symptoms that stem from an infection, a nutritional deficiency, and treatable brain tumors are usually able to be corrected.
A person who suffers from down syndrome, advanced age, and a family history of the disease may have a much higher chance at developing dementia with a related disease. But what are the exact symptoms of dementia alone?
Symptoms of Dementia?
The dementia symptoms that occur in a related disease may vary slightly but there are a few common cognitive and psychological factors with most patients. You may notice depression and behavioral changes as well as hallucinations and an increase of anxiety. Cognitive symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Communication problems
- Visual and spatial changes
- Loss of reasoning and problem-solving skills
- Inability to plan and organize
- Coordination loss and motor function difficulty
- General disorientation
A knowledgeable nurse or aide can help these symptoms be less of a shock with healthy meal plans, exercise routines, and direct and routine communication with social groups of family and friends. We know that you can’t be there all the time; that’s why we are here for you.
The Best Support a Family Can Give
The best ways to reduce your chances of dementia symptoms are to keep your mind active, stay physically and socially active, and stop dangerous and damaging behaviors such as smoking and drinking. If your family member suffers from dementia symptoms, the best thing that you can do is to allow treatment and care in their homes.
As they move in and out of time and reality, they will usually have moments of clarity where they understand who they are and what their lives have been. Staying in their home during this time is essential for their comfort and sense of self. The best thing that you can do for them is to find caregivers who value in-home care over the removal of a patient from the safety of their own home.
Family Tree In-Home Care understands that the comfort and safety of the patient is their number one priority. We have shown consistent and quality care during the coronavirus outbreak and are ready to meet you. Contact us for information on private nursing, caregiving, and life care management. We can work together to provide your family with the greatest in-home care you can find.