Understanding dementia a key to compassionate care

    Alzheimer’s disease is one of the more prominent forms of dementia, but there are many additional types of dementia that also can cause both physical and cognitive alterations. Understanding the complexity of dementia can be beneficial to both dementia sufferers and their caregivers.
    Dementia is a general term used to define a decline in mental ability severe enough that it can interfere with daily life, offers the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
    Dementia is not a disease but a term used to describe a wide range of symptoms. The words “senility” and “dementia” often are incorrectly used interchangeably. However, serious mental decline is not a normal part of aging.
    Dementia presents itself through various symptoms, and memory loss alone is not enough to lead to a dementia diagnosis. Dementia can affect thinking and social abilities, but the Mayo Clinic notes that some dementias may be reversible. The following are some common symptoms of dementia:
    — Trouble communicating or finding words.
    — Difficulty completing complex tasks.
    — Challenges with planning and organization.
    — Episodes of confusion and disorientation.
    — Memory loss, which is often noticed by a third party.
    — Personality changes that can include agitation, anxiety, inappropriate behavior and even hallucinations.

The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.