In a 2022 American Psychological Association survey, more than three-quarters of American citizens reported feeling stress-related symptoms, including headaches and fatigue. Economic uncertainty, work, and school are common stressors.
But what about dementia? Dementia-related stress can be seen as a combination of the various feelings that come with the syndrome.
Fear, denial, frustration, anger, and loss can culminate into a mixture of stress for those with dementia and their caretakers. Fortunately, there are stress management strategies to help families cope.
Read on to learn about managing caregiver stress and increasing the quality of life for those with this cognitive syndrome.
Why Does Dementia Cause Stress?
Internal and external factors cause dementia-related stress. Undoubtedly, many readers with dementia diagnoses reading this have experienced fear and uncertainty.
There’s a constant question about what life will be like with this illness — people don’t know how it will affect their relationships and futures. The confusion and disorientation that comes with dementia may cause anxiety.
Those with the syndrome are often nervous because they know something is wrong and are having issues processing what it is. Seniors with dementia may stress over undergoing treatment, which negatively impacts coping.
Caretakers and the diagnosed should also consider neurological changes. Dementia damages the brain, thought processes, and memory; people may not react appropriately to situations.
Stress can cause changes in the brain. It can disrupt the circuits responsible for mitigating stress responses. There may be an increase in unusual emotional responses and aggressive behavior.
Dementia Stress Relief Tips for Seniors and Caregivers
Those with dementia must develop good stress management strategies. Staying physically healthy is important as exercise has been shown to increase thinking and memory.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity are linked to worse cognitive health. People with dementia should exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep.
Older adults with dementia should take their medications as scheduled and go to all their doctor’s appointments.
The better a person’s physical health, the better their dementia prognosis. If seniors manage their condition, they may feel less trapped and stressed. Health advice for dementia caregivers is much the same:
- Stay active
- Eat well
- Sleep well
Always remember that there’s dementia caregiver support and aid for those with the syndrome. There are support groups for early-stage dementia and caregivers where they can discuss and unload their feelings.
These environments are judgment-free and can offer helpful advice for dealing with dementia-related stress. Caregivers should speak with health professionals about other resources.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
Alcohol is a common way to relieve stress because it’s a depressant. It disrupts neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for inhibition control. Drinking makes people feel less stressed, confident, and relaxed.
The sensation doesn’t last, though, and the chemical changes can lead to more negative feelings like depression and anxiety. Alcohol also negatively impacts information processing.
Drinkers experience reduced cognitive function due to alcohol intake and it may interfere with medications. Drinking will not help with managing caregiver stress either.
No one is immune to the negative effects of alcohol, people without cognitive conditions still suffer impaired judgment from drinking.
Caregivers must stay clear-minded because they’re helping make decisions on behalf of someone else. Drinking also does nothing to address feelings about the diagnosis long-term.
Practice Open and Honest Communication
The impact of dementia on families cannot be overstated. It’s hard to cope with something that causes such a fundamental change in people and their lives. Seniors with dementia may want to keep journals.
Expressing their feelings, even on paper, can help them address and work through them. Journal keeping may aid with communication between dementia sufferers and caregivers.
Loved ones can better express their feelings and needs to their families. Caregivers should be reassuring and patient. Arguing can often make situations worse as dementia affects reasoning.
A caregiver should speak calmly and sympathetically if the person is angry or upset. Caretakers should never make unilateral decisions on behalf of someone with dementia.
The only exception is if they’ve been given the legal authority to do so. Talk the person through their choices before deciding anything.
Organize and Safety Proof Your Home
Cleaning and organizing keep items and rooms throughout the home accessible. A great rule of thumb is to keep favored items in easy-to-reach places. Labeling drawers and doors will help keep track of things.
Dementia can affect mobility, especially in later stages. It’s not uncommon for seniors to have:
- Trouble walking
- Trouble getting up from chairs and beds
- Greater chances of falling
- Muscle weakness
- Balance problems
It’ll be beneficial to keep pathways to decrease the chances of accidents. Installing non-skid mats, raised toilet seats, and grab bars will reduce potential injuries. Admittedly, these steps are more future-proofing.
Mobility issues aren’t shared among all early-stage dementia diagnoses. Families should discuss safety measures before implementation as they may lead to negative feelings.
Caregivers and their seniors may have to compromise. It may help to remember that prevention is better than fixing the problem.
Plan for the Future
Dementia is progressive. People should plan for when it advances to when they cannot care for themselves or caregivers can no longer assist. Seniors should state their medical preferences.
For example, whether they want life-prolonging procedures like CPR or feeding tubes. Family and primary caregivers should know these things well in advance.
Families and their seniors should discuss legal and financial matters. Don’t wait to decide who’ll handle money and affairs.
Don’t shy away from discussing future housing and caregiving. Research assisted living and memory care communities to plan where loved ones want to live before alternative housing becomes necessary.
Learning How to Manage Dementia-Related Stress
The impact of dementia on families is huge and long-term. Dementia-related stress may not be avoidable, but it can be mitigated. Stay healthy and communicate honestly.
Keep things organized and plan for the future. Choosing care options for seniors can be hard, but Rittenhouse at Michigan City can help families and their loved ones.
Our community is nationally recognized for its approach to memory care thanks to the SHINE® program. The team uses interaction and engagement to help with memory loss while celebrating every win.
Rittenhouse at Michigan City strives to be a safe and supportive community. Contact us to schedule a tour.
