[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-dementia-in-a-parent\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-dementia-in-a-parent\/","headline":"How to Deal with Dementia in a Parent","name":"How to Deal with Dementia in a Parent","description":"Perhaps you\u2019ve seen the signs, and you suspect your parent might be developing some form of Dementia. If this is […]","datePublished":"2024-05-02","dateModified":"2024-12-17","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"Developer","url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Fox Trail Memory Care","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","width":474,"height":250}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/HOPE.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/HOPE.png","width":432,"height":130},"url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-dementia-in-a-parent\/","about":["dementia"],"wordCount":956,"articleBody":"Perhaps you\u2019ve seen the signs, and you suspect your parent might be developing some form of Dementia. If this is the case, life may begin changing for you and your loved one. Some tips for dealing with Dementia in a parent include educating yourself, planning for the future, staying connected, being patient, and, of course, remembering to take care of yourself.Remember that Dementia, or one of its related conditions, must be diagnosed by a healthcare provider, so that\u2019s the first step before getting too concerned. But appointments with your loved one\u2019s doctor are a great chance for you to begin educating yourself. Plus, keep reading this blog to find out a little bit more about Dementia so you can be better equipped to help your parent.What Is Dementia?Dementia is a set of symptoms caused by certain diseases or disorders. The most common cause of Dementia is Alzheimer\u2019s disease, accounting for about 60-80% of all Dementia cases. Alzheimer\u2019s is a progressive disease that causes the brain to shrink and affects memory, thinking, and behavior.Other common types of Dementia include vascular Dementia, Lewy body Dementia, and frontotemporal Dementia. Each type of Dementia has its unique symptomology and can vary in the way it progresses.Symptoms of DementiaSome common signs of Dementia include:Memory lossDifficulty completing familiar tasksPoor judgmentChanges in personality and moodLanguage problemsForgetting recent events or new informationAsking the same things repeatedlyDecreasing ability for rational thinking and conversationsIt\u2019s important to note that these symptoms are often subtle and may not present themselves all at once, and they may vary between individuals. But it\u2019s essential to seek medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms in your loved one. A doctor can diagnose Dementia by conducting a series of tests, including cognitive and memory tests, physical exams, and brain scans.Is There a Cure for Dementia?Currently, there\u2019s no cure for Dementia or any way to reverse it. However, research is ongoing to find cures for Dementia-causing diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s disease, frontotemporal Dementia, and Dementia with Lewy bodies. While we don\u2019t have a cure yet, some treatments can help manage the symptoms of Dementia.Medications such as donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne ER) are often used. These drugs are primarily used to treat Alzheimer\u2019s disease, but they can also be beneficial for other types of Dementia. There\u2019s also memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, which is used for severe cases.How to Deal with Dementia in a ParentThere isn\u2019t a single best way to cope with Dementia. A Dementia diagnosis will typically result in some significant changes in your loved one\u2019s and your life. So, let\u2019s explore a few ways you and your parent can manage the changes.Educate YourselfThe first step in helping your parent deal with Dementia is to educate yourself on the condition. Learn about the different types of Dementia and their symptoms, as well as how they can affect your parent\u2019s day-to-day life. Understanding the disease\u2019s progression can help you anticipate changes in your parent\u2019s behavior and plan accordingly.It may also be helpful to speak with your parent\u2019s doctor or a Dementia specialist to better understand their case.Be PatientDealing with a parent who has Dementia can be frustrating, but it\u2019s important to remember that their behavior is not intentional. Your parent may forget important information, become disoriented, or repeat stories over and over again. Be patient with them, and try to avoid getting frustrated if they have difficulty remembering something or performing a task. Instead, offer gentle reminders and focus on helping them feel comfortable and safe.Stay ConnectedAs your parent\u2019s Dementia progresses, they may become increasingly isolated from friends and family members. Interestingly enough, research links social isolation to an increased risk of developing Dementia, so this isolation certainly won\u2019t help if your loved one is already experiencing Dementia.It\u2019s important to make an effort to stay connected and engaged with them. Plan regular visits or phone calls, and try to involve your parent in activities they enjoy.Plan for the FutureYour parent may need increasing levels of care and support as the Dementia progresses. It\u2019s important to plan for the future and make arrangements for their care. This may include hiring a caregiver, enrolling them in an adult day care program, or eventually moving them into a memory care community. These decisions can be difficult, but it\u2019s important to involve your parent in the decision-making process and be open to their desires and preferences.Take Care of YourselfDealing with a parent who has Dementia can be emotionally and physically draining. It\u2019s important to take care of yourself during this time as well. Make time to relax, recharge, and seek support from friends and family or a support group. Remember that you are not alone, and resources are available to help you navigate this difficult time. For example, respite care may be a good option if you are your parent\u2019s primary caregiver and need a break for any reason.A New Home & Proper SupportDementia can make for a trying time for older parents and their children. But it doesn\u2019t have to be a problem. Communities exist that specialize in ensuring that people with cognitive function problems like Dementia get the support they need in their daily lives.Give us a call today at Fox Trail Memory Care. Our compassionate team is happy to give you a tour to see the care and life your senior parent can expect in our community."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Deal with Dementia in a Parent","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-dementia-in-a-parent\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]