Dementia is a confusing condition that affects speech, comprehension, and memory. The confusion stems not only from the condition itself but also from the way people perceive it. After a senior loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, one of the best things family members can do is educate themselves about this condition. Here are five common dementia myths debunked.
1. Dementia Is Inevitable
It’s not uncommon for people to think dementia is a natural part of aging. Seniors are at higher risk, but dementia has been diagnosed in people as young as in their 30s. Certain things can increase a person’s chance of being diagnosed, such as a nervous system disease or a brain injury, but there are also things people can do to protect themselves from getting dementia. For instance, eating healthy, exercising, and staying mentally active with activities such as puzzles, crosswords, educational classes, and art courses can reduce a person’s risk tremendously.
2. Dementia Only Affects the Diagnosed Individual
The Mayo Clinic describes dementia as acutely interfering with daily activities. Due to symptoms such as difficulty with reasoning and completing tasks as well as issues with motor control, family members of aging adults with dementia are also acutely affected. Often, caring for a loved one with dementia is a partnership involving the doctor, family members, and a caregiver who can monitor typical day-to-day functions.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Prestige Home Care, a leading provider of elder care Windermere, FL, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
3. Dementia Can Be Cured
The unfortunate reality is that dementia is a brain condition that doesn’t yet have a cure. This condition involves the deterioration of brain cells, a process that cannot currently be stopped with medication or other forms of bioengineering. The symptoms of dementia can only be managed with potent prescription medications, such as cholinesterase inhibitors. In addition to addressing cognitive symptoms, doctors also treat dementia with drugs that reduce anxiety, depression, and other emotional complications related to the condition. Supplements, exercise, and mental stimulation can also slow the progression of dementia.
While caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia can be challenging, you’re not alone. For trusted and reliable dementia care, Orlando families can turn to Prestige Home Care. We are experts in caring for seniors with memory-related conditions, our caregivers are available 24/7, and all of our dementia care programs are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
4. Dementia Leads to Violence
Since individuals with dementia can become easily confused and agitated, they’re sometimes thought to be violent. Although some seniors with dementia can have aggressive outbursts, these episodes are far less common than most people think. Dementia caregivers and family members can alleviate seniors’ agitation by being patient, practicing good communication strategies, and trying to understand the source of the agitation.
5. It’s Important to Correct Someone with Dementia
Initially, it may be frustrating or even irritating to hear someone with dementia tell convincing tales of events that didn’t happen or provide incorrect details, but resist the urge to correct your older loved one. Correcting someone with dementia can do more harm than good by furthering his or her confusion, causing feelings of depression, or leading to aggressive behaviors.
While there’s no cure for dementia, a professional caregiver can help your loved one live with the symptoms of the condition in the comfort of home. Families looking for top-rated home care service providers can reach out to Prestige Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. Call us today at (407) 232-7155 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.