Caring for Someone with Progressive Dementia

What is progressive dementia?

Progressive dementia is the gradual loss of mental functions such as the ability to think, reason, remember, and plan. Dementia is caused by damaged brain cells. A stroke, brain tumor, head injury, or disease, such as Alzheimer's or Huntington's disease, can damage brain cells. Dementia is more common in older adults.

People with dementia may have trouble with things such as:

• putting thoughts into words or responding to others
• understanding complex information
• reading and writing
• learning new things, such as:
  • directions to new places are hard to remember
  • how to cook something will be forgotten easily
• remembering things that just happened or things that have just been said
• concentrating and paying attention
• organizing, reasoning, and solving problems.

In the early stages of dementia, people can follow routines that are familiar to them. As the disease continues, people have serious problems with thinking, judgment, and the ability to do everyday activities. In time, people may be totally dependent on others for care. Their personality also changes.

What should I do as a caregiver?

If you are caring for a person with dementia in your home:

• Find and remove home hazards, such as throw rugs or poor lighting.
• Speak slowly and simply. Repeat or rephrase your message.
• Ask questions that can be answered with yes or no.
• Allow lots of time for communication.
• Reduce distractions.
• Keep routines and the surroundings as much the same as possible.

What help is available?

Caring for a person with dementia can be a big challenge. It can affect family life, careers, finances, and your mental and physical health.

Find people who can help you. Nurses, adult day care, or adult protective services may be available in your area. They may include visiting services. Counseling may help you cope with problems.

When a family cannot keep caring for someone with dementia, other options include residential care, such as nursing facilities.

For suggestions on ways for families to deal with dementia in loved ones, contact the Alzheimer's Association at 800-272-3900 or visit their Web site at http://www.alz.org.