Dementia Basics
Introduction to dementia
What is dementia?
Dementia is a general term used to describe the impaired ability to remember, think, speak or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities like banking, medications, shopping and eventually walking and eating.
Many causes of dementia exist, and each type of dementia has subtle variation in the way it appears and progresses.
Dementia has affected 5.8 million Americans and 30 million people worldwide.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
- It is the most common cause of dementia.
- Sixty to eighty percent of dementia cases are Alzheimer’s disease.
- It is caused by specific changes in the brain that damage areas of learning, memory, organization, recognition, language and information processing.
- It is a progressive type of dementia that can last for 5 to 13 years.
Understanding the difference between aging and dementia
As a caregiver, it is important to remember that dementia is a disease, not a normal part of aging. There are normal changes that happen to our brains and behavior as we get older. There are different, more severe, changes that happen to those with dementia. Here are some key differences:
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Stages of Alzheimer’s dementia
Alzheimer’s dementia is a progressive disease that eventually leads to death. On these pages, we outline some of the signs and symptoms you might see as the disease progresses. However, each person’s journey with Alzheimer’s dementia is unique and may not follow a “typical” timeline. The stages of dementia tend to overlap.
- Each stage represents new levels of memory, behavior, language and decision making ability of the person living with dementia.
- Each stage represents new levels of symptoms which may require different levels of support, safety and resources.
- It is important to make a plan that expresses values and wishes early in the course of dementia to allow your loved one to express their wishes while capable.
Behavior changes across the three stages of dementia
Behavioral changes in a person living with dementia can disrupt the relationship with caregivers and make the role of caregiver very challenging.
It is important to accept that these changes are related to dementia and do not change the love and respect you share with one another.
This section is intended to introduce many of the behavioral changes that occur as dementia progresses and how caregivers can approach these behaviors in a healthy and loving manner.
Tips on managing behaviors
In general, there are some tips to help you manage behavior changes, regardless of what stage the person living with dementia may be in.
Ways to prevent negative behaviors
Routine: Having some regular activity in the world of dementia may feel less chaotic.
Respect: That this is an adult with opinions. Engage and involve them.
Relationship: Know that things may change as a parent becomes reliant on an adult child. Try to allow independence.
Ways to respond to unfavorable behaviors
Repeat: Try to offer again.
Reassess: “What do you need?” “How can I support you?”
Reassure: “I love you.” “You are ok.”
Redirect: “Let’s do this…” “Let’s change the topic.”
Managing unsafe behaviors
In some cases, the behaviors may be unsafe to you or to the individual. In such cases, consider these:
Contacting a medical provider (primary physician, geriatric or psychiatry) may be needed for medication support.
Considering a care consultation with Department of Aging or Alzheimer’s Association.
Calling 911, if behavior is an immediate threat to self or others.
Early stage symptoms – mild (1-3 years)
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Who is a Caregiver?
A caregiver can be a volunteer family member, friend or an individual hired from a caregiver agency to provide support to a person living with dementia.
Paid or unpaid, caregivers provide support to persons living with dementia in areas of need for safety, daily care and socialization.
Caregivers provide many different roles for the person living with dementia and others in their lives which leave limited time for the caregiver.
- Direct physical care
- Care management
- Financial resource
- Medical resource
- Social support/advocate (reassure, encourage activity, recognize and support needs being met, communicate their needs to others when they can’t)
Build your social support network
On this map you can put down the names of everyone you can count on when you need help. These people could be from your neighborhood, your faith circles, your family or your friend circle.
Build your professional care team
This map is where you can put down the names of the people you can look to for help. These are your professional assistants who may help you with finances, health & wellness, legal or household.
