When a person gets old, it is not only physical or physiological diseases that necrosis his body, which becomes weak and weak in the face of any disease, but there are many neurological and psychological diseases that can be behind his health deterioration. Among these diseases, we can mention “Huntington” and “Parkinson’s” and other diseases that tire the elderly. But there is also dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which is one of the most common diseases among the elderly. So what is dementia? How can we determine that this elderly person suffers from it or not? What are the appropriate ways to accompany a person suffering from dementia?

Dementia… causes and symptoms

During old age, heart diseases appear, and the heart muscle becomes weak due to its lack of movement, lack of blood pumping and the possibility of a clot in the arteries of the heart or brain… Physiological changes occur in the elderly and his body tissues sag, which affects the work and vitality of cells. It also shows gastrointestinal disease and appetite decline. It is noted that the elderly’s sense of hearing decreases and their eyesight, touch, smell and taste are weakened. Finally, at this stage, we find a decrease in the level of work of the nervous system, which is responsible for memory, speech, and muscular coordination, and of course, many cases and psychological diseases that can affect the elderly.

Among the diseases that the elderly can suffer from, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The main cause of dementia is damage to nerve cells in the brain and their connections. That is, brain cells cannot communicate properly, which leads to memory loss. As for the symptoms, they differ from one person to another, and they vary, but the following points are the most common:

Gradual loss of memory (i.e. the elderly person begins to forget things from his daily life before he forgets his past).

Difficulty communicating and finding words due to memory loss.

Disturbance in time and place, i.e. the elderly begin to forget where he is, and feel lost on public roads or while driving.

Difficulty concentrating and a constant need to rest or sleep.

Difficulties begin to appear in his diary (going to the bathroom, showering, eating, or taking medication…)

Difficulties at the level of visual-motor coordination… and of course other problems that gradually reduce his physical abilities.

Dealing with a dementia patient

Of course, it is not easy to take care of an elderly person at home, especially since a person with dementia may show some changes on the psychological level, including: depression and anxiety about death or about the future, aggressive behaviors or inappropriate behaviors … as well as the inability to make decisions with Hallucinations or agitation and accusations towards the other. But how to deal with the elderly who suffers from dementia?

First, there is a need for medical follow-up at home through the family doctor. The parents can also constantly measure the pressure of the elderly and diabetic and always monitor his temperature… Also, his bed must be constantly replaced, because hygiene is essential at that stage. Also, take the medicine as it should, as recommended by the specialist doctor.

Secondly, paying attention to the cleanliness of the elderly every day, which means taking a shower every morning and evening (if possible) and of course asking for help from a family member or even a relative, or using a wheelchair if the elderly cannot move easily. Change clothes frequently and wash them well. Soap and water are two of the basics of the bathing process. It must be remembered that poor hygiene can lead to unnecessary diseases and infections.

Third, exercising in a simple way, paying attention to the diet, listening to music, reading beautiful interesting stories and even children’s stories (which refresh the memory of the elderly and make him happy), and constant exposure to the sun.

On a psychological level…

Psychological help for an elderly person suffering from dementia at home is limited to a few simple points that anyone can do. But of course, if the family also needs psychological counseling, it can go to the psychologist to shed light on some sensitive points. Therefore, a psychologically elderly person can be helped by:

– Ensuring care, tenderness and kindness for him. Every human being, no matter how old he is, needs to feel that he is loved by the other, and that this other offers him support and love.

– An explanation for the elderly about some of the responsibilities that he must perform every day, for example, taking medicines.

Never force him to do something he doesn’t want to do.

Patience is the key to dealing with the elderly and of course not clashing with him in a particular opinion. Rather, we can hear his opinion and help him make appropriate decisions.

Not to use aggression in all its forms with him, especially since the elderly likes to repeat sometimes very old events he went through. We should not ask him to be silent, but rather to listen to him and his past, which he usually clings to.

Not to make fun of him, because even if he forgets many things, he is still conscious of other things. Parents should not forget that they are role models for their children, and if they mock the elderly, one day their child will mock them.

– The participation of the elderly person with dementia in the family diary, and not leaving him alone in one corner of the house.