How to Help People with Dementia

To families and friends, caring for a loved one with dementia faces several difficulties. Dementia patients from disorders like Alzheimer’s and related illnesses are undergoing a gradual biological brain disorder that makes it increasingly difficult for them to think about things, think clearly, interact with others, and take care of themselves. You can maintain an element of control as a caregiver by teaching yourself about dementia and having a positive but practical attitude. It can take the sting out of the remarkable challenges you face and enhance the care you provide as well.

Here are some key facts to recognize when you approach someone with dementia to take care of your role:

Check first with the doctor

There may be an underlying medical cause for behavioral problems: the patient may be in pain or have an adverse side effect from medication or lack of sleep. In some cases, such as incontinence or hallucinations, some medication or treatment may be available that can help manage the problem. Sometimes it is difficult to handle and you would need a doctor.

Actively empathize

Treatment begins with sympathy and compassion. This is valid in all human relationships, but it can be particularly important for caregivers with dementia. People with dementia, for instance, are liable to become confused about their whereabouts and even the time in which they live.

Be a realistic caregiver

Be realistic about what is successful during disease progression. According to Jane Byrne, project manager at FirstCare nursing home Dublin, “Be realistic about what is successful during disease progression. Success helps ensure the person you care about is as relaxed, happy and safe as possible. Many seasoned careers with dementia will tell you they have good days and bad days for the person they care for.” Through time, dementia appears to get worse and there is no known cure. (Dementia induced by medicines is an influential exception and can be reversed if medicines are withdrawn.)

Dementia is more than memory loss

The loss of memory is a classic symptom of dementia. But certain forms of dementia, especially frontotemporal dementia and Pick’s disease, manifest themselves as changes in personality rather than loss of memory.

Divide tasks into a number of steps

This makes it much more accessible for many jobs. You should motivate your loved one to do what he can, inform him kindly of steps he appears to neglect, and support him with steps he can no longer do on his own. It can be very helpful to use visual indications, such as demonstrating him with your hand where to place the dinner plate.

State your message clearly:

Using words and phrases that are plain will help. Speak slowly, simply, and in a voice of reassurance. Desist from losing your temper louder or higher; instead, lower your voice. Use the same wording to repeat your message or question if she doesn’t understand the first time. Wait a couple of minutes and rephrase the question if she still doesn’t understand.

Respond with reassurance and affection

People with dementia frequently find themselves disturbed, nervous, and unsure. In addition, they often become puzzled with reality and may recall things that have never really happened. Do not try to persuade them that they are incorrect. Remain focused on the emotions they display (which are genuine) and reply with gestures of comfort, encouragement and reassurance, both verbal and physical.

The post How to Help People with Dementia appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between holistic medicine versus alternative medicine?

Holistic medicine treats the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and soul. It examines all aspects that affect a person’s overall health. These include the psychological, spiritual and environmental factors often overlooked in traditional medicine. Alternative medicine can treat specific conditions like allergies, asthma, arthritis, and others.

Is holistic medicine legitimate?

Yes and no. Yes, because many medicines have been proven effective against various ailments. They can’t treat all conditions. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” It depends on what you mean when you use the term “holistic”.

Many people believe holistic medicine has existed since ancient times. This is simply not true. Although natural remedies were used by some healers in ancient Egypt and Rome, they were not scientifically backed.

It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. By the 19th century, most Western countries had developed public hospitals where trained doctors could provide medical care.

Conventional medicine has become the dominant form for healthcare. But, many people still prefer complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find that it works better than drugs.

Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Many people prefer eating healthy foods to taking prescription drugs. Others, however, find regular exercise to be a great way to keep their bodies functioning at peak performance.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Does it Have Evidence?

Although evidence for complementary and other medicine is still being developed, there are many benefits to these treatments. They may have tried standard treatments but found them ineffective. They may also want to try alternative therapies as they believe they offer better results than conventional care. As part of a holistic approach, they might look for complementary and alternate medicines. Always verify with your doctor that the scientific backing of any complementary or alternative medicines you use is supported. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any doubts about whether the treatment is working. It may save you money and time over the long term.

How safe are holistic medicines?

Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.

Many diseases have been treated with these herbs, including cancer, arthritis, chronic and severe pain, asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity (obesity), depression, anxiety stress, insomnia as well sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from various diseases and can also use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal treatments, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, nutrition, counseling, physical fitness, exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies target the whole person and not just the symptoms.

What is an alternative name for medicine?

Alternative medicine is an umbrella term used to describe any approach to healing that differs significantly from conventional medical practice. There are many different forms of alternative medicine. Most are based upon the idea that health care should not be dependent on chemical medicines.

Alternative medicine includes acupuncture. Homeopathy, herbalism. naturopathy. osteopathic manipul. Traditional Chinese medicine. Reflexology. Shamanic healing. Prayer. Energy healing. Aromatherapy. Meditation. Chiropractic. Massage therapy. Reiki.

Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. These claims can’t be supported scientifically, as mainstream medical authorities have mostly ignored the evidence-based advantages of alternative medicine.

What are the advantages of holistic medicine over traditional medicine?

Holistic medicines have been used for thousands of years by many cultures and religions worldwide. They were developed based on ancient knowledge and experience.

These medicines are safe and effective. They also come at a reasonable price. The side effects are minimal compared to those of pharmaceutical drugs.

They are also beneficial for your overall health and well-being.

They can reduce the risk of disease and increase your overall well-being.

They can even treat diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, arthritis, asthma or depression, as well as high blood pressure.

There are hundreds of different traditional medicines worldwide, each with unique benefits.

According to the World Health Organization, around 80% of the population uses traditional methods to treat their illness or injury.

According to some reports, about half a million people depend on traditional herbal remedies for their primary healthcare.

Global market for complementary therapies will reach $22.2 billion in 2020, according to estimates.

Alternative medical treatments are becoming more popular to avoid the side effects of conventional treatment.

When other treatments fail, many people resort to complementary therapies. They may also attempt them before resorting or taking medication.

There are many reasons that people choose complementary therapy.

To improve your quality of life
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To relieve pain
To enhance immunity
To support you in dealing with serious illness
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To deal avec chronic conditions

Statistics

The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

What can a holistic doctor do differently than a traditional doctor?

A holistic doctor is able to provide more services than traditional doctors, such as nutritionists, massage therapists and naturopaths.

A holistic doctor treats patients holistically. Instead of treating symptoms, they examine the person and their environment. This helps them find the root causes and to take preventative steps and long-term care. Holistic doctors use natural remedies such as herbs and essential oils alongside conventional medicine to help treat illness. They can also offer nutritional advice and support healthy living.

Holistic doctors also offer therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology, reiki or shiatsu, yoga, meditation or craniosacral treatment, as well as hypnotherapy and hypnotherapy.

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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.

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By: Dick Benson
Title: How to Help People with Dementia
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/brain-health/cognitive-health/how-to-help-people-with-dementia/
Published Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:08:07 +0000