Dementia is a set of brain disorder symptoms that affect the way we communicate and perform our daily activities, including problem-solving and planning. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of it, accounting for about 70% of dementia cases – and it’s a sad fact that in our 80s it affects around one in five of us, reports Petra du Toit, executive director of Alzheimer’s SA.
“Even scarier is to think that every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia, and currently more than 50 million people are living with it world wide – that’s about the number of people in South Africa,” she says.
The cause of dementia is still not clear, but it’s thought to be linked to a build-up of plaque and certain proteins in our brain, causing inflammation and the progressive atrophy of brain cells and neurons: our brains actually shrink.
“Consequently, our memory function loses the ability to record and retain the most recent facts that we require to make sense of what we are doing, who with, where, when and why,” says Sharyn McCarthy, dementia support coach with Dementia Reach Out Programs in Ballito, KZN. “This we commonly put down to having problems remembering, which leads on to affecting our other functioning.’
As yet there is no cure for Alzheimer’s or the other types of dementia, although medication can now help slow their progress and control symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness, aggression and hallucinations, and antidepressants can treat the anxiety and depression. Best is to consult a GP with the support of a multidisciplinary team, including the likes of a geriatrician and, depending on your symptoms, a psychiatrist, neurologist, cardiologist, speech or other therapist, says Du Toit.
Eventually it will become too difficult or dangerous to live alone, but until then there are things you can do to help you cope.
1. Don’t fight the changes
Things you once did easily become increasingly tricky with dementia, such as managing money and even daily hygiene. It’s tempting to hide this from family and friends out of embarrassment, but that will add to your stress, and you will cope less well.
2. Learn to ask for help
It’s hard to surrender independence, but most people will understand and want to assist. Don’t be afraid to ask them to speak slowly or to repeat what they have said.
3. Write it down
Make a list of things you are finding difficult, and ask for suggestions or help to address each. If you struggle to cook, use a microwave or consider a meal delivery system (a neighbour may oblige for a fee). If you battle to pay bills, ask someone trustworthy to help you make payments by EFT. Give them power of attorney.
4. Create a daily routine
List the steps, and paste it up somewhere or put it on your cellphone, so you can refer to it easily as memory fades.
5. Be open to developing new coping skills
You can also use special aids – such a pill boxes labeled with days of the week for medicines and supplements, or cellphone apps with reminders (ask someone to install them).
6. Prompt yourself
If you forget whether you’ve done things like brush your teeth or wash your hair, put a “To do” sticker at one end of the basin or bath, and a “Done” sticker at the other, and move your toothbrush or shampoo and conditioner bottles accordingly.
7. Create labels
Use labels on drawers and cupboards, with words or pictures to show their contents. You can also print out pictures of people you often see and label them with their names.
8. Make lists
Keep a list of important numbers by a landline phone and on your cellphone, or carry them in a notebook, along with your name and address.
9. Stay active and engaged
Don’t withdraw – the more you use your mental faculties and your body, the better.
10. Identify triggers that cause you stress and worry
If you get anxious when others hurry you, for example, explain what you’re trying to do and ask them to give you the time you need to accomplish it. If something becomes too hard, take a break.
11. Remind yourself of Reinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer:
“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
“It’s critically important to try not to be embarrassed or stigmatised by having dementia, as this significantly exacerbates your ability to cope and deal with the uncontrollable changes that are taking place,” concludes McCarthy.
For help contact Alzheimer’s SA: 0860 102 681; Dementia SA: 021 421 0077/8; SA Depression and Anxiety Group: 0800 21 22 23; Dementia Reach Out Programs (DROP), 087 354 9027.
IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images