What About Dementia?

A dementia diagnosis poses many unknowns for you and your loved ones, and it can be some of the most difficult news you’ll ever hear.

My grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s while I was in high school, and unsure what else to do, she spent two years living with us under my dad’s care. The diagnosis can change family roles and relationship dynamics in sudden ways. Dementia is a broad category of many diseases that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, but other common types include Parkinson’s, Frontotemporal Dementia, Lewy-Body Dementia, Huntington’s Disease, Creutzfeldt -Jakob Disease, Vascular Dementia, and Alcoholic Dementia. At Oasis Senior Advisors, we help families navigate their best options for caring for their loved one with any type of dementia. It’s important to differentiate dementia from Normal Cognitive Decline (NCD.) Many people experience NCD later in life, and it is just that – normal. Common signs of NCD include needing more thinking time, struggling to multitask more than before, new information taking more time to learn, or if everyday tasks just taking longer. A change in one’s cognitive state later in life can be many things besides dementia. If your loved one receives a diagnosis, get your team of support ready. Your children, close friends, and extended family need to be made aware of the diagnosis, and you, the family, need support! Some people are keenly aware and understand their diagnosis, and others may be certain nothing is wrong. Your loved one may even blame you. Do not take this personally - it is frequently outside of your control. When interacting with your loved one with dementia, it can be frustrating when they struggle to understand you. If they don’t understand, they no longer can, so don’t expect them to. If they’re disoriented to time and place, join them in the time and place they’re telling you they’re in. Doing otherwise robs them of their dignity, causes frustration, and accomplishes nothing. They cannot change, so we must. Join them in their reality. There are many ways to care for a loved one. If you choose to care for your loved one for a short period of time, deep into disease, or not at all, you are wonderful! Admitting that caregiving is not for you may be the best way the best way to care for them. Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Home Care are all valid and correct options for many families. We’re here to help, regardless of what your correct decision may be. ~

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Steven Moses, CSA CDP CPRS, owner of Oasis Senior Advisors ofOrlando. He can be reached at 407-250-8300 or visit www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/ Orlando. See ad on page 37.