Dementia can be tricky to understand, but it’s important to know how it affects people so we can help them better. Dementia happens when someone’s brain starts to work differently, and they may forget things or get confused easily. Imagine if your brain was like a computer, and parts of it stopped working as well as they used to. That’s kind of what happens with dementia.

This condition mostly affects older people. For example, about 1 out of 10 people over 65  in the U.S. have dementia. For people in their 90s, it’s even more common. The most well-known type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects millions of people in America.

Here are the most common signs of dementia and some simple ways to help

Memory Loss

One of the first things people notice is memory loss. People with dementia might forget conversations, appointments, or where they left things. They may also repeat questions or struggle to remember names or familiar places.

How to Help with Memory Loss:

• Use pictures and notes to help them remember things. For example, Lisa could keep a journal to write down what happened each day so she can look back at it.
• Be patient when answering their questions. If they ask the same question over and over, it’s okay to gently repeat the answer without pointing out that they’ve already asked it.

Confusion About Time and Place

People with dementia can get confused about the time, place, or even who they are. This can make them feel anxious and frustrated.

How to Help with Disorientation:

• Use clocks or calendars to help them understand the time or date. Instead of saying “half an hour,” you can point to a clock and show them how long it will be.
• Try to connect important dates to something they care about. For example, you could say, “This month is after your birthday,” to help them remember what time of year it is.

Poor Decision Making

Sometimes, people with dementia make decisions that don’t seem right, like giving away too much money or not taking care of themselves. For example, Mr. Johnson might forget to shower for days or buy things he doesn’t need.

How to Help with Decision Making:

• Encourage them when they make good choices. You can praise them, give small rewards, or use stickers as reminders.
• Talk to a doctor to see if medication might help with their decision-making.

Trouble Speaking and Understanding

People with dementia might have a hard time finding the right words. For example, Somone with dementia might say “thingy” when they can’t remember the word for “cup,” or they might not follow a conversation.

How to Help with Language Difficulties:

• Keep the environment quiet when talking to them, so it’s easier for them to focus.
• Pay attention to their emotions while they’re talking. If they seem upset, offer comfort instead of focusing too much on what they’re saying.

Personality and Mood Changes

Dementia can make people act differently. For example, Grandma might become easily upset or stop enjoying activities she used to love, like gardening or painting.

How to Help with Mood Changes:

• Make a daily routine to help them feel more comfortable and less stressed.
• Be calm and reassuring when they are upset. Say things like, “I understand how you feel,” to show that you care.
• Keep items they love, like favorite photos or keepsakes, nearby to make them feel more secure.

Forgetting Faces

It can be really hard when someone with dementia forgets the faces of people they know well. For example, Grandpa might not recognize his son, even though they’ve spent years together.

How to Help with Facial Recognition:

• Introduce yourself at the beginning of a conversation. For example, “Hi, Grandpa! It’s me, your granddaughter Emily.”
• Use both your voice and your face to help them remember. Your voice might sound familiar, even if your face doesn’t.

Trouble Moving or Doing Daily Tasks

As dementia gets worse, everyday tasks like dressing or eating can become difficult. This loss of independence can be upsetting.

How to Help with Motor Skills:

• Do activities that help them move, like stretching or simple yoga.
• Help them focus on one task at a time. For example, let’s help Mr. Collins finish putting on his shoes before asking him to do something else.

Wandering

Some people with dementia wander off and might get lost, even in familiar places. This can be scary, both for them and for the people who care about them.

How to Help with Wandering:

• Pay attention to the times of day when they’re more likely to wander and plan fun activities to keep them busy.
• If they do wander, calmly reassure them and let them know you’re there to help.

Seeing or Hearing Things That Aren’t There

Some people with dementia may see or hear things that aren’t real. For example, Mrs. Garcia might hear someone calling her name when no one is around.

How to Help with Hallucinations:

• Don’t argue with them about what they’re seeing or hearing. Instead, stay calm and gently reassure them.
• Try distracting them by suggesting a new activity or moving to a different room.

Conclusion

Caring for someone with dementia can be difficult, but with patience and love, we can make life a little easier for them. It's all about being kind, helping them feel safe, and offering support when things get confusing. However, when it becomes too hard to provide the care they need at home, View All Options is here to help guide you through the decision-making process of finding the right nursing home in Massachusetts