What is Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that
interferes with daily life. It affects memory, thinking, problem-solving, language, and
the ability to perform everyday tasks. While aging is a significant risk factor,
dementia is not a normal part of aging.
There are several types of dementia, with each having distinct causes and symptoms.
Below are the four major types of dementia
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for about
60-80% of cases. Early symptoms include memory loss, difficulty in finding
words, and disorientation. Over time, individuals may experience severe
cognitive decline, mood changes, and difficulty performing basic tasks.
Vascular Dementia
This type of dementia occurs due to reduced blood flow to the brain, often
following strokes or damage to blood vessels. It often coexists with other types
of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, in a condition called mixed dementia.
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies
that disrupt brain function. Symptoms include fluctuations in alertness, visual
hallucinations, and Parkinsonian features like tremors and stiffness.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain,
which are responsible for behaviour, language, and personality. Symptoms include
changes in personality, impulsivity, and difficulty with language or speech. FTD
often develops at a younger age (40-65 years) compared to other types of
dementia.
Understanding the type of dementia is essential for tailoring treatment and care
to improve the quality of life for those affected.
Prevalence of Dementia
Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among older adults,
significantly impacting individuals, families, and healthcare systems.
The prevalence increases sharply with age, affecting approximately 5-8% of people aged
60 and older worldwide. However, it is not confined to older populations, as early-onset
dementia can occur in individuals under 65, though it is less common. Women are
disproportionately affected, representing nearly two-thirds of dementia cases globally,
partly due to their longer life expectancy.
The fastest growth in cases is occurring in low- and middle-income countries, where
awareness and healthcare resources are often limited. In these regions, cultural stigma
and lack of specialized care further exacerbate the challenges.
Impact of dementia on caregivers
A significant portion of caregivers for individuals with dementia are family members,
with spouses and children being the primary caregivers. A study on dementia caregivers
in India found that over 50% of caregivers reported experiencing significant emotional
and physical stress.Caring for someone with dementia can have a profound emotional, physical, and
financial impact on caregivers. Emotionally, caregivers often experience stress, anxiety, and depression as they
navigate the challenges of providing constant support, especially as the
condition progresses. The behavioural changes in individuals with dementia, such as aggression,
confusion, or withdrawal, can lead to frustration and feelings of helplessness. Physically, the demanding nature of caregiving—ranging from assisting with daily
tasks to managing medical needs—can cause fatigue, sleep disturbances, and
health problems in caregivers themselves. Financially, the cost of medications, professional assistance, and lost income
from reduced work hours adds a significant burden. Socially, caregivers may face isolation as their responsibilities limit time for
personal relationships and activities. Despite these challenges, many caregivers also report feelings of fulfilment and
a deep sense of purpose in supporting their loved ones. Recognizing their needs
and providing appropriate support, such as respite care and counselling, is
essential to ensure their well-being.
Why Prayatna rehab?
The services offered by Prayatna Rehab is aimed at helping patients with dementia maintain their independence, improve their quality of life, and manage symptoms more effectively. Through Prayatna Rehab, you are provided access to services provide by experienced professionals such as
Geriatricians are medical doctors specializing in the care of older adults. They play a
critical role in diagnosing and managing dementia by conducting comprehensive assessments to
differentiate it from other age-related conditions. They also oversee the overall health of
individuals with dementia, addressing comorbidities and coordinating care plans tailored to
the patient’s needs.
Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system, including the brain. They are
often involved in diagnosing dementia through advanced diagnostic tools such as brain
imaging and neurological exams. Neurologists help identify the specific type of dementia,
monitor its progression, and manage symptoms like seizures or motor impairments that may
arise.
Psychiatrists address the mental health challenges associated with dementia, such as
depression, anxiety, and psychosis. They evaluate behavioural and emotional symptoms,
prescribing medications or therapies to help manage mood changes, aggression, and other
psychiatric complications, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Social workers assist families in navigating the challenges of dementia. They connect
patients and caregivers to community resources, such as respite care or financial aid.
Social workers act as a liaison between all the different professionals to ensure the
wellbeing of the patient and their family.
Clinical psychologists focus on cognitive and emotional aspects of dementia. They conduct
cognitive assessments to monitor the progression of the disease and provide psychological
support to both patients and their families. They also use therapeutic interventions, such
as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), to help patients cope with the emotional impact of
the diagnosis.
Occupational therapists help individuals with dementia maintain independence by teaching
strategies to perform daily tasks. They modify home environments to enhance safety and
provide adaptive tools to make activities easier. Their interventions improve quality of
life and reduce caregiver burden.
Speech therapists address communication difficulties and swallowing issues that arise in
dementia. They provide exercises and strategies to improve language skills and help patients
maintain the ability to express themselves. For advanced stages, they assist in ensuring
safe eating practices.
Services offered by Prayatna are:
- Conduct a comprehensive intake interview with the individual and their caregivers to identify primary concerns, challenges, and goals.
- Assess the individual's medical, psychological, social, and environmental needs, as well as the caregiver's capacity and needs.
- Provide initial support and guidance and signposting to address immediate concerns.
- Occupational Therapist: Evaluate functional abilities, daily living skills, and the need for assistive devices or home modifications.
- Psychologist: Assess cognitive abilities, mood, and behavioral concerns to develop appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Speech and Language Pathologist: Address communication challenges, swallowing difficulties, or memory-related issues.
- Physiotherapist: Evaluate mobility, balance, and physical activity needs to prevent falls and maintain physical health.
- Refer to medical professionals (e.g., neurologists, geriatricians) for diagnosis confirmation or medication management.
- Engage dietitians for nutritional support if eating habits are affected.
- Liaise with legal and financial advisors to address advance care planning, power of attorney, and estate management, if needed.
Develop an individualized care plan that includes:
- A structured daily routine and activity schedule tailored to the individual's cognitive and physical abilities.
- Recommendations for architectural or home modifications to ensure safety (e.g., handrails, adequate lighting).
- Social engagement activities to reduce isolation and improve quality of life.
- Stress management techniques for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
- Share the finalized plan and assessment report with the consultant Geriatrician or Neurologist to ensure alignment with the overall medical and therapeutic management of the individual.
- Train caregivers on implementing the social care plan, managing behavioral issues, and using assistive devices effectively.
- Provide education on the progression of dementia and coping strategies.
- Offer access to support groups and respite care services to prevent caregiver burnout.
- Schedule regular follow-ups every three months (or as needed) to review and update the care plan based on the individual’s changing needs.
- Conduct reassessments with allied health professionals to ensure the interventions remain effective.
- Gather feedback from caregivers to address any challenges they face in implementing the care plan.