Don’t Assume They’re Confused All The Time
Even though someone has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they may still have frequent times of clarity.
For instance, someone with early-stage Alzheimer’s may tell you that a friend had called and said they would be stopping by at a certain time. You might doubt if they really had the information correct, but sure enough, later that day, you will see that their friend was there to visit.
Remember not to discount everything said by a person with dementia.
Does A Person Realize They Have Dementia
Families often ask dementia patients if they are aware of their condition. The short answer in some cases is no, they dont know they have dementia. The long answer, however, is a bit more complicated. Some people with dementia have no symptoms at all, while others may have memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and other symptoms that are not related to the disease.
In addition, some people who have Alzheimers disease do not have any of these symptoms, but they may still be at risk for developing dementia later in life. For these reasons, its important for caregivers to understand the differences between dementia types and how to help their loved ones with these conditions.
Diabetics Set For Huge Change As Once
This risk developing the fatal condition was also twice as high for those who went to bed before 9pm – versus 10pm or later.
The study involved researchers following sleeping habits and cases of dementia among a select 2,000 men and women for four years.
Researchers did not suggest why going to bed earlier and sleeping longer pointed to a higher risk of dementia.
However, previous studies have found that changes to sleep cycles are common features of dementia and are likely related to disrupted brain pathways that regulate sleep-wake cycles.
This suggests that cognitive function should be monitored in older adults who report prolonged time in bed and advanced sleep timing, the authors wrote.
It’s important to remember that getting enough good quality sleep is vital to keep your brain healthy.
Meanwhile, another study has found that middle age people who experience frequent nightmares are more likely to be diagnosed with dementia later in life.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham, found that bad dreams could become more common several years or even decades before brain problems set in.
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Dementia Can Severely Impede Communication
People with dementia often have difficulty finding the right word, which can be frustrating for both them and their loved ones. However, it is important to be patient and understand that this is a common symptom of the condition.
Dementia is a degenerative disease that affects the brain, and can cause problems with thinking, memory, and speech. As the disease progresses, patients can experience a decline in their ability to communicate.
There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to communicate with a dementia patient.
- Its important to be patient and understanding.
- Try to focus on simple words and phrases.
- Be prepared for the conversation to take some unexpected turns.
- Go with the flow of your senior loved ones train of thought.
- Avoid correcting them or bringing them to reality. What they are saying and thinking IS their reality.
With a little patience and understanding, you can still have meaningful conversations with your loved one, even if they are living with dementia.
Eat Like A Mediterranean
Over the past decades, research has formed a strong connection between dementia and diet. The Alzheimers Association reports that heart-healthy eating may also end up protecting the brain just as much as the heart.
Currently, there are two diets that might be the most beneficial to lowering the risk of dementia: the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet. The DASH diet, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, focuses on eating more vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans and vegetable oils. Similarly, the Mediterranean diet discourages red meat, instead encouraging more grains, fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil.
Which one should you choose? The National Institutes of Health reports that eating a Mediterranean diet can decrease risk of age-related dementia, but the DASH diet is also showing promising results in research studies as well. Talk to your physician about which might be best for you.
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Stage : Moderate Dementia
Patients in stage 5 need some assistance in order to carry out their daily lives. The main sign for stage 5 dementia is the inability to remember major details such as the name of a close family member or a home address. Patients may become disoriented about the time and place, have trouble making decisions, and forget basic information about themselves, such as a telephone number or address.
While moderate dementia can interfere with basic functioning, patients at this stage do not need assistance with basic functions such as using the bathroom or eating. Patients also still have the ability to remember their own names and generally the names of spouses and children.
The Truth About Aging And Dementia
As we age, our brains change, but Alzheimers disease and related dementias are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, up to 40% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed. It helps to understand whats normal and whats not when it comes to brain health.
Normal brain aging may mean slower processing speeds and more trouble multitasking, but routine memory, skills, and knowledge are stable and may even improve with age. Its normal to occasionally forget recent events such as where you put your keys or the name of the person you just met.
In the United States, 6.2 million people age 65 and older have Alzheimers disease, the most common type of dementia. People with dementia have symptoms of cognitive decline that interfere with daily lifeincluding disruptions in language, memory, attention, recognition, problem solving, and decision-making. Signs to watch for include:
Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias are not an inevitable part of aging. There are 7 ways to help maintain your brain health.
