Understanding dementia: What your loved ones are going through

Dementia is a common condition to live with as our loved ones get older and it can be an incredibly confusing and challenging time for them.

It’s a degenerative disease that gets worse as we age, and can throw up feelings of anxiety, depression, fear and more. So understanding what our loved ones are going through can be instrumental in helping them.

While it’s important to get loved ones the specialised dementia care they need, getting to grips with the condition yourself can also be vital in making their life as comfortable as possible.

It affects almost one million people in the UK, and that figure is only getting larger, while that figure worldwide is more than 55 million.

So, to understanding what they are going through. Of course, it’s impossible to sum up in a short article, so further reading is undoubtedly required. However, here are just a few things you need to consider…

Memory loss and confusion

Something you’re probably already aware of, memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of dementia and it can range from mild forgetfulness to severe memory impairment.

This can also get worse as time goes on, with people struggling to remember recent events, names and faces.

This can be particularly heartbreaking for family members and friends, but it is a part of the condition, alongside things like regularly becoming disoriented and confused, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

It’s important to show patience and calmness in such situations.

Changes in behaviour and personality

One of the notable symptoms and often a way in which dementia is spotted in our loved ones is the fact that it can change a person’s behaviour and personality.

The condition makes it difficult to regulate impulses and emotions, so a person can become more anxious, irritable, agitated and exhibit more unusual behaviours and traits that you wouldn’t normally associate with them.

Loss of independence and confidence

One of the most frustrating aspects of dementia for those living with it is the loss of independence. It can be difficult to perform everyday tasks and that can have a real knock-on effect in confidence.

It can cause frustration, lower self-esteem and lead to the likes of depression, when unable to complete activities such as cooking, dressing or managing day-to-day admin.

As a loved one, it is important to help, but also be respectful and respecting the dignity and autonomy of them to ensure it doesn’t have too much of a hit on their mental health.

Difficulty with communication

People can also start to struggle communicating as effectively, finding it difficult to find the right words, keep up with conversations and understand what is being said to them.

Again, this is part of the condition and should be dealt with patiently, using clear and simple language as well as non-verbal cues to convey your message.

Emotional impact on family and carers

Finally, you do also need to think about yourself. Caring for a loved one with dementia can have a big impact on both you and other family members.

It takes a lot of work, there’s round the clock care and certain situations that can be really challenging.

Prioritise self-care and get the help you need, whether that be from friends, family or professionals to ensure your own mental health stays in good shape and you can provide the care you need to both yourself and your loved one living with dementia.