Misconceptions Surrounding Dementia for Senior Caregivers
If you've seen one person with dementia, you've seen one person with dementia. While that sounds like common sense, the reason for the saying is that each person experiencing dementia has different symptoms and a unique set of circumstances, triggers, and stressors based on their life experience. And because we each have a different life experience, no two people experience the emotional side of dementia the same.
Of course, unless you're an identical twin, no two people with dementia will have the same physical manifestations of the disease. However, there are some beliefs surrounding dementia that are not true - no matter what your emotional or physical status. Here are some of the most common misconceptions caregivers may have about dementia.
Memory loss is the only symptom: Many caregivers believe that dementia only affects memory, but it can also impact thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Seniors with dementia can even have their entire personality change. I can't tell you the number of times I've heard "They've never said, done, or thought that way before" from adult children.
All forms of dementia are a type of Alzheimer's disease: While Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, with 75% of dementia patients being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, there are other types, such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. There are more than ten different types of dementia, and some seniors have more than one type of dementia.
Dementia is a normal part of aging: While being forgetful more often is a typical parent of aging, dementia is a disease and is not a normal part of aging. In fact, any disease is not a normal part of aging. Aging and disease are entirely different processes and causes, and that's a topic for another blog article!
You are helpless as a caregiver for a person with dementia: While dementia is not curable at this point, there are many ways you can support a senior with dementia simply by the way you care for them. Experts like Teepa Snow have incredible workshops and resources for caregivers that support dementia patients and caregivers alike! Having healthy lifestyle habits, early intervention, and regular exercise can significantly improve the quality of life of someone with dementia.
Bad behavior is a choice: When you have dementia, your brain is going through physical changes. Much like a person with PTSD, dementia actually changes the physiology of your brain, making the person suffering from dementia with brain signals that are very different from a non-dementia brain. This physical brain change results in different mannerisms and personality changes that can change over time. The person experiencing the stress and anxiety from dementia does not know what is happening to them, which makes them more anxious. These types of symptoms result from the disease's progression, not a choice of the individual.
There are medications to cure dementia: At this time, there is no cure for dementia, though some medications can help manage symptoms such as negative mannerisms, anxiety, and depression. However, like any medication that affects mood, they must be closely monitored. The medical professional prescribed the medication must dial in the dose to find the right level of medicine for each individual to reduce side effects as much as possible.
You can't enjoy life when you have dementia. With the right support and activities, individuals with dementia can lead fulfilling lives. Are they living the same type of life as they did before? No, however, a person with dementia can still participate in many activities with support and assistance.
I won't get dementia if no one in my family has dementia: While genetics can play a role in this disease, you can have dementia without a family history. Experts are now calling dementia "Type 3 Diabetes" because of mounting evidence showing that excess sugar consumption plays a role in having dementia. If you lead a healthy lifestyle, you'll decrease your chances of having dementia later in life.
Understanding these misconceptions and how to redirect or diffuse triggers and other environmental factors for those with dementia can help caregivers provide more effective and compassionate care. Being dementia-friendly does require a bit more planning; however, finding engaging material and activities to do when you're caring for a person with dementia can reduce stress and give you more peace of mind in the long run.
The material provided in the Pacific Northwest Seniorcare website articles is for educational purposes only. This information does not substitute professional legal, financial, or medical advice. By using this website, you acknowledge and agree that Pacific Northwest Seniorcare is not responsible or liable for any decision made or action based on the information provided in the articles. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding these matters.
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