{"id":360,"date":"2024-01-25T14:08:48","date_gmt":"2024-01-25T14:08:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/startersites.io\/blocksy\/consultant\/?p=360"},"modified":"2026-03-09T13:40:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T13:40:04","slug":"adipiscing-bibendum-estultricies-integer-quis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/janemaycare.com\/?p=360","title":{"rendered":"INFORMATION BOOKLET FOR CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dementia is a debilitating illness that is treatable but NOT curable. It occurs usually in people 65 years and older, but it could start earlier and it has been reported in people as young as 35 years of age. There are four major types of dementia. 1. Alzheimer\u2019s disease 2. Vascular Dementia 3. Lewy Body disease and 4. Fronto-temporal dementia. Alzheimer\u2019s disease is the most common. In all of them, there is a gradual decline in memory and functioning from the time of diagnosis over a period of 7-9 years when in most people with dementia death sets in. That is why dementia is likened to cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decline in memory starts first but later the person loses some previously acquired skills in what is referred to as Activities of Daily Life (ADL). The first set of ADL affected is what is called Instrumental Activities of Daily Life (IADL). Here the individual loses ability to drive, undertake financial negotiations like writing cheques, collecting appropriate change after buying things from a store and using a phone to call family members who could assist him\/her. Much later in the illness, memory problem worsens and the second type of ADL loss sets in. These have to do with personal care; that relates to ability to feed, dress and groom without assistance. All these do not need to happen at the same time and for most people, they happen gradually. Persons with dementia might even lose ability to control urine and faeces. It should be noted that not all persons with dementia will have all these symptoms. However, most have enough symptoms to produce severe distress in caregivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important for the caregiver to understand this process of decline that will take place in their wards and be prepared for it. Caring for the person living with dementia is not a duty for a single person; the whole family should contribute as much as possible. What we usually observe is that one of the children or the spouse is left to bear the burden of caregiving. It is difficult to give a general instruction about caring since the situation in onefamily differs from the next. However, it is advisable that as many members as possible should contribute to caregiving. Where possible, it could be arranged that the person with dementia is cared for by two or more children in rotation. That is the sick person goes to live withhis\/her children in turns. In cases where the family can afford it, helpers could be employed to assist with caring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most important reasons why people with dementia are brought to hospitals in Nigeria is because of the manifestation of behavioural symptoms. That is probably true for most countries in Africa. Over 80% of people with dementia will develop at least one behavioural symptom in the course of their illness. Here are some of the common symptoms: anxiety, depression, apathy, elation, agitation and aggression. Others are hallucinations, delusions, appetite change and night time disturbances of various types. These symptoms often lead to nursing home placement in the technologically developed countries and they are very stressful to the caregivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you begin to care for your relative with dementia, a golden rule is to remember that your own health is equally important. Do not neglect your health and seek assistance when necessary. This booklet will give you details of how to handle most of the difficult situations, but you still need to see the professional as often as necessary; professionals here are doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, working in the field of dementia care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dementia is an illness of the brain. It affects a person\u2019s ability to remember things and think clearly which may be severe enough to cause difficulty in carrying out activities of daily living, like handling money, using telephone, bathing and eating without support. Eighty to Ninety percent of people who present in the hospital come because of the behavioural problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with dementia become forgetful and easily confused. They may find it difficult concentrating and behave in odd ways. These problems progress as the illness gets worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caring for a person with dementia can be stressful physically, emotionally, and financially. Becoming well-informed about the disease is one important long-term strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challenges that you may face as you care for someone with dementia include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n