由 home-healthhaven 
Dementia manifests in different forms, but it always brings significant distress to both the sufferer and their family members. Often, the personality of the person affected can change drastically, but this happens after a prolonged period of decline, filled with fear and confusion. For those caring for someone with dementia, it’s comforting to know that many others are facing similar challenges. The best way to manage this difficult journey is to seek advice from people who have firsthand experience with dementia.
### The Effects of Dementia
Various types of dementia come with slightly different symptoms, but the most common ones include anxiety, confusion, and frustration. According to the NHS (National Health Service), these symptoms often show up through constant pacing, repeatedly asking the same questions, paranoia, and sudden mood swings.
In certain situations, individuals with dementia can become angry and may suddenly lash out, soon followed by sincere regret. In advanced stages, they may lose complete awareness of their surroundings and fail to recognize close family members. It’s also typical for them to confuse relatives and revert to a previous period in their life.
Dementia typically progresses slowly over time, and the type of care needed evolves with it. When mood swings, outbursts, or anxiety attacks occur, these are usually due to confusion and fear; they should never be taken personally. Staying calm during such episodes can help soothe the sufferer, and understanding the cause of their behavior can help address specific issues.
People respond to dementia in different ways, and recognizing early signs of mood swings or outbursts can help caregivers manage situations better. For instance, a sufferer might feel anxious in crowded spaces, making a morning trip to the shopping mall before it gets busy a more pleasant experience.
Regular outings, like walks, gardening, or trips to the local high street, can help prevent serious mood swings for those who feel cooped up indoors.
### Managing the Environment
A key strategy in caring for someone with dementia is closely managing their environment. For example, planning a trip to local stores might involve notifying the staff about the person’s condition in advance. Many people don’t understand dementia and might mistake symptoms for rudeness or aggression, making it important to develop relationships with local shopkeepers and community members. This can also provide additional support if the person ever gets lost.
One critical piece of advice for caregivers is not to take the sufferer’s words or actions personally. Dementia can cause people to say hurtful or seemingly mean things, but they don’t mean them. These outbursts are symptoms of the disease, and often the sufferer will forget the incident quickly. Staying calm and talking through the situation can defuse most episodes. After the outburst, acting as if nothing happened is generally the best approach. If the aggression turns violent, it’s usually best to leave the room rather than confront the individual.
### A Case Study
Take the example of an 86-year-old man who was recently admitted to a private care facility at Aranlaw House in Bournemouth. After experiencing a severe fall at another facility during his nightly walks in search of his wife, the obvious solution seemed to be increasing his sedation at bedtime. However, this only heightened his disorientation. The staff at Aranlaw House discovered that his confusion revolved primarily around his wife and his work.
By reviewing his case notes, the staff decided to engage him in conversations about his work, even asking for his financial advice, which was his specialty. Importantly, when he made mistakes, they did not correct him but instead went along with his version of reality. This approach significantly reduced his anxiety and anger, improved his sleep, and enhanced his relationships. It highlights that questioning a dementia sufferer’s reality can increase their fear and confusion, so it’s best to avoid doing so.
Watching a loved one become progressively more confused, scared, and disoriented can be very painful. However, by remaining calm and understanding the effects of dementia, caregivers and family members can help ensure that the person does not endure unnecessary distress.