What Is Dementia? Signs to Watch For and How to Provide the Right Support

When a loved one begins to lose names, gets lost in the places where they have lived since childhood or even gets into trouble with the most basic things, it can become a sad and bewildering experience.

Dementia is not only a loss of memory, but a derailment of thought processes, behaviour, feelings and relationships. It not only affects the life of the individual who is living with it, but it also affects everyone around them.

This guide is meant to accompany you. As a carer, spouse, child or friend, you will find useful information, caring advice, and simple actions you can do to make a difference and bring peace and understanding.

You should not feel overwhelmed with dementia. This is an experience being worked through by many families in Australia as well: how to support, how to cope, how to relate differently. With time, support and the right information, one can go on leading a meaningful life.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a disorder; instead, it is a term that is used to refer to a group of symptoms, which interrupt memory, thinking and everyday life. It occurs when the brain cells become damaged to a level that the damaged cells fail to relate well with each other. This leads to confusion, forgetfulness and mood or behavioural alterations.

It is beyond ageing. Although memory loss may be involved in normal ageing, dementia is a clinical term that affects daily functioning, such as forgetting how to make a favourite meal, experiencing difficulty in following a conversation, or losing objects and being unable to track back steps.

As can be observed, dementia is progressive. That means that the symptoms are going to increase as time goes on, yet the pace of development may vary greatly among different individuals, each person possessing his/her personal experience.

Learning about dementia is the basis of responding in an empathetic and patient way. And when you feel worried that someone might be showing signs, then it is never too late to talk to a doctor. Intervention is possible when it comes early.

What are the Various Forms of Dementia?

There are numerous forms of dementia. Although all of them influence the functioning of the brain, various forms of dementia have varying causes, symptoms and progression rates.

• The most prevalent of them is Alzheimer's disease, and it causes 60-70 percent of cases. It normally starts with a loss of short-term memory and proceeds to a loss of language and reasoning.
• Vascular dementia is the second most common, usually caused by either strokes or small vessel disease that slows the delivery of blood to the brain. Patients with vascular dementia are susceptible to sudden shifts in abilities or mood.
• Lewy body dementia entails a mixture of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's symptoms, such as visual hallucinations, rigidity, and insomnia.
• FTD has a greater tendency to happen in young individuals and is capable of causing composure alterations, language trouble, or impulsiveness.
• Some of them could have mixed dementia, which is a combination of different forms.

Knowing the subtype of dementia that a person is struggling with would enable the development of a working support plan, and consequently, better the life of the caregiver and the patient.

Alzheimer's Disease 

Alzheimer's is the most common kind of dementia. The condition sets in gradually. It starts with having a few cases of transient memory lapses that can easily be ignored as part of normal experience, like failing to remember new things or the correct names to use. 

The gaps between them get wider over time, which will impact attention, problem-solving, language, and even the ability to recognise loved ones.

Alzheimer's is caused when there is a buildup of 2 similar protein abnormalities (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in the brain. They disrupt the transmission of information between the brain cells, leading to their death. Usually, it takes a number of years before the disease advances.

Although it has no cure, medication, lifestyle changes, and support are possible through early disease detection to reduce its rate. Positive reinforcement and a familiar environment should be encouraged as much as possible to encourage dignity and independence.

It can be heartbreaking to see a loved one shift in ways that a family can not control, but learning more about what is actually going on can reduce frustration, bringing greater sympathy to daily care.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is a condition which develops due to decreased or blocked supply of blood to some part of the brain, typically following a stroke or multiple minor strokes that people fail to notice. 

The absence of oxygen hurts brain cells, causing severe complications with thinking, memory, and mobility.

Unlike Alzheimer's, the symptoms of vascular dementia tend to come in/show up suddenly, stabilise at some interval, and then decline. The common symptoms are slowed thinking, impaired concentration, mood disturbance and difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

Factors that increase risk are heart disease and diabetes, and high BP, but anything that can harm blood vessels can increase the risk as well. To prevent further damage, it is critical to reduce these health issues.

Vascular dementia may be particularly frustrating as the shifts may seem unpredictable. There are days that do not seem so confusing and others that do. Structures and patience, including simplicity of routine, and kind reminders, may help one feel stabilised.

It may also be helpful to be in a support group and exchange experiences or ideas, or even strategies that might be of use during a similar process.

Lewy Body Dementia 

Lewy body dementia is not a simple condition. They have symptoms that are identical to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Lewy body dementia is a result of the deposition of abnormal proteins (called Lewy bodies) that form within the brain cells and interfere with the functioning of the brain.

