A Ripple Winter 2022 article
For many, dementia has become buzz word which fills them with fear and uncertainty. We are told that the number of people living with dementia is increasing significantly and it is sadly so with the World Health Organization reporting in September 2021:
“Worldwide, around 55 million people have dementia, with over 60% living in low- and middle-income countries. As the proportion of older people in the population is increasing in nearly every country, this number is expected to rise to 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.”
We are often asked by people over the age of 65 if they are suffering with dementia because they tend to forget things more frequently or is struggling to retain new information. To answer this, one must have a better understanding of what dementia is.
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term which refers to a set of symptoms caused by physical disorders affecting the brain. Even though Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of these diseases, it is not the only disease which leads to such changes in the brain. Other such diseases are:
- Vascular dementia which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain
- Mixed dementia, a condition in which a person has more than one type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia is the most common type.
- Lewy Body dementia (LBD), a disease associated with abnormal deposits of protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain.
- Frontal Lobe dementia which symptoms are often loss of inhibition, apathy, and empathy.
- Parkinson’s dementia is a decline in thinking and reasoning skills that develops in some people living with Parkinson’s.
Age related forgetfulness and dementia are very different conditions, but they can share some overlapping symptoms. As we grow older, changes occur in parts of the body, including the brain. As a result, it might take longer to learn something new, you might not remember as well, and your glasses may play hide and seek with you more frequently.
Early symptoms that might be an indicator of an early onset Dementia are:
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Difficulty with language
- Not orientated to time or place
- Poor or compromised judgement
- Recent memory loss
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Misplacing items frequently
- Changes in mood and behaviour
- Changes in personality
- Loss of initiative
It is important to also take note that the depression might often presents with the same symptoms as with dementia. This includes being withdrawn, having problems with reasoning and with memory and concentration. Very often people suffering with depression will say that they can’t remember. However, if they are prompted, the memory in indeed retrieved. This is one of the significant differences between depression and dementia. It is therefore vital that you seek medical assistance if you are suffering with depression as it should not be left untreated over the long term.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one might be showing signs of dementia, we recommend the follow:
- Speak to a healthcare professional such as your GP and obtain a referral to a Geriatric Specialist, Physiatrist or Neurologist. As dementia is the term used for the loss of memory and other thinking abilities, it is important to get an actual diagnosis. The treatment intervention for some of the conditions that causes dementia differ and requires a specialised approach.
- Equip yourself with knowledge. There is a lot of good information available. Read up about the condition and speak to people who are knowledgeable and can guide you accordingly. The more you know about the condition, the better you can equip yourself to support your loved one. It will also assist you to expect the unexpected.
- Join a support group. When your loved one is living with dementia, it can be very traumatic and life altering. It is very important that you have a support system in place with people who fully understand what you are going through and with who you open your heart to.
- Look after your mental and physical health as much as possible. You cannot pour from an empty cup!
Where to go if dementia is diagnosed?
“Oasis Care Centre in Century City offers specialised memory care for people living with dementia in our dedicated Alzheimer’s/Dementia Unit,” says Lizzie Brynard-Brill, Care Centre Manager at Oasis Care Centre. “Our staff are specially trained in understanding the person behind the disease, as well as in handling the behaviors and moods they might display. This may include restlessness, wandering, crying, etc. Our staff learn about each person’s “triggers” and use specific techniques to validate their feelings, calm and redirect them.” “We provide a comprehensive programme for daily activities, run by the Occupational Therapy team, that aims to engage and stimulate our residents. The programme involves different activities to stimulate the senses and keep our residents as active as possible. Some examples are exercise class, music therapy and sing-a-longs, scenic drives, garden walks, baking, doing puzzles and basic word games. We understand that familiarity provides a sense of security. The daily schedule and activities are there for routine-like and predictable, to limit anxiety and confusion as much as possible. Despite dementia being progressive in nature, keeping the person involved in activities is vital for improving their quality of life.”
Each private suite at Oasis Care Centre can be personalised to the person’s particular taste and filled with visual cues of loved ones. Families are encouraged to bring as many memorable personal items as possible and use these to stimulate conversation and long-term memory.
“Our AD unit sees the person behind the condition and strives to give them the love, affection and respect they need and deserve.” Lizzie concludes.
About Oasis Care Centre
Oasis Care Centre offers hotel style Assisted Living, Frail Care, Physical Rehabilitation and Alzheimer’s/Dementia care in a magnificent environment within the high security Oasis Retirement Resort.
For more information on Oasis Care Centre, contact Lizzie on 021 528 7301 or 084 952 5394 or lizzieb@capetownoasis.co.za.
Did you know?
As an Oasis Life resident, you have preferential screening and access to Oasis Care Centre, subject to availability.
