What is Dementia?
Dementia is one form of cognitive dysfunction wherein the affected area of the brain can cause serious problems to a person’s memory, language, and attention and sometimes can cause an inability to solve simple problems and perform daily activities. Unfortunately, dementia is incurable and progressive although the progress can be a little bit slowed down by medical treatments. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 35.6 million people worldwide affected by dementia as of April 2012 and each year 7.7 million new cases are found. Alzheimer’s disease, which is a common form of dementia, contributes to 60% – 70% of the cases.
Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
Although dementia can occur in younger people, this syndrome mainly affects the older population, but it is not considered part of aging. Forgetfulness is the most common symptom at an early stage. As dementia progresses, affected persons become more disoriented forgetting even the most recent events and names of immediate family members. They lose track of date and time, have problems with language and communication, and sometimes keep on recalling selective past events. As the syndrome advances, behavioral changes and mood swings are very evident even to the point of aggression. Disorientation has fully developed resulting in being unaware of time and place. At this stage, personal care and assistance are greatly needed.
Caring for a Person with Dementia
There’s no doubt that having a member of the family with dementia can provide physical, emotional, and economic pressure because he needs all the support, he can get from able family members. The first step towards caring for a loved one with dementia is acceptance. Once an elder is diagnosed with the syndrome, other members of the family should acknowledge that there are no clinically proven medications to cure it. The next best thing to do is to educate the rest of the family members about the syndrome, its signs and symptoms, and the underlying effects of dementia on the elderly.
As an elder with dementia can hardly attend to his physical and emotional needs, the family should decide what type of care they would give him. Needless to say, professional help could be very advantageous to him but, of course, more expensive. It’s not only attending to the normal daily life activities of feeding, bathing, and grooming but more the specialized care in times of the elder’s depression and behavioral disturbances. Effects of dementia vary which is why individualized attention in home care is greatly recommended. The family could also decide to house their elder in a Nursing Home, which also provides the necessary care for elders with dementia and nowadays, these homes are equipped with better faculties, facilities, and amenities that could make elders comfortable.
Whatever care the family has decided for their elder with dementia, it is very important to note that family members and friends play a very important role in caring for their elder. They can make a valuable contribution to alleviating the condition of their elderly through the love, understanding, and support they can give.
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Welcome to Stepping Up for Seniors, a dedicated organization committed to making a positive impact in the lives of low-income seniors who require assistance yet lack the essential family support and financial resources to access the help they need. Our mission is simple but profound – to provide a helping hand and bring hope to those in their golden years who might otherwise be left without the vital support they deserve.
Our organization is not just a helping hand; we are a lifeline for low-income seniors seeking support and care. With a team of dedicated professionals and a network of compassionate volunteers, we work tirelessly to make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors who have walked a long and challenging journey.
Join us in our mission to lift the spirits of low-income seniors and provide them with the care and resources they deserve. Together, we can make a profound impact, ensuring that every senior in our community can enjoy their golden years with grace, respect, and joy.
Explore our website to learn more about our programs and discover how you can get involved in Stepping Up for Seniors. Let’s step up together for those who have paved the way for us and deserve to be cherished in their retirement years.
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