Dementia is a very common neuro-cognitive disorder in this era. It is the gradual loss of mental function that slowly leads to the impairment of one’s ability to perform daily, basic activities.

There are different types of dementia – Alzheimer’s, vascular and Lewy body dementia are just some. Of these, Alzheimer’s is the most common and accounts for 50-70% of all dementia cases.

According to studies, approximately 24.3 million people in the world suffer from dementia, with 4.6 million new cases expected each year.

Studies also show that 6.1% of people aged 65 years and older suffers from this illness.

Dementia not only affects the patient, but also immediate family members, close friends and primary caregivers.

Dementia patients gradually lose their memory and in time will not be able to recognise even their closest family members. There will also be a steady deterioration of their ability to perform daily activities such as maintaining their personal hygiene or eating a meal by themselves.

It will therefore become the role of the caregiver to help those with dementia with these activities, a learning process that can be challenging at times.

It is therefore helpful for caregivers to know what they should do and what they should not when difficult situations present itself.

Aggressive behaviour

People with dementia can sometimes display physically or verbally aggressive behaviour without intending to. It usually happens when they feel uncomfortable, scared or confused with their surroundings.

Do

• Stay calm.

• Try to understand why they are behaving in such a manner. Is there anything unusual around them or are they feeling uncomfortable?

• Calm the patient down by slowly directing their focus away from what they are complaining about. Talk to them softly and assure them they are safe.

Every dementia patient has their own way of calming down, and caregivers must be patient in identifying actions that lead to eventual calmness.

Don’t

• Do not start an argument.

• Try to avoid the word “No” when dealing with them.

• Do not counteract their harsh words as these are unintentional and only spoken out of fear.

• Do not constrain them to the issue that makes them act out aggressively.

Confusion

People with dementia tend to get confused about time and space and therefore frequently ask to go home. They usually say things like “Let’s go home”, “Where am I?”, “When are we leaving?”.

Do

As a caregiver, it is important to know which place or situation gives a person with dementia a sense of comfort and safety. Hence, there could be a need to tell a “therapeutic lie”.

Therapeutic lies may seem insensitive to some but it does help relieve the anxiety and confusion that those with dementia usually experience. Always keep in mind that it is not obligatory to keep dementia patients in the realm of reality.

Don’t

• Do not use lengthy sentences, phrases or complicated words when talking to them.

• Do not try to reason with a dementia patient.

Decreased judgement

Dementia is a progressive brain disease. Hence, it will affect a patient’s sense of judgement, simply because their brain is in control of their cognitive thinking.

Those with dementia usually become suspicious of others and often accuse their own family members of stealing their things. Many therefore develop the habit of hoarding their personal or household items.

Do

• Do check the extent of any issue a dementia patient is obsessing over.

• Give them assurance and encouragement so they feel less pressured.

• Offer help in gradual ways to reduce their frustration.

Don’t

• Do not argue with a dementia patient.

• Do not doubt or question their ability to handle any issue as it will create more anxiety and frustration.

Remember to take care of yourself

Caregivers often become physically and mentally affected over time as it takes immense mental and physical ability to constantly care for a person with dementia.

It has been reported that many caregivers suffer from sleep deprivation, reduced work productivity, lack of appetite and lack of exercise.

Do rely on friends and family members in times of need. Take a short holiday to relax and make time for yourself once in a while.

Some non-governmental organisations provide day care services for dementia patients – The Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia, Dementia Society Perak, and Johor Bahru Alzheimer’s Disease Association are among these.

Staff in these organisations are well trained and caregivers could benefit from a little professional help once in a while. It is proven that caregivers are less likely to develop depression and stress with respite care.

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DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained here with other sources, and review all information with your physician. Please do not disregard professional medical advice or delay treatment because of something you have read here. FMT is not responsible and liable for any damage caused through information obtained here.