Helping an Elderly Relative Through Dementia

The symptoms vary. But with some basic information, you may be able to help an elderly relative with dementia by spotting abuse, getting the proper treatment and heeding prevention advice. But it isn’t a consequence of ageing. Instead, it’s a symptom of damaged brain cells, which are harder for the brain to repair later in life. So discover helping an elderly relative through dementia in this guide and make a real difference…

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While younger people can be subject to these long-term degenerative brain problems, they are more common in the elderly. Yet, no matter your age, you can succumb to dementia-related illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s. 

Help Prevent Abuse

Unfortunately, because of the reduced faculties and vulnerability associated with dementia, elder abuse happens. Suppose you suspect an elderly relative is currently suffering mental or physical abuse by care home staff, friends or another relative. In that case, you should report your concerns to the police or consult a nursing home abuse lawyer. Anyone working with the elderly is mandated by law to report all abuse. Whether from a single person or an establishment, and whether isolated or systematic. 

Examples of abuse include:

• Poor care and neglect
• Money pressure
• Threats and harassment (psychological)
• Violence and injury (physical)
• Unwanted touching and privacy invasion (sexual)

If you are concerned about abuse from any source, report your suspicions to the relevant authorities, such as protective services. These organizations are experts at dealing with social crimes such as those against the vulnerable. In some cases, police involvement may also be necessary.

When to Consider Treatment

Diagnosis of dementia-related illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s specifically causes for the consideration of dementia care. However, you can look for other signs that an individual might require treatment. These include the following:

• Bruises from falling
• Getting lost or forgetting where home is
• Losing everyday items such as keys more than usual

If a relative consistently shows these signs, then it might be time to consider relocation to a specialist facility. Your relative may already reside in an assisted living facility. Still, a specialist unit with highly trained nurses may be an option. Nurses and doctors will care for dementia patients. There are also memory care units for severe cases and assisted living and memory care. However, memory care facilities will not house new patients until they reach a specific threshold, such as Alzheimer’s Stage 5. 

Research and Prevention

The effects of dementia-related illnesses are pretty severe. All over the world, there are 50 million people diagnosed with dementia-related diseases. Unfortunately, this is set to increase by 204% to 152 million over the next 30 years, potentially affecting those in their 40s and 50s since dementia is more common at the age of 65 and above. Yet symptoms can manifest at a younger age before the onset of severe issues and diagnosis. Some severe signs of dementia include shaking, stroke and impaired cognition.Research is ongoing, and breakthroughs are being made all the time. For example, Australian scientists claim to have found a potential cause of Alzheimer’s using mice. Toxic fat proteins cause capillary inflammation, which allows them to reach the brain. Yet, there is also a genetic component to dementia, as well as contributions by your health. It is recommended you encourage and engage in healthy eating habits and mental and physical exercises. These will help prevent the onset of dementia-related illnesses later in life and help with existing ones.