What Is Dementia?
If your loved one suffers from dementia-related problems, you may feel discouraged about their health. Dementia is a number of symptoms that affect how someone thinks and behaves. People with dementia cannot help the things they say or do. This can be frustrating for you and your loved one.
Symptoms of Dementia
The symptoms of dementia include the inability to:
- Perform normal activities such as eat, bathe or get dressed.
- Recall past and present memories. The most common and prevalent symptom is memory loss.
- Control emotional outbursts or refrain from agitated behavior.
- Relate to others.
- Solve simple problems or follow instructions correctly.
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Many things cause dementia symptoms, including Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common diseases of dementia in people over age 60. This disease progresses slowly until it permanently impairs a person's ability to think, remember and speak. Some patients may forget to eat, drink or use the bathroom. Specialized nursing care is often the only way to help individuals with this type of dementia. They receive 24-hour care in nursing homes or memory care units to improve daily living.
Sleep Behavior
Dementia may prevent people from sleeping at night. The term "sundowning" refers to anyone who changes behaviors during the evening and night. People with dementia often:
- Pace or walk at night without stopping.
- Go into another person's rooms, thinking it belongs to him or her.
- Confuse situations or people.
- Become highly agitated when redirected.
- Refuse to sleep or stay in bed to sleep
Doctors do not have a cure for dementia-related conditions. Medication and therapeutic methods help improve the symptoms.