Dementia care cannot be approached with a cookie-cutter approach. Dementia affects each individual differently, so the care and assistance each person needs will vary. Yet there are certain broad strokes you should know about dementia, its stages, and the best way to handle someone who has it. From the root causes of dementia to the many methods you may help a loved one living with the disease, we will cover each below.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of symptoms related to brain aging, therefore its manifestations differ from person to person. This may indicate issues with recall, understanding, or focus. Dementia sufferers often experience a worsening of these symptoms over time, to the point where they impair the person’s capacity to care for themselves and direct their own lives.
Although the term “major neurocognitive disorder” is sometimes used, dementia is not a disease in and of itself. Instead, it’s a phrase for a cluster of signs and symptoms brought on by damage to several parts of the brain that are crucial for things like memory, language, decision-making, and more.
What Are the Stages of Dementia?
Dementia may be categorized into seven distinct phases that allow doctors to evaluate their patient’s cognitive deterioration over time. These stages may progress more quickly or be less severe depending on the underlying cause of dementia and the specific brain region that is affected. The seven phases of dementia are as follows:
Full Cognitive Ability: At this point, the patient may have complete decision-making, thinking, and memory abilities; nonetheless, medical testing may still indicate the cause for worry.
Slight Impairment: At this point, the patient may show some somewhat noticeable behavioral changes but will still be able to function on their own.
Mild Decline: Changes in cognitive abilities may be subtle at this stage, and the patient may find themselves repeating the same points of discussion repeatedly. They may also have difficulties with their short-term memory.
Moderate Decline: The patient’s ability to travel and manage finances will deteriorate moderately, and memory issues will persist.
Moderately Severe Decline: The patient has problems recalling everyday information such as the day of the week, phone number, and address. At this point, it’s common for patients to need help with even the most fundamental of everyday tasks like choosing an outfit or deciding what to eat.
Severe decline: By now, a patient will forget information like the name of their spouse and will require assistance doing basic things like using the shower or toilet. During this phase, a patient is likely to experience a change in their behavior or personality.
Extremely severe decline: At this stage of the progression, dementia patients will be unable to articulate themselves, and will likely spend most of their time in bed as walking is too great a challenge.
What Causes Dementia?
Dementia or general neurological decline can be caused by a variety of factors—some of them physical and others disease or substance-induced. Diseases that may cause dementia include:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Certain kinds of Multiple Sclerosis
- Huntington’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
A patient’s condition deteriorates over time with any of the above disorders. However, there are potentially reversible causes of dementia. Among these are:
- Tumors, especially brain tumors
- Blood clots in the brain
- Increased pressure due to a build-up of fluid inside the brain
- Abuse of alcohol or other drugs
- Metabolic problems like a deficiency in vitamins like B12
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Or HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND)
There are other, permanent causes of dementia, and most of these are related to the brain’s blood circulation. Hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain), central nervous system infections like HIV or meningitis, and traumatic brain injuries can all cause permanent damage to the brain.
Holistic Dementia Care In Sacramento, CA- What is It?
Around 20% of dementia cases can be reversed, however, that doesn’t mean people with dementia shouldn’t seek out compassionate, attentive care so they don’t put themselves in danger or deteriorate any quicker than they need to.
Medication for the underlying cause of dementia is essential, but it is just as important that those with dementia live in a warm, caring dementia care community in Sacremento like the one provided by Jazba Care. Dementia patients can make the most of their remaining time and retain important information, such as loved ones’ names, by taking prescribed medications, staying active, socializing as much as possible with peers or people who may be experiencing a similar diagnosis, and even working at puzzles and memory exercises.
Jazba Care – Best Dementia Care Facility in Sacramento, CA
Our goal at Jazba Care is to provide our residents with a high quality of life by providing them with stimulating social and intellectual activities. Your loved one will get individualized attention and a personalized care plan at Jazba Care. In our view, total wellness involves all aspects of one’s being. Our philosophy is to take a planned, all-encompassing approach to patient care.
Our staff has received extensive training in the latest scientific discoveries on the importance of mental health, memory-enhancing activities, and creative approaches to ensure the residents’ security without compromising their respect. Because we know that no two families are the same, we tailor our services to the unique needs of your loved one, taking into account their culture, history, and current state of health.
Having your loved one in good hands, where they may thrive at home and enjoy life to the fullest is our top priority. Jazba Care empowers our residents to enjoy life with purpose by providing diverse, holistic, and personalized programs in a warm, inviting, and comfortable home located in Sacramento, CA. Call today to schedule a tour and see the difference we make.
