Understanding the Behaviour of the Dementia Patients
>> Wednesday, October 30, 2013
As you know, dementia brings with it a triad
of issues- memory loss, decline in cognitive activities and difficulties in
activities of daily living.
Basically, it is a syndrome that is caused by
several brain disorders, most of which develop over many years. And whereas symptoms
of this syndrome is concerned, they use to be present for at least six months and
decline in memory and cognition impair the activities of daily living.
You should not mistake dementia as a synonym
for Alzheimer’s disease. This syndrome has several forms and Alzheimer’s is one
of the most common forms.
This is natural that with age we tend to deteriorate
from mind and body. And therefore, the proverb is somewhat true, ‘use it or lose
it’. Well, whereas dementia is concerned, it is quite different from that of impaired
activities that is intensified by old age. It is a disease that can strike anyone
at any age. And when it really strikes, life becomes more tragic than ever.
Taking care of a person with dementia can
be a destructive task. This person can be anyone like a parent and spouse who
has been respected and known. And it is really tough to watch someone deteriorate.
There may be more physical problems with times including indignity of
self-gratification. The patient can become aggressive and most ungrateful which
can be harmful for the person who cares for the patient.
If you are someone who has to care for a dementia
patient, then it is needed to have some knowledge of what to expect from the
patient and some techniques to adjust to the situations.
How dementia
patients behave
When someone loses their memory, they tend
to create a number of troubles for themselves or others as well.
Dementia patients can get lost when they
are out and can be very scared.
These patients tend to wander anywhere and
they can be dressed inadequately and no one knows when they will come closer to
the traffic.
They are not able to handle money and the miscreants
can take advantage.
Chances are they can turn on the gas and forget
to light it. It may result in an explosion unless detected on time.
Prevent the patients from taking alcohol may
seem unkind. But, it interferes with mental abilities; therefore, it can
aggravate the features of this syndrome.
Personality
change
Do
not take it as a simple case of memory loss. When this happens, the brains of
the patients can impact higher centres that operate matters like personality.
The patient can become aggressive and rude.
This can be disheartening for the person who takes care of him.
The patients can start a fight with the carer
in spite of adequate physical ability.
This can be a natural reaction of the
carers towards the rude and aggressive patients to think to leave them on their
present conditions. If you think the same way, try to keep your pride aside and
keep in mind that it is the disease that hovers over the patient and leads him/her
to do all these nuisances. Though it is difficult but you should cope with the patient’s
behaviour.
Decline
in mental abilities
This disease impairs the brain. So, the brain
deteriorates and stops functioning properly. When a person’s brain deteriorates,
a number of problems takes place.
They cannot wash and dress properly.
Co-ordination gets
impaired as well.
Sometimes,
taking care of these patients becomes difficult. And at some point of time, you
feel exhausted. When you come to this stage, it is better to get help. And do
not feel ashamed and come out of it when you cannot carry along with this.
There are many organisations that can help to
care for these patients. For instance, organisation like Barlavington Manor nursing home
can offer the best care and support to the dementia patients. Take help and provide
your close one with the best possible healthcare service.
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