Understanding Dementia
Defining Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms caused by diseases that damage brain cells and affect cognitive functioning. Dementia itself is not a disease. Rather, it is a term used to describe significant changes in memory, thinking, reasoning, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
Dementia specifically refers to cognitive changes that are not considered part of the normal aging process. While some mild changes in memory and processing speed can occur with age, dementia causes symptoms that interfere with a person's independence and daily life.
There are age-related cognitive changes that are considered normal. These may include occasionally forgetting where you placed your keys, missing a monthly payment, forgetting what day it is but remembering later, or struggling to find the right word from time to time.
However, some cognitive changes fall outside the scope of normal aging and may be signs of dementia. These can include difficulty managing finances, getting lost in familiar places, repeatedly asking the same questions, being unable to follow conversations, forgetting important dates or events, not knowing the current year or season, and misplacing items without being able to retrace steps to find them.
Many diseases fall under the umbrella of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, and mixed dementia.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
Symptoms vary depending on the type of dementia and the areas of the brain affected. Common symptoms may include:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Difficulty solving problems or making decisions
Confusion about time or place
Trouble following conversations
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Poor judgment
Changes in mood or personality
Increased anxiety, depression, or apathy
Difficulty finding the right words
Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps
Withdrawal from hobbies, work, or social activities
Not everyone living with dementia will experience the same symptoms, and symptoms often change as the disease progresses.
IADLs and ADLs
As dementia progresses, individuals often begin to experience difficulty performing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
IADLs are tasks that allow a person to live independently within the community. These tasks are often affected during the earlier stages of dementia and may include:
Managing finances
Taking medications correctly
Cooking and meal preparation
Shopping
Transportation and driving
Managing appointments
Housekeeping and laundry
Using technology and communication devices
In the earlier stages of dementia, many individuals can still perform most IADLs independently. As the disease progresses, families often notice increasing difficulties in these areas.
As dementia advances further, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) become affected. ADLs are basic self-care tasks and include:
Bathing
Dressing
Grooming
Toileting
Walking and mobility
Eating
As a person's disease progresses and they lose the ability to perform ADLs independently, they often require increasing levels of hands-on assistance and supervision.
How Dementia Care Navigators Can Help
A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming for both the person living with dementia and their loved ones. Families are often left wondering what to expect, how to keep their loved one safe, what resources are available, and how to plan for the future.
Dementia care navigators provide education, guidance, and personalized support throughout the dementia journey. They help families understand the disease process, anticipate future challenges, and develop practical strategies for managing daily life.
A dementia care navigator may help by:
Providing education about dementia and disease progression
Conducting comprehensive assessments and creating individualized care plans
Offering strategies for responding to dementia-related behaviors
Identifying home safety concerns and recommending solutions
Connecting families with community resources and support services
Helping caregivers reduce stress and prevent burnout
Assisting with future care planning and decision-making
Providing ongoing support as needs change over time
Navigating dementia can be challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. With the right education, support, and resources, families can feel more confident and prepared for the road ahead.
To schedule your free 30-minute consultation with a Certified Dementia Care Navigator, call or text 619-478-7003 or email trisha@earnestadvocacy.com.