Visual hallucinations, which are very clear and elaborate, are one of its main indications. Individuals can perceive animals, individuals or patterns that do not exist. They may also get rigidity, shaking and slowness of movement, similar to those associated with Parkinson's.

The other major sign is the varying attention level. A person may be very disoriented on one day and appear normal on the other. This can be confusing to the families, and it is difficult to predict how the day is going to be.

Disruption in sleep is also very common, particularly acting out dreams or talking in dreams. This may impact the individual as well as the partner or the carer.

It has no cure, but personalised medication and painless daily exercises may assist with symptoms. Knowing about this kind of dementia is what makes one respond in a kind and caring way.

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) damages the front and sides of the brain. These parts are concerned with the person's personality, language and behaviour. In most cases, it is likely to occur earlier than other forms of dementia, and mostly occurs between the ages of 45 and 65.

The memory can remain unaffected during the initial phases when compared to Alzheimer's. Rather, they may be sudden personality changes, impulsive action or inability to articulate oneself. Others might develop into socially-inappropriate individuals or tend to become emotionally detached without them knowing.

FTD exists in various forms, such as behavioural variant FTD and primary progressive aphasia, which affects speech. In later stages of the disease, individuals can also cease to talk or comprehend language.

Looking after a person with FTD may be particularly difficult due to the fact that changes in behaviour occur prior to a diagnosis. If you become worried, contact your GP.

Support Network may be able to match you with care providers who are aware of the specific needs of younger people with dementia, so that there is continued quality of life at home and in the community

What is the Cause of Dementia?

As brain cells are destroyed, dementia happens because the different parts of the brain are not connected as before. The source of this damage may be different based on the type of dementia: protein accumulation in Alzheimer's, a stroke in vascular dementia or a nerve decline in frontotemporal dementia.

The question is then, why does the damage occur?

The largest risk factor is age (but not only). Genetics or head injury, or a medical condition like high blood pressure or diabetes may increase the risk. Lifestyle (smoking, lack of sport, bad food) can be a factor as well.

Although we may not be able to avoid dementia, there are things we can do to promote the health of the brain. Exercise, good nutrition, good social support, active thinking, and continued mental activity may assist.

Whenever you or someone you care about is at risk, or is already diagnosed, the Support Network team will assist you in finding those adapted services which will be the most appropriate in your particular situation. 

This could be either home care services or some dementia programmes offered in your area, so as to ensure you are not alone, and you can be safe.

Early Warning Signs of Dementia

Dementia usually starts very discreetly and so small that it might just be ignored. But by knowing about them early, it will assist so much in seeking help and planning for the future.

Some of the early symptoms include memory failures that disorganise daily practice, like forgetting where to keep keys and how to retrieve them. 

Repetitions, word-searching, and confusion in familiar settings can be experienced by individuals. Alteration of moods is possible, such as elevated irritability, apathy, or anxiety.

Such symptoms do not necessarily indicate the occurrence of dementia. The same can be induced by stress, grief or certain medications. In cases when the changes get worse or the status is the same, one should visit a doctor.

Early diagnosis also comes in handy by helping families to prepare without emotion, and practically. It gives access to support services, medication and tools that can help to delay the progression and advance well-being.

In case you don't know where to turn, Support Network provides materials to aid you with making contact with health professionals, assistance with in-home care, and direction so you do not need to do it on your own.

Diagnosis of Dementia

The diagnosis of dementia might not be easy. However, it is the beginning of clarity and comfort. Diagnosis may commence with a GP visit, during which issues of memory, behaviour or thinking may be voiced. The physician can perform a simple memory test and take the patient’s medical history.

In case of necessity, the GP can send your loved one to a neurologist, geriatrician, or memory clinic, where additional tests can be made. Such experts may perform brain scans (such as MRI or CT), blood tests to eliminate any other causes, and advanced cognitive evaluation.

Dementia isn't a single test. Its diagnosis depends on various test findings, signs and symptoms. It may be time-consuming, yet one should not be in a hurry. There are more details coming to build a better picture.

With early diagnosis, there is easier planning, access to treatment, and emotional support to both the family and the person affected. It also guarantees that you are able to begin contacting support services early on, as opposed to reaching a crisis point.

Talking With a Loved One Who Has Dementia

When dementia is in full swing, communication is problematic but not impossible. It has to be as clear as possible; however, there has to be a touch and a feeling of confidence and assurance.

