By The Beautiful Mind Clinic, Pune
Dementia changes lives. It can turn a loving grandparent who once told family stories into someone who struggles to remember names. This is a reality for many families. At The Beautiful Mind, we're here to help you understand dementia and provide the best care possible.
What is Dementia?
Dementia isn't just one illness. It's a term that describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities. These symptoms interfere with daily life and get worse over time.
There are different types of dementia:
- Alzheimer's Disease: This is the most common type, making up 60-80% of cases. It causes memory loss and confusion that get worse as time passes.
- Vascular Dementia: This happens when there's reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes. It can make it hard to plan and make decisions.
- Lewy Body Dementia: This type can cause people to see things that aren't there and have trouble sleeping, along with memory problems.
- Frontotemporal Dementia: This often changes behaviour and language skills more than memory, especially early on.
Signs to Watch For
Spotting dementia early is important for good care. Look out for:
- Forgetting recent events more than usual
- Trouble doing familiar tasks
- Problems finding the right words
- Getting confused about time or place
- Making poor decisions more often
- Staying away from work or social activities
- Changes in mood or how someone acts
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it's important to see a doctor.
Stages of Dementia and How to Help
Dementia usually gets worse in stages. Each stage needs different kinds of help:
Early Stage
At this point, someone might:
- Forget things more often
- Have trouble with hard tasks
- Sometimes get lost in familiar places
How you can help:
- Set up reminders and calendars
- Offer help with difficult jobs like managing money
- Encourage keeping up with friends and hobbies
Middle Stage
In this stage, a person might:
- Need help choosing what to wear
- Forget to eat or take medicine
- Get confused about where they are
How you can help:
- Create a daily routine
- Make sure the home is safe
- Help with personal care, but let them do what they can
Late Stage
At this point, someone will likely:
- Need care all the time
- Have a lot of trouble talking
- Not know family members
How you can help:
- Focus on keeping them comfortable
- Use touch to communicate
- Play music they like
Caring for the Carer
Looking after someone with dementia is hard work. If you're a carer:
- Take breaks when you can
- Ask for help from family and friends
- Join a support group to talk with others
- Look after your own health too
You're Not Alone
Dealing with dementia is tough, but you don't have to face it by yourself. We're here to support you every step of the way. Our team at The Beautiful Mind is ready to help, whether you need advice, treatment, or just someone to talk to.
Want to know more? Give us a call or visit our clinic. Let's work together to make life better for people with dementia and their carers. You don't have to do this alone - we're here to help you through this journey with understanding and expert care.
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