Alzheimer’s Disease
There are many forms of dementia, and they all present very differently in the individual. Dementia is different from senility in that it can present as: loss of social skills, short term memory, loss of vocabulary, mood and behavioural changes, lack of reasoning ability, irrational behaviour, personality changes, disorientation, time confusion, lack of comprehension, mobility/balance issues, lack of self-care changes in appetite and eating habits, repetitive behaviour and forgetting how to do mundane tasks. There is no cure for dementia, but it can be managed and slowed down with the correct medication and care.
Alzheimer’s makes up to 80% of all dementia. All the above symptoms get rapidly worse over time as the disease progresses. Many people withdraw from work or social activities because it becomes too difficult to cope and problem solving becomes challenging. Speech and writing issues will manifest, as well as a lack of judgment. Uncharacteristic behaviour or unintelligent decision-making becomes a problem as do changes in mood and personality. The brain is literally wasting away so chemicals and hormones are altered resulting in fear, agitation, and paranoia. Aggression and stubborn uncooperative behaviour are normal. The worst thing to do is to try to reason with or correct the person. This will lead to greater agitation and huge anxiety.
Lessen the amount of change around them to lessen the amount of fear they are feeling and don’t try getting them ‘back to normal’. They will get angry, frustrated when doing daily tasks, and will find it more and more difficult to communicate clearly and easily. They won’t like change or their environment being too cluttered. The carer will withstand the worst of this behaviour. Familiar music, colouring in, putting anything in order, looking at old photo albums, crafts and favourite films all help soothe the mind riddled with Alzheimer’s. Keep things simple. Make them feel safe and secure.
If a loved one is diagnosed with Dementia, before it gets too advanced, ensure that their Finances, Will, Power of Attorney and DNR are in place and that the person has enough mental capacity to sign off any documents. The person will have periods of lucidity in which things like this can be discussed and finalized. Give them patience and tolerance, kindness, and compassion.
“When my client has learned to answer their own questions, my job is done”.
Need to know more? WhatsApp on +27823740940 or email on barbara@barbarascogings.com to book a complimentary 20-minute session to discuss this in more detail.