• Speak saliently, calmly and uncomplexly. Keep eye contact and smile.
• Never correct or argue; it will be frustrating. Rather, redirect or allow them to express their feelings without being harsh on them.
• Communicate tactfully by use of signs and touch: sometimes a picture or the warmth of a hand on a shoulder can best say it all.
• Do not chat over television noise or in a noisy place; this will distract you, and thus, you will not be able to communicate effectively.

This is the reason why your loved one is unlikely to remember what you have said, but he/she is likely to remember the feeling you have given him/her. You can experience some confusion with love, humour and connection.

Communication evolves, but it does not disappear. You will be able to spend a good time with your loved one with the help of your presence and warmth.

Making The Home Safer and More Supportive 

A common home environment can be relaxing; however, due to the progressive aspects of dementia, you need to make some modifications to make it safe and comfortable.

Begin with lighting. There should be as much natural light as possible so that there will be no confusion, especially in the corridors or in the bathrooms. Remove obstacles that cause one to trip, like hanging cords and rugs. Also, put in grab rails in areas like the showers or stairs.

Label cupboard doors or use pictures to facilitate navigation. Having a large clock with a day and date to use as an aid to orientation is great. Appliances that have a built-in auto shut-off, motion-sensor lights, and pill organisers can also aid in risk and tension reduction.

Attempt to maintain routines: keep things used daily in the same place, and do not change the positions of furniture. Have a clutter on the side, but something that is soothing and relaxing and with things such as family photos or favourite cushions.

A clinical environment is not necessarily safe. Your place will remain a familiar, warm, safe place, and with judicious changes, allow independence and, simultaneously, reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Caring For A Parent/Loved One With Dementia

The process of taking care of a dementia patient is quite similar to learning a new language. It is not the language of words and phrases, but the language of being patient, attentive, and emotionally adaptable.

In the case of a parent, the change of roles may be exquisitely emotional. You might even be in a situation where you are making decisions on behalf of the person who used to make decisions for you.

Learn to listen when words are difficult. Attempt to go into their world, rather than drag them into your world. Support is sometimes not necessarily demonstrating how to do things, sometimes it is just being there, sitting and listening to a story or just helping with the normal chores.

In the areas where you can, respect their independence and make them participate in decisions, both big and small. It portrays respect and confidence.

And remember to care for yourself too. Accept assistance from friends, siblings, neighbours, or even professional services.

When words fade, your care still speaks in volumes. In small gestures and shared moments, you're building a bridge back to connection.

Care Options and Services Available in the Community

You do not need to walk this path alone. There are diverse care provisions available to dementia patients and their carers.

Home care is the most popular and could involve trained carers who could facilitate bathing, cooking, medication, or just accompany your loved one to enable them to remain within their comfort zone. Day centres provide a controlled programme and interaction, allowing carers a break.

Respite care involves a few hours to some days of temporary relief and may be planned or organised on short notice where necessary. In more severe cases, there are residential care homes that provide round-the-clock surveillance and specialised health care provisions.

Support Network can help you find local care providers who know about dementia and who will provide you with personal and caring support. The appropriate care arrangement makes all the difference, not only with regard to safety, but to peace of mind too.

No family is like another, and it is up to you to take your time and choose what feels good to you and your relatives.

Planning Ahead: Legals, Financial and Medical choices

One of the most effective things you can do upon diagnosis is plan ahead. Although you might feel awkward during these conversations, they are informative and restful; your loved one will have his or her wishes fulfilled.

First, organise an Enduring Power of Attorney that provides a nominated person with the legal right to act in financial or health decisions in the event your loved one becomes incapable of doing so. It is also possible to adopt an Advance Care Directive, which includes all preferences regarding medical care and treatment in the future.

Access bank accounts, insurances and superannuation policies. Be as simple as you can, and ensure that important documents are available to the right individual or individuals.

One can also consider government support, i.e. the Carer Allowance, the My Aged Care services, or the NDIS. 

By having these plans in place, you are not only protecting the loved one but also mitigating the stress that the whole family will go through when hard moments arise.

Conclusion

Dementia alters a lot of things, but not everything. It matters that there are simple joys, the presence of love and loved ones. Provided with proper support, people with dementia can stay comfortable, experience connectedness, and even laugh.

It is not just knowledge that is required in this journey. Gentleness, adaptability and tolerance are key components. However, remember that in dealing with dementia, you are not the only one. Help exists, both to the person you love and to you.

Continue to make the appearances. Continue seeking assistance. Continue to see the light in the silence. Every act of care adds up to the fabric of dignity. And when memories fade, there is usually a feeling of being loved and cherished.

You are doing more than you realise. And it matters a lot.