Dementia is becoming an increasingly common condition among older adults. Not only does it cause changes in the brain, but it can also lead to fatigue. As the disease progresses and becomes more advanced, those with memory loss may find it difficult to complete tasks they previously could do on their own. In addition, they may experience pain when attempting physical activities like walking or sitting in bed. This article will discuss how dementia causes fatigue and how a Memory Care community in Charlotte, NC can help manage this issue for residents struggling with cognitive decline.
What Is Fatigue?
Fatigue is a common symptom in people with dementia. Many things, including depression and anxiety, can cause it. Fatigue may also be related to the medications you’re taking. If your loved one shows signs of fatigue, talk with their doctor about adjusting the dosage or changing medications altogether.
A person experiencing fatigue will feel tired all day; they may have trouble getting out of bed in the morning and often feel like they need to lie down during the day because they’re so tired.
Causes of Fatigue in People with Dementia
To understand the causes of your loved one’s fatigue, you must first understand what is happening in their brain. Dementia is a progressive condition that causes memory loss and other mental abilities to decline. As dementia progresses, it impacts the power of your loved one’s brain cells to communicate with one another effectively; this results in slowed thinking processes and difficulty concentrating on tasks at hand.
As a result of these changes, people with dementia may feel fatigued all day because they cannot accomplish tasks as quickly or efficiently as they once could before developing dementia – even if those tasks are simple ones like getting dressed or making breakfast.
Additionally, some medications used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s can also cause tiredness (e.g., sleeping pills). And if your loved one has Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s – which happens often – this may contribute to fatigue because both conditions share similar symptoms, such as tremors or muscle stiffness.
What Is Memory Care, and What Help Does It Offer?
Memory Care communities are residential facilities that provide a safe and comfortable environment for people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. These communities have different levels of care depending on your loved one’s needs. All Memory Care centers have team members trained in caring for individuals suffering from memory loss. Most importantly, it gives you peace of mind knowing your loved one is safe from accidents or wandering away from home because they cannot get back there by themselves.
Many Memory Care communities are also equipped with features such as:
- A specialized team trained in dementia care who can help residents maintain their independence for as long as possible.
- Reminiscence therapy that encourages residents to recall happy memories from the past by playing music or helping them engage in activities like arts and crafts or cooking classes. This is beneficial for those suffering from dementia because it helps boost mood and reduce stress levels while fostering social connections between caregivers and residents.
- They’ll also have team members available 24 hours per day who know how best to meet each resident’s needs – from getting them dressed in the morning to helping them go to bed at night!