Dementia is a disease that affects the brain and causes memory loss, confusion, and impaired judgment. When it comes to adults, there are many symptoms of dementia that you might notice in your parent or loved one. However, some people don’t take these symptoms seriously, or ignore them because they think they’re too old to be affected by this condition. Ignoring this condition is risky for both you and your parents. You shouldn’t ignore these signs, as it’s important to know what’s going on with your parent or loved one, so you can provide proper care when needed.
Explore All Possible Treatment Options
If your loved one has dementia, exploring every possible treatment option is important. Don’t give up if a medication isn’t working. Talk to the doctor and explore the possibility of switching that medicine for something else. Be open and honest with the doctor about any side effects and how they affect the day-to-day life. If a prescribed medication isn’t helping, or has other side effects, don’t be afraid to ask for help or get another opinion from a different doctor. The important thing is you try everything within reason before giving up on finding a solution for your loved one’s dementia symptoms.
Understand the Risks
Dementia is a progressive disease that can lead to death. Understand the risks and ensure you’re doing everything possible to keep your parent safe, so you don’t live with regret. Dementia causes loss of cognitive function and memory, meaning your parent will experience difficulty performing tasks they once did easily. They need to remember things like where they put their keys, or why they walked into another room in the first place. They also need help understanding instructions, or answering questions appropriately. Depending on what type of dementia your parent has, there may be times when they appear completely fine, then suddenly becomes confused again later in the day.
Make Plans for the Future, In the Present
You can make plans for the future now, while your parent can still decide what they want. You can create a power of attorney for finances and health care. This allows you to make decisions on behalf of your loved one if they cannot do so. You can use this document as an alternative to putting them in a senior-friendly independent living community. If you’re the only family member able and willing to handle this responsibility, it’ll ensure that your parent’s wishes are honored.
Conclusion
The best way to deal with dementia is to be aware and be prepared for the future. When ready, you can do more than cope with symptoms. There are many ways technology and human understanding have come together in recent years to make life easier for those who suffer from this condition. The most important thing is to be patient and understanding, so they feel comfortable sharing their concerns with you. Also remember that many helpful resources are available, in case things get out of hand.
