According to the World Health Organization, dementia affects more than 50 million people globally. In addition, each year, at least 10 million new cases are reported. Unfortunately, these data indicate that almost everyone knows someone who has or is now living with dementia.
Not only will having accurate information assist you in advocating for your loved one and making future plans, but it will also provide you the peace of mind of knowing what to expect from the illness. There are, however, many popular myths concerning dementia.
Here are a few of them so you can learn the facts to assist you in learning more about the illness.
Memory problems are a common symptom of growing older
This is a widespread misunderstanding that frequently leads to misdiagnosis. People of all ages are prone to forgetting things from time to time. After all, haven’t you gone into a place and wondered why or struggled to find the proper word to describe a story? These are common occurrences that do not imply dementia.
It is not natural when memory loss begins to disrupt daily living. Confusion, getting lost and making poor decisions are all early warning signs of dementia that should be investigated by a specialist.
Anyone who has dementia should be placed in a nursing home
Dementia patients have a number of choices for keeping their living spaces secure. With the correct support in place, most people can comfortably live at home alone or with a partner throughout the condition’s early stages. Dementia is always progressive, meaning it gets more complicated over time.
People with dementia have the ability to stay in their homes with an in-home caretaker. This option can be costly in the long run, but it is an excellent way to ensure safety when looking for a long term dementia care community.
Finally, for persons living with dementia, long term care communities are an excellent and safe option. While some assisted living and skilled nursing institutions can accept seniors with cognitive impairment, a secure facility specializing in memory care is the best and safest alternative to home . Staff trained in dementia-specific interventions and an environment and routine tailored for comfort, socializing and wellness are available in these communities.
Dementia is the same as Alzheimer’s
Dementia is a broad word that encompasses a wide range of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Though Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent kind of dementia, other types have distinct characteristics.
Be sure that you and/or your loved one knows exactly what form of dementia they have. This will enable you to better understand the difficulties and unique characteristics of their specific varieties of dementia.
You don’t have dementia if you don’t get lost
While becoming lost in a familiar neighborhood can be a sign of dementia, it is far from the only one to watch for. Symptoms of dementia in its early stages include:
- Lacking the ability to plan and cook meals regularly.
- Lacking the ability to keep track of medications safely.
- Lacking the ability to control domestic activities or balance a checkbook.
- Lacking the ability to stick to a calendar or day planner regularly.
Most persons in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease are aware they have memory problems, which makes them feel terrified, overwhelmed and humiliated. They will put much effort into maintaining their everyday lives while concealing their memory loss from family and friends. This is referred to as “masking,” and it can be very distressing.
In many cases, early identification and diagnosis of dementia can provide solace to both the individual with dementia and their loved ones. When a person’s diagnosis is confirmed, their family may rally behind them and provide the assistance they need to keep well and safe.
