Clifden House

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WaSTE No TimE WorryiNG aBouT dEmENTia, BuT iNSTEad avoid THESE Four myTHS…

We are all at some point frightened of those things that we do not yet understand, because we have evolved to stay away from those things that could potentially harm us, whether sabre-toothed tigers in our caveman days, unpleasant tasting drinks handed to us or stories of dangers lurking. However, as we have grown in knowledge and understanding, we are able to discern the difference between tales of possible negative effects and instead look into steps we can take to live with risks, avoid dangers and perhaps even change outcomes through positive actions.

It is important therefore to separate fact from fiction when talking about the debilitating aspects of dementia, so we have assembled four myths associated with dementia that were recently discussed by Dr Kailas Roberts in the Guardian so that we can learn to avoid unhelpful discussion in coping with this disease.

myth 1: Memory loss is an inevitable part of dementia

This is not the case and absence of memory loss does not mean dementia is not present. Alzheimer’s, with which dementia is most often associated, is just one form of the disease and happens to be closely linked with memory loss. Other symptoms could include personality changes; issues with language; alterations in behaviour; and the effects of compromises in different areas of the brain and the functions that they control. myth 2: Ageing is the biggest risk factor for dementia

Old age does not cause dementia, though the risk does increase each decade, but those with dementia in their 80s are still a minority in that age-group. It could be just as likely that other risk factors, such as general health and lifestyle behaviours, have had just as strong an impact.

myth 3: Nothing can be done about dementia

At Clifden House we strongly believe that it is not only possible to live a rich and meaningful life with dementia, but even to thrive with the disease. A truly independent lifestyle may not be possible if you struggle to maintain a proper diet or forget to take important medication. Once these and other important issues are under the watchful eyes of carers, the shackles can be released on other meaningful areas, such as socialisation and creativity that give us such a strong sense of our self and worth.

myth 4: Dementia is inevitable

If we feel that the cards have been played and we must simply accept the outcome, we hand over our ability to plan a healthy future and make it more likely that important decisions about our lives will be made without us, even if by those with our best intentions at heart. This places a huge burden upon them and opens up the risk that we are forced into a lifestyle we would not have chosen for ourselves. Positive interventions with assessments, medication and ongoing oversight can prolong the period of our healthy life and reduce the anxiety of a debilitating condition.

Clifden House Dementia Care Centre has been delivering exceptional residential and respite care for 50 years. It aims to maximise each individual’s potential through choice, reducing the use of unnecessary medication and alleviating the symptoms of dementia in a caring and supportive environment.

Follow us and our community on Facebook. www.clifdenhouse.co.uk Tel: 01323 896460

Abbeyfield House

North Road, Alfriston BN26 5XB

Providing safe and homely supported housing for older people in Alfriston

● your own private ensuite room ● daily contact with dedicated staff ● two nutritious home-cooked meals daily ● spacious communal lounge/dining room and gardens ● downland village living ● all-inclusive rates

Making time for older people

Please do get in touch for more information or to arrange a visit T: 01323 871767 E: alfriston@abbsd.co.uk

www.abbsd.co.uk