Jamaica Gleaner News - Dementia - A disease of the family - Wednesday

Wendel Abel, Contributor

Dementia is a disease that affects the brain. It can affect memory, thinking and intellectual functions, as well as the ability to carry out common tasks.

Dementia has become a major problem as more people are living longer and the ageing brain may develop Alzheimer's disease. Common features of dementia include the following:

1. Memory loss: People with dementia often forget. They may forget where they have placed their keys, money, clothes, important documents and other personal possessions. They may accuse others of stealing or hiding things which they have mislaid. They often ask the same questions over and over. Some people may have difficulty remembering the names of spouses, children and other close family members and friends. It can be very painful for family members when a loved one can no longer recognise them.

2. Disorientation: They may become disoriented and not able to recall the year, month and day of the week.

3. Inability to function: Dementia may affect one's ability to carry out basic tasks such as cooking, bathing, brushing of one's teeth and feeding oneself.

4. Poor judgement: Judgement may be affected and the individual may do things that are out of keeping with their character and nature.

5. Getting lost: I have had to deal with many people who have got lost due to poor memory.

Tips for family members

1. Look out for it and accept it: In many people, dementia comes on slowly. Listen to the caregivers and other family members. They live with it and are able to appreciate the subtle changes which others may not be able to pick up.

2. Dementia is a family problem: It affects the family emotionally, socially and financially.

3. Deal with denial: It is painful to accept that a loved one has dementia. Denial may help to cushion some of the pain but it does not allow for problem solving. The earlier you accept it, the better it is for everyone.

4. Deal with your pain: It is very painful to stand by and watch when your loved one is afflicted by dementia. You may need counselling to deal with the problem.

5. Ensure safety: Put measures in place to ensure the safety of your family member suffering from dementia.

6. Caregivers need support: In many homes, we have one person caring for the family member with dementia. When the condition is severe and the person needs 24-hour supervision, it can be very demanding on one person. Caregivers are often at risk for burnout. You may need to have more than one person taking care of the family member.

7. Deal with property: As the condition progresses, the person suffering from dementia will not be able to make appropriate decisions. They may not be able to sign a document or even make a will. If you realise that someone is in the early stages of the disease, the family may want to discuss these issues. You may want to consult a lawyer as the law makes provisions to protect the property and money of people so affected.

8. Join a support group: There is an Alzheimer's support group in Jamaica. We would encourage you to join this group if you have a family member with dementia as it can be a great source of information and emotional and psychological support.

9. Seek medical advice early: Seek early medical advice to ensure that your family member is properly assessed and receives the best care possible.

10. Have family meetings: When a family member has dementia, the entire family should discuss how it is affecting each member and, more important, discuss plans to care for the affected member. Many families end up quarrelling and sometimes anger and bitterness ensue. This does not help.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept. Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.