Do you suspect a loved one mayt be in the early stages of dementia? Ever noticed these signs?
- Cannot remember anything said to them during a short period of time.
- Constantly misplacing their items.
- Forget what they had to do immediately after mentioning it.
- Forget habitual steps, for example, how to get home or how to switch on the stove.
- Lost your way to a place you go to regularly.
- Getting frustrated when trying to recall things.
- Loses focus easily.
- Impaired reasoning skills.
- Not understanding a commonly used word, or using an inappropriate word in its place.
Yes, tiredness or being busy can result in some of these normal memory lapses. However, for some people, these lapses are more extreme and frequent. This may be forgetting that you own a vehicle, not just where you placed it.
If these seem at all familiar, it may be good to have a talk, one which is most likely to be difficult. You may feel that it is time to consult a doctor for medical advice but your loved one may be in denial. Let us break down how to deal with talking to a loved one or friend about a possible dementia diagnosis.
Tell them the Importance of Seeking Medical Advice
It is crucial to seek medical advice as soon as possible. A diagnosis of dementia may take a long time to diagnose as your loved one has to undergo different investigations to rule out other conditions. Next, the doctor can help to gauge what stage the dementia is in. If it is in the early stages, there are still treatments they can undergo to slow down the progress. Most importantly, it helps to prepare for the changes your loved one may encounter hence allowing the family to plan for the journey ahead of them.
Also, do explain that dementia is not the sole cause of confusion and memory loss as other reversible medical conditions may be the culprit. To prevent worsening of any possible underlying medical issues, there is no harm visiting a doctor.
Reassure And Support Them
If dementia is indeed the diagnosis, tell them that they are not alone. You will be by their side and you will get various specialized support services on board. These services have useful courses and programmes for you and your loved ones to sign up for. It can include topics like emotional coping, practical steps you can take to make your loved one’s life easier, how to preserve your loved one’s quality of life, how to be a good caregiver and many others.
Remind your loved ones that it is not the end yet. It is never too late to seek medical or non-medical treatments to slow down its progression.
Have Patience and Compassion
Provide your loved one some quiet time to come to terms with this thought that whatever you said may be true. Hug them, hold their hands, let them know that you are always there for them. Assure them that your relationship with them will never change.
The Last Resort
If there is still some resistance to visiting a doctor regarding these symptoms, you can instead suggest a check up for other reasons, for instance a review of their current medication or a routine blood test.
Finally, remember that this conversation is needed even if you may feel awkward or uncomfortable. Think about how it can ultimately help your loved one preserve their quality of life. Do not be afraid of any negative reactions from your loved ones because deep down, you know that it stems from your kind and good intention to help them.
