Facing dementia is not easy, for either the patient or their family. This condition affects not only memory but also emotions, behavior, and even a person's quality of life. Amid these challenges, the role of the family is crucial. Beyond just caregiving, family support can provide a sense of security, boost morale, and maintain the patient's quality of life. The presence of those closest to them as daily companions can be an irreplaceable source of strength in the journey of coping with dementia.
Understanding the Condition of Dementia Patients
Dementia is a brain dysfunction that causes a decline in the ability to think, remember, communicate, and even control emotions. This condition is not a normal part of aging, although the risk increases with age. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, but other types also exist, such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, or frontotemporal dementia.
The condition of dementia patients can vary, from frequently forgetting simple things, being confused about time or place, having difficulty finding words when speaking, to experiencing changes in behavior and mood.
In more advanced stages, patients will require assistance with daily activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing. These changes often leave patients feeling anxious, frustrated, and even isolated, necessitating strong emotional and social support from family and friends.
Early Signs of Dementia to Watch Out For
Dementia is generally characterized by a decline in thinking skills that impacts the sufferer's daily life. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but some common signs include:
- Memory Disorders
Patients experience short-term memory impairment, making it difficult to recall recent information or events. This is characterized by forgetting things they have recently experienced, heard, or seen. Patients often repeat the same questions over and over again. - Confusion about Time and Place
Patients may lose orientation, for example not knowing what day it is, being confused about the direction of the road, or getting lost in a place that is usually familiar. - Difficulty in Communication
Having difficulty finding words, having difficulty following conversations, or not understanding simple instructions. - Behavioral and Emotional Changes
Patients may become irritable, anxious, depressed, or exhibit drastic mood swings. - Decreased Ability to Complete Daily Activities
Things that were previously easy to do, such as cooking, managing finances, or getting dressed, can become difficult. - Difficulty Concentrating and Making Decisions
Patients may have difficulty focusing, be confused when having to choose, or frequently make illogical decisions. - Withdrawing from Social Environment
Due to difficulty communicating or feeling embarrassed by their condition, patients often avoid social activities.
The Role of the Family in Caring for Dementia Patients
Caring for a dementia patient involves more than just assisting with daily activities, but also providing emotional, social, and psychological support. The family is a key pillar in maintaining the patient's quality of life in the following ways:
- Providing Emotional Support
The warmth, patience, and affection of the family helps the patient feel safe, valued, and not alone in facing his condition. - Accompanying Daily Activities
Dementia patients often have difficulty caring for themselves. Having family members around to help with eating, bathing, personal hygiene, dressing, or simply chatting is crucial. - Be a Reminder and Guide
The family plays a role as a "memory keeper", for example by reminding the child to take medication, accompanying them to doctor's check-ups, or helping them recognize people and places. - Creating a Safe Environment
Making your home more patient-friendly, such as avoiding sharp objects or providing adequate lighting, can prevent the risk of injury and increase comfort. - Providing Cognitive Stimulation
Inviting patients to chat, playing simple puzzles, listening to music, or reminiscing about the past through photo albums can train the brain to stay active. - Becoming a Bridge with Medical Personnel
Families also play a role in communicating with doctors, nurses, or therapists to ensure patients receive the best care according to their needs.
When Should a Family Take a Dementia Patient to the Doctor?
While occasional forgetfulness is normal, families should be more vigilant if the patient's symptoms become more frequent and disrupt daily activities. A doctor's appointment is recommended if:
- Memory disturbances become more frequent, with patients repeatedly forgetting important things, having difficulty recognizing close people, or getting lost in familiar places.
- Changes in behavior and emotions become extreme , for example, often getting angry for no reason, depression, being overly suspicious, or experiencing hallucinations.
- Difficulty performing basic activities , such as eating, bathing, dressing, or taking care of personal needs.
- Communication disorders become more obvious , patients have difficulty speaking, understanding conversations, or often lose words.
- The patient shows dangerous signs , such as frequent falls, inability to maintain personal hygiene, or endangering himself or others.
- Families feel overwhelmed , if the burden of care becomes heavier, consulting a doctor can help get medical support and companion therapy.
A medical examination is essential for confirming a diagnosis, determining the type of dementia, and developing an appropriate treatment plan. The earlier detection, the better the patient's chances of receiving effective treatment.
Caring for a dementia patient is challenging, both physically and emotionally. However, families don't have to feel alone in facing this condition. Support from medical professionals, psychologists, and communities supporting dementia patients can be invaluable resources. By seeing a doctor early, families can receive more appropriate care guidance, thereby maintaining the patient's quality of life and empowering the family to support them.
Article written by Dr. Gloria Tanjung, Sp.N (Neurology Specialist Doctor at EMC Alam Sutera & Sentul Hospital).