Ever thought about supporting those with memory challenges? That’s the role of dementia care in Philadelphia. Among the health services in Philadelphia, it stands out as a crucial support for individuals dealing with cognitive difficulties. It’s all about enhancing lives and offering personalized help and understanding to both individuals and their caregivers.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and social skills. It usually makes daily tasks difficult. It’s caused by various diseases, and memory loss is a common sign. Alzheimer’s is a common reason for dementia in older adults. But, there are other causes too. Sometimes, if we treat the cause, some dementia symptoms can improve too.
Symptoms of Dementia
Symptoms of dementia differ based on the cause. They can include:
Cognitive changes
- Memory loss that others notice
- Difficulty in speaking or finding words
- Issues with reasoning, solving problems, and complex tasks
- The trouble with planning and organizing
- Confusion and disorientation
Psychological changes
- Depression
- Personality changes
- Inappropriate behavior
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Being suspicious, known as paranoia
Causes of Dementia
Dementia is caused by:
- Damage to Nerve Cells
Dementia occurs when the brain’s nerve cells get damaged. These cells are like messengers, and if they’re damaged, messages in the brain don’t work properly.
- Diseases and Medications
Some illnesses can make you show signs similar to dementia. Certain medicines might also cause reactions that look like dementia. Doctors need to consider these things when figuring out if it’s dementia.
- Lack of Vitamins or Minerals
Not getting enough of specific vitamins or minerals can also make you show dementia-like signs.
Tips for Everyday Care for People With Dementia
- Stick to a daily routine for bathing, dressing, and eating.
- Write tasks and appointments in a calendar or notebook.
- Plan fun activities at the same time every day.
- Set reminders for taking medication.
- Choose comfy clothing with easy fasteners.
- Use a sturdy shower chair for safety.
- Be gentle and explain the steps when assisting with bathing or dressing.
- Give enough time to eat in a familiar place.
Preventions
Here’s how to possibly prevent dementia:
- Keep your mind active: Doing puzzles, reading, and word games might lessen dementia’s effects.
- Stay active and social: Exercising and being social could make its symptoms milder. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise weekly.
- Quit smoking: Stopping smoking might lower dementia and blood vessel condition risks.
- Get enough vitamins: Sunlight, certain foods, and pills can boost vitamins.
Manage cardiovascular risks: Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Losing excess weight is helpful too.