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Dementia is a collective
name for progressive
degenerative brain
syndromes which affect
memory, thinking,
behavior, emotion and
daily function.
There are several
conditions that cause
dementia and the most
common ones include:
The global prevalence of
dementia is rising,
especially with an
ageing population.
In
Singapore, the 2003
National Mental Health
Survey showed that 6% of
elderly 65 year and above
suffer from dementia
today and this
translates to about
14000 people today.
This is expected to
increase to 48000 in
2030 if the current
prevalence remains the
same.
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How Do I Know My
Loved One Has
Dementia? |
Symptoms of dementia may
include:
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Loss of memory,
especially short
term memory e.g.
forgetting events
and appointments,
misplacing objects,
confusion with dates
and information
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Decreased ability in
performing
previously familiar
or competent tasks
or job skills
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Disorientation with
time & place
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Poor or decreased
judgment
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Problems with
abstract thinking
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Difficulty in
finding the right
words or
understanding what
people are saying
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Personality and mood
changes
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Behavioral problems
such as passivity,
confusion, suspiciousness,
temperamental and
easily agitated,
restlessness, and abnormal
night behavior
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If the above symptoms
are present, consult a
doctor for
opinion. A
referral can be made to
a hospital when
appropriate. All
major local hospitals
provide a memory clinic
or dementia evaluation
service that can conduct
comprehensive
assessment, diagnosis
and treatment of
dementia.
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Tips for caring
the demented person:
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Do not question the
person. He is
not able to remember
many things because
of the disease.
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With combativeness,
remain calm and try
to distract him with
another activity.
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Speak slowly and
softly, shouting may
be interpreted as
anger.
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Do not argue with
him.
Understand that his
reality is not your
reality.
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Be flexible in your
care. If the
person behaviour is
not hurting anyone
or himself, do not
intervene.
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Identify and remove
the triggers to
behaviour. For
instance, if the
person wants to go
outside every time he
sees shoes by the
door, remove the
shoes.
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Create a simple,
calm and quiet
environment.
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Allow him to
have a consistent
daily routine.
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Simplify the
activities by
breaking them down
into simple, step by
step tasks.
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Offer him
reassurance and
praise when
performing a task.
This will increase
his self esteem and
reinforce the
behaviour.
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If necessary, assist
the person to
perform his
activities of daily
living.
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Provide a well balanced diet.
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Ensure
that the water
intake is adequate
everyday with at
least 6-8 glasses a
day unless
contraindicated.
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Encourage
exercise. Regular exercise helps in
maintaining the
strength.
Mahjong is also a
good cognitive
stimulating exercise
that the person can do.
This also allows socialising that
prevents isolation
and offers a sense
of well-being.
All types of
exercise (Tai chi,
walking, swimming
etc) can be done but
must be in
moderation.
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Arrange for respite
care to allow
yourself time away
from caring the
demented person.
Identify the
stressors and
manage the stress
accordingly.
Seek help when
needed.
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