So you’ve heard the dreaded diagnosis. It’s Dementia. Now what? Here are a few questions to ask the MD to help you get a better understanding of what is available to you now and what is to come. Don’t worry, you aren’t alone and there are people out there who are willing to help if you just ask.
1. Are there any medications or clinical trials currently being conducted?
Most of the clinical trials and current medications being conducted are centered around the early stages of dementia that aim to slow the progression or reduce the symptoms often associated with dementia. There are often specific criteria involved in order to qualify to be a participant in a clinical trial and your MD should be able to research to discover if this is an option for you. There are also several medications available that may inhibit some of the behaviors that are associated with dementia, such us agitation, depression, forgetfulness and mood swings.
2. What can I expect?
Dementia can be broken up into 3 basic stages – mild, moderate and severe. In the early stages, dementia can often be difficult to diagnose as many of the symptoms are often representative of “just getting old”. In the middle stages, someone with dementia often requires more help to do their everyday tasks, such as picking out appropriate clothes and keeping up with their own personal hygiene. The latter stages are typically characterized by a person who is no longer able to care for themselves in any manner and often have little to no speech anymore. There is no defined length of time for each stage, so it is an individual journey, however the average person with dementia lives 5-12 years after diagnosis.
3. How long will they be able to live alone?
People with dementia have ups and downs in their abilities. It’s also typical for someone to behave “normally” one day and then to seem to have literally “lost their mind” on other days. Sometimes, you could even see these changes occur within the same day. It is best practice to keep the dementia person in a familiar routine while minimizing stressful situations in order to maximize their independence. The ability for your loved one to remain in their home is largely dependent on the stage of dementia they are in and the amount of help they require, however many adults are able to stay in their homes with some modifications or assistance from friends, neighbors or family members while in the early stages.
4. How can I help?
The most important thing you can do for your loved on is help them to make the decisions that will keep them happy and healthy for as long as possible. If your loved one is still able to live on their own then decluttering the house and ensuring they have an emergency plan can go a long way in helping them remain secure when you aren’t there. Be sure to ask your doctor whether there are educational or support groups in your area that can teach you and your family how to cope with the changes happening in your loved one’s brain. In addition, living a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, and creating a routine including daily exercise and adequate sleep, is important for both the person with dementia and their caregivers to keep everyone at their best.
Dementia can be challenging for everyone involved so don’t be afraid to seek help, ask questions or join a group. The more you know, the easier the transition can become. Arm yourself with the knowledge to prepare for what’s to come.
The information you need … Straight Up!