Myth 1. There is no cure for dementia.
So far, this one is true! There is currently no known cure for dementia. However, that does not mean that there never will be. There are research teams learning more about this condition every day. As we have mentioned throughout these blog posts; there are many different types of dementia and each has different causal factors. So, if there is a cure for dementia in the future it will more likely be multiple different cures.
Even though there is no cure, there are options available that can help to manage symptoms or slow the progression of dementia. The best options will depend on individual differences, the type of dementia, and the stage of dementia. It is important to work with your doctor and other members of your care team to ensure the methods used are appropriate for the person, and will not cause greater harm.
A few different treatments may be offered at present. Medications to help manage symptoms or adjust glutamate activity are one possible option, though often come with side effects. Therapies may also prove to be effective in managing symptoms. Occupational therapy can help in learning coping behaviours. Environmental modifications can make a difference in the risk of accidents and wandering behaviours. There are also changes in behaviour that can provide benefits. Maintaining cognitive stimulation through communication and activity can help improve quality of life and may help to slow progression. Ultimately, there are many treatments available that can be discussed with a care team.
Myth 2. A dementia diagnosis means that a person’s life is over.
This is not the case. Of course, everyone's life will be over at some point, and dementia can shorten the lifespan. However, there are ways to continue to live a fulfilling life for many years with dementia. As we have mentioned throughout these posts, dementia is a progressive condition. Often the changes go unnoticed early on. So, during the early stages of dementia, most people are able to continue living their lives as before. An early diagnosis can help individuals to make changes that can support them through the progression and possibly slow the progression.
Meaningful recreation can continue throughout, as we have discussed. A variety of activities can be enjoyed throughout a dementia diagnosis. Ensuring that these activities are appropriate to one's current abilities and interests is an excellent step. Interests may change, and ability will change, but most activities can be enjoyed throughout. You can look back to our post on recreation to see some strategies.
Ensuring that end-of-life wishes are laid out early on can provide a sense of security. It also ensures that the individual's wishes are respected and enacted as the condition progresses. Finding a care team to work with is important to maintaining independence. For information on the supports that are available in Camrose and how they can be accessed, you can check out our conversation with Stephanie Loosemore on our YouTube page, visit Service Options for Seniors, or stop by the library to check out the resources we have available.
Sources Consulted
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019