It’s not a secret that dementia is one of the most misdiagnosed diseases. If you see that your elderly parent begins to forget or has real problems concentrating, may be your loved one suffers from dementia? Or it can be usual depression?
To tell you the truth, it is very easy to diagnose these diseases wrongly. Both have very similar symptoms: sleep problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulties with concentration, loss of interest, people become irritable and have problems remembering things.
As well as there are similarities between diseases, there are differences between them. Depression, for example, causes loss of energy and suicidal thoughts; and dementia can cause problems with organizing things, speech problems and incontinence.
People who suffer from dementia seem very unreachable, but there are several ways that help to unlock their hearts and emotions.
Very often such people make statements that are not correct and your reaction is very important. First of all, it’s better to be silent than start correcting. If you are silent, there is no tension between you and your parent. Your loved one feels secure and not frustrated. If you choose to correct, be ready to cope with anger and grief that were trigged by your correction. It’s much better to say something neutral or change the topic asking a question.
It is also very important to remember about the 5-minute rule. Caregivers and doctors know that people who suffer from dementia have short memory. If your parent refuses doing something, stay calm and wait for a little bit, then return with the same question. Usually their reaction is changed. Very often 5-minute rule helps to keep stress on a low level.
If you have questions or problems with taking care about your parents, Day View Adult Home in Renton will gladly help you. Contact us and our professional team will resolve your problem.
