Your loved one is suffering from memory-loss symptoms that signal dementia or Alzheimer’s. What should you do? Is there any hope?
The most important thing you can do for yourself or a loved one is to find out the truth. In order to get a dementia diagnosis, it is vital to have a thorough checkup with your doctor. After all, there are symptoms that may mimic dementia that could be a physical problem or reaction to a medication.
If there is a medical cause for memory loss and dementia-like behaviors, it can be life-changing to find that cause and address it. This may be a vitamin deficiency, a chronic illness, depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, or a host of other causes.
When the diagnosis is dementia or Alzheimer’s, the patient can get help dealing with the symptoms. It may be hard to hear the truth, but it is better to know the enemy and to deal with the problems proactively. While there isn’t a cure yet, there are strategies to slow the progression of the disease and to make the patient happier.
Dementia Interventions Can Make a Difference
Early intervention is key to coping with dementia. There may be strategies that you can put in place now that will help you in the long run. Certain medications can address symptoms and behaviors. Lifestyle changes may ease anger, paranoia, sleeping issues and other dementia-related problems.
Dr. Randall can help you assess the severity of the patient’s symptoms. With his holistic approach, treatment options are tailored to the patient. There is no cookie cutter approach. You can discuss prescription medicines, how to monitor for side effects, when to call for help, and how to measure medication effectiveness.
Nonmedical interventions may also be key to helping the patient live with the disease. You’ll want to make plans based on the patient’s condition. Can they drive safely? Will they feed himself/herself? Are they capable of independent living? If dependent on a caregiver, can the caregiver deal with issues as they occur? Does the patient need to wean off of certain medications? Does the patient need to stop drinking alcohol and/or stop smoking pot?
Regular health monitoring is the key to helping dementia patients make the most out of their lives. There are many dangers to their health that are preventable. This includes sleeping disorders, dehydration, and malnourishment. They may have illnesses, such as urinary tract infections, but they may be unable to express the pain or pinpoint the problem.
For these reasons, it is vital to establish a relationship with a good dementia practitioner. Regular checkups will help the patient and caregiver know when underlying conditions are out of control, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. Dr. Randall can monitor medications to determine if the pharmaceutical regiment is helping or harming the patient.
A dementia diagnosis is easier when you have the help of a caring doctor. Call Dr. Randall at Innovative Family Health. Let’s face the challenges together.