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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dementia
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This page is intended to
provide information and general advice on dementia to friends, family,
carers and patients offering practical ways of dealing with problems that
may arise. The questions and answers below cover some of the most common
questions asked when people visit Kingshill.
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To go straight to a question that interests you, click on the links below.
Alternatively, you can scroll down the page to look at all the questions.
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When was dementia first diagnosed?
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The word dementia has been
in use for at least 200 years. In 1874, Maudesley used the term 'dementia'
in relation to memory impairment. Alzheimer's disease was first described
by Alois Alzheimer, a German neurologist, in 1906.
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Why is diagnosis so important?
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A proper medical
diagnosis is needed whenever anyone develops dementia-like symptoms
and does not appear to be getting any better because:
- it can rule out the possibility
that the symptoms have a different, more easily treatable cause.
- it leads to the appropriate
care and treatment of a person with Alzheimer's disease or another
dementia.This includes access to the drugs currently available for
the treatment of Alzheimer's disease which are more effective in the
early stages.
- it opens the door to support
services for the person with dementia and those who care for him or
her, helping to make life easier.
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it allows family members,
friends and, whenever possible, sufferers themselves to make plans
for the future if Alzheimer's disease or another dementia is diagnosed.
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How long
does my relative have left?
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This will depend
on the type of dementia that has been diagnosed and how early the dementia
has been recognised. The course of the disease will also vary from patient
to patient. With Alzheimer's disease, as people are becoming more aware
of the symptoms and so are getting help earlier, the average survival
time is lengthening and can be 10 years or more from diagnosis.
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What shall
I tell my friends?
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Try to be as open and honest as possible with your friends. Most of
them will be very understanding and supportive. Occasionally people
find it difficult to know how to react to this news and may seem to
be less friendly. This is probably best avoided by letting your friends
know what is happening as soon as possible. They will then expect and
understand any changes that may occur.
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Should
I correct my friend / relative when he / she gets things wrong? It seems
to lead to arguments!
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It isn't always necessary
to correct a mistake and it may be easier for both of you to let it
go.
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My friend / relative used to be very easy going person but now he /
she seems to fly off the handle over every little thing.
Why is this?
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This is most likely a consequence of the disease. Many patients experience
frustration and personality changes - try not to take this personally
or be confrontational.
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I'm afraid
my friend / relative may try to leave the house when I'm not there and
may get lost. Should I lock him / her in the house?
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No. Locking someone inside
the house could be dangerous - if there was a fire they would not be
able to get out. It may be better to try and arrange for someone to
sit with him/her whilst you are out. A friend may be able to help or
voluntary groups in your area, such as the Alzheimer's
Society, may run a sitting service or will be able to advise on
the services available in your area.
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I want my friend/relative, who has dementia, to
carry on dressing him/herself for as long as possible. However, they
are finding it increasingly difficult. Can you suggest how I might be
able to make dressing easier for them?
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You are right to continue
to encourage your friend/relative to dress him/herself, as this will
help them to retain a sense of independence and self-esteem.
Ways in which you can help
include giving your friend/relative plenty of time, making sure that
the room is warm and laying their clothes out in the order in which
they need to put them on. You can also help by choosing clothes with
care. Neck openings should be generous, sleeves loose rather than tight
. Elastication or Velcro can ease problems with fastenings and slip
on shoes are also helpful.
If at all possible, do try
to continue to involve your friend/relative in choosing what they are
going to wear.
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How can I get my friend / relative to take a shower or change his /
her clothes?
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You may have to lower your standards a bit. Ask yourself 'is it necessary
to shower or bathe every day?' Taking away the dirty clothes when
the person has taken them off for a shower or to go to bed and laying
out fresh clothes for them to change into often helps.
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My friend / relative seems to have lost interest in going out or following
any hobbies. How
can I help?
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Previous interests may now seem too complicated, confusing or challenging
- this is a symptom of the disease.
Try introducing activities
which involve tasks that are repetitive and don't have too many components
e.g. helping with household chores such as dusting or peeling potatoes.
Simple sounding tasks can be very difficult, e.g. making a cup of tea,
which has many elements. However, the person may be able to complete
one part of a task such as getting the cups ready for a cup of tea.
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2002, 2003, 2004 Kingshill Research Centre
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This page was last updated on: 4
September 2002
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