- Not being able to complete tasks without help.
- Trouble naming items or close family members.
- Forgetting the function of items.
- Repeating questions.
- Taking much longer to complete normal tasks.
- Misplacing items often.
- Being unable to retrace steps and getting lost.
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What Kind Of Pain Do Dementia Patients Have
People with dementia may experience physical pain in the same way as everyone else. They may not be able to communicate that they are in pain because of their declining brain function and abilities. It can result in under-treatment of their pain and reduced quality of life.
Physical pain is a normal part of ageing, but it can also be a sign of dementia. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of this condition so that you can make an informed decision about how to treat it.
What’s The Bottom Line On Alzheimer’s Prevention
Alzheimer’s disease is complex, and the best strategy to prevent or delay it may turn out to be a combination of measures. In the meantime, you can do many things that may keep your brain healthy and your body fit.
You also can help scientists learn more by volunteering to participate in research. Clinical trials and studies are looking for all kinds of peoplehealthy volunteers, cognitively normal participants with a family history of Alzheimer’s, people with MCI, and people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
To find study sites near you, contact NIA’s Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral Center at 1-800-438-4380 or . Or, visit the Alzheimers.gov Clinical Trials Finder to search for trials and studies.
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How Alzheimers Affects Women Differently
Its not exactly clear why women are more affected by Alzheimers than men, but there may be several factors at play. According to Dr. Caldwell, women tend to decline faster than men after receiving a diagnosis for Alzheimers. Women typically live longer than men, too, and while the No. 1 risk factor for Alzheimers is aging, that may not be the whole story.
Some of the reasons might be artifacts of our diagnostic systems, says Dr. Caldwell. For example, we know women tend to have better verbal memory than men, and our tests rely on verbal memory. So, it is possible that women dont get diagnosed as early because our tests miss those important verbal memory changes.
In addition, menopause and estrogen loss are a huge area of investigation for Alzheimers because estrogen supports an area of the brain responsible for forming new memories. Its this part of the brain thats first targeted when Alzheimers develops, so as women age, they may be even more affected. Plus, women have a greater increase in Alzheimers risk, compared to men, when they carry a gene associated with late-onset Alzheimers. But on the other hand, there is a line of research that suggests having two X-chromosomes might put women at an advantage.
Theres not a simple, straightforward story, says Dr. Caldwell. We are going to have to look at Alzheimers as involving our genetics, our environment as well as our own behaviors.
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease: What Do We Know
As they get older, many people worry about developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. If they have a family member with Alzheimer’s, they may wonder about their family history and genetic risk. As many as 5.5 million Americans age 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s. Many more are expected to develop the disease as the population agesunless ways to prevent or delay it are found.
Although scientists have conducted many studies, and more are ongoing, so far nothing has been proven to prevent or delay dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. But researchers have identified promising strategies and are learning more about what mightand might notwork.
We know that changes in the brain can occur many years before the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s appear. These early brain changes point to a possible window of opportunity to prevent or delay debilitating memory loss and other symptoms of dementia. While research may identify specific interventions that will prevent or delay the disease in some people, it’s likely that many individuals may need a combination of treatments based on their own risk factors.
Researchers are studying many approaches to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s. Some focus on drugs, some on lifestyle or other changes. Let’s look at the most promising interventions to date and what we know about them.
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Tips For Stopping Smoking
- Talk to your GP or pharmacist about different ways to stop smoking.
- Try using a date or event as motivation for stopping. For example, you could make it a new years resolution.
- Consider using a less harmful nicotine product such as e-cigarettes , lozenges, patches, mouth and nasal sprays, or gum.
- Try using NHS Smokefree support services, which include a helpline, app and local support services.
What Are The Signs That A Person With Dementia Is Not Aware Of Their Condition
There are also signs that a person with dementia is not aware of their condition. These include:
- Denying memory loss or changes in abilities
- Blaming others for memory lapses or changes in behavior
- Making up stories to cover for memory loss
- Getting angry or agitated when confronted about memory loss or changes in abilities
- Exhibiting changes in behavior that are out of character
Any of these signs are cause for concern and warrant a discussion with a doctor. If you notice any of these changes in yourself or a loved one, dont hesitate to reach out for help.
