Dementia generally affects aged individuals but it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia is caused by various brain illnesses that can implicate memory, behavior, thinking, and the ability to handle day-to-day tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia and it accounts for up to 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. New research suggests that people are often correct when they notice that their memory has started to decline. Individuals who are able to determine subtle signs of their memory loss can refer to a therapist for dementia to have their symptoms further evaluated.
Consulting a Therapist for Dementia
Therapists work to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and care for individuals living with dementia. They also work towards lightening the burden on the families who are the main caregiver. Therapists have been able to develop various methods that can measure memory capabilities to assess what are the different signs that are normal aging symptoms and what are the signs that may point towards dementia. Therapists are also able to sort out when memory loss becomes associated with symptoms that can be treated such as insomnia and depression.
Therapists can minimize the changes in behavior and mood that are associated with dementia. They will help the family to create a more conducive living environment and also provide essential tools and processes that enable a person with dementia to function better. Therapists also help maintain superior communication between the patient and their families. Together, they can help to identify the personal preferences of the patients so they can be given access to support activities, specialized care, and others.
Developing a Treatment Plan
Therapists work with individuals suffering from dementia along with their family members either on their own independently or as part of a team effort. Therapists will come up with strategies that can help improve the quality of life of the patient so they can better manage their emotions and behavior.
Those with dementia along with their caregivers can discuss the suitable procedures that can help the patient improve their behaviors. The patient may be given various tools that can help them practice their memory. Memory tools are effective in helping patients manage their memory loss symptoms while also staying more focused and organized in their daily lives. The tools can include the following:
- Setting an alarm to remind of medication schedules
- Using a calendar as an alternative to a to-do list
- Establish the different routines that are needed to plan and carry out daily activities that are suitable for the patient
Caregiver Stress
Caring for someone with dementia is a challenging task. Almost 60% of dementia and Alzheimer’s caregivers rate their level of emotional stress to be high or extremely high with at least one-third of caregivers report as having symptoms of depression. The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming and it is important to consult a therapist to ensure that you are indeed able to fulfill the caregiving duties without implicating your own health and well-being.