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The Seven Stages Of Dementia
One of the most difficult things to hear about dementia is that, in most cases, dementia is irreversible and incurable. However, with an early diagnosis and proper care, the progression of some forms of dementia can be managed and slowed down. The cognitive decline that accompanies dementia conditions does not happen all at once – the progression of dementia can be divided into seven distinct, identifiable stages.
Learning about the stages of dementia can help with identifying signs and symptoms early on, as well as assisting sufferers and caretakers in knowing what to expect in further stages. The earlier dementia is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start.
Do People With Dementia Sleep A Lot
It is quite common for a person with dementia, especially in the later stages, to spend a lot of their time sleeping both during the day and night. This can be distressing for the persons family and friends, as they may worry about their loved ones health and well-being. However, it is important to remember that dementia is not the same as Alzheimers disease, which is the most common form of dementia.
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Schedule Dinner With A Friend
Recent research has given us all another reason to reach out and connect with a friend or make new relationships with neighbors. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that social isolation was connected to a 50% increased risk of dementia in addition to other serious medical conditions.
Further, research published in PLOS Medicine followed adults for 28 years to see how lifestyle could affect aging, including cognitive skills. They found that those who had frequent social contact had a positive effect on the brain, creating a cognitive reserve, reducing stress and promoting other healthy behaviors.
Take this as your sign to call your friend and set up a time to grab coffee or dinner.
Tips For Starting And Sticking With An Exercise Plan
If youve been inactive for a while, starting an exercise program can be intimidating. But remember: a little exercise is better than none. In fact, adding just modest amounts of physical activity to your weekly routine can have a profound effect on your health.
Choose activities you enjoy and start smalla 10-minute walk a few times a day, for exampleand allow yourself to gradually build up your momentum and self-confidence.
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Tips To Help Women Avoid Alzheimers Disease
Women are more likely to develop Alzheimers, but heres how to lower your risk.
Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia, and almost two-thirds of Americans with the disease are women. It is not exactly known why women are more affected by Alzheimers than men or what directly affects your risk of developing the disease. But there are some lifestyle factors you can control that may potentially reduce your risk.
The tips listed below arent guaranteed to prevent Alzheimers disease, but research suggests that these lifestyle factors may possibly reduce your Alzheimers risk. Even if theres not enough evidence to prove that theyll definitely lower your risk, these habits will improve your health in other ways, too.
How Does A Person With Dementia See The World
People with dementia often see the world differently than people without dementia. They may have trouble understanding what they see and may see things that are not really there.
What family caregivers need to understand is that this is not due to a change in their ocular vision. . The change is in their brain and how their brain is processing the information that their eyes are sending to it.
A person with dementia may also have visuospatial difficulties, when the brain has problems processing information about 3D objects. This can affect a persons spatial awareness or the ability to judge distances. They may have difficulties using stairs, parking a car or recognising objects.
I remember treating many, many seniors with these visuospatial difficulties. Unfortunately, it does get worse as the dementia gets worse.
Here are some examples of these problems:
- They may have trouble seeing objects that are far away. Or, they may see objects that are close up as being very large.
- They may see things that are not really there. This is called a visual hallucination. A person with dementia may see a person or an animal or even an object that is not there.
- They may not be able to tell the difference between a door and a window, or a person and a chair.
- They may not be able to perceive colors and light.
- They may begin having eye to hand coordination. This can make it difficult to eat, to button their shirt, etc.
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Recent Research Reveals New Risk Factors
While research is ongoing to develop better testing, other studies are looking at modifiable risk factors or lifestyle changes.
Alzheimers disease and dementia kill more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Its important that we not only improve early detection, but we also educate patients about what they can do.
Alzheimers disease and dementia kill more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined, Dr. Isenberg notes. Its important that we not only improve early detection of the disease, but we also educate patients about what they can do.
The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care published a list of twelve risk factors at various stages of life that can increase the possibility of developing Alzheimers and dementia.
By targeting these 12 modifiable risk factors, as much as 40% of dementia cases are preventable over someones life, says Dr. Isenberg. I think thats very encouraging.