What Are the Physical Effects of Dementia on Patients?

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes symptoms affecting cognitive and social abilities, memory, and daily functioning. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia and is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.  

Patients with dementia often require specialized care and support that can be difficult to provide in a home setting. Memory care facilities in Elgin are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of individuals diagnosed with dementia by providing residents with a safe and supportive environment.

How Does Dementia Affect Patients Physically?

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s is considered the most common type of dementia, accounting for 80% of its cases. The most obvious symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering recent events. They will have a hard time recalling a conversation that happened minutes ago.  

The likelihood of developing Alzheimer's can vary depending on several factors, including age, genetics, and lifestyle. The disease is most commonly diagnosed in individuals over 65, and the risk of developing the disease increases with age.  

Why Should Family Members Learn About the Disease?

As a family member of someone who has been diagnosed with the condition, it is essential to learn about the condition for several reasons:

• To Provide the Care and Support They Need

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. As the condition advances, the individuals will likely require increasing levels of care and support. By knowing the disease and its symptoms, you can provide them with the appropriate care and support. In addition, it also helps you identify and anticipate future needs.

• Allow You to Plan Ahead

With Alzheimer's disease advancing, it's critical to plan for the future as the individual's needs change. Family members can make informed decisions about care options, legal and financial issues, and end-of-life planning by understanding the disease.

• Help Improve Communication

One of the challenges of caring for Alzheimer's patients is communication. Understanding the disease condition can help you communicate with your loved ones more effectively. Studies show that communication will help preserve the connection and significantly reduce stress for you and your loved ones.  

• Increase Awareness

Many family members of patients with dementia do not have an in-depth understanding of the disease. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s can be stigmatized and misunderstood. When you make an effort to learn about it, it will increase awareness and reduce stigma. Knowing more about the condition will help you provide better treatment and care.

What Are the Physical Effects of Alzheimer’s?

Even though the disease affects the brain, it can still impact the patient’s physical body. The effect varies depending on the stage of the disease and the individual’s overall health. Some of the physical effects of dementia are the following:  

1. Loss of coordination and mobility: As dementia progresses, individuals may experience a decline in their ability to coordinate movements, resulting in difficulty with activities such as walking, standing, and balance. This can increase the risk of falls, injuries, and hospitalizations.

2. Difficulty with activities of daily living: Dementia can impact an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding themselves. As the disease progresses, the individual may require increasing assistance with these activities.

3. Sleep disturbances: Individuals with dementia may experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia, frequent waking at night, and daytime drowsiness. This can impact overall physical health and increase the risk of falls and injuries.

4. Weight loss and malnutrition: Individuals with dementia may experience changes in appetite and eating habits, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. This can increase the risk of infection, illness, and other health complications.

5. Incontinence: Dementia can impact an individual's ability to control their bladder and bowel movements, resulting in incontinence. This can lead to skin irritation, infections, and a decline in overall physical health.

6. Sensory impairment: As dementia progresses, individuals may experience a decline in sensory abilities, including vision and hearing. This can impact communication, socialization, and overall quality of life.

7. Swallowing difficulties: Individuals with dementia may experience difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia. This can increase the risk of choking, aspiration, and pneumonia.

8. The decline in overall physical health: Dementia can impact an individual's overall physical health, leading to a decline in immune function, an increased risk of infections, and a decline in functional abilities.

9. Wandering and physical agitation: In some cases, individuals with dementia may experience behavioral and psychological symptoms, including physical agitation and wandering. This can increase the risk of injuries, falls, and accidents.

10. Comorbid conditions: Individuals with dementia may also be at an increased risk of developing other physical health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Overall, the physical effects of dementia on individuals can be significant and impact overall health, well-being, and daily functioning. Caregivers, healthcare professionals, and family members need to understand and manage these effects to provide appropriate care and support to those with dementia.

How Can Memory Care Help Your Loved Ones?

Memory care is a specialized type of care designed for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Memory care can provide a range of benefits for individuals with dementia and their families, including:

• A Safe and Secure Environment

Memory care facilities offer a safe environment for patients with dementia. The facilities typically have secured entrances and exits, as well as specialized programming and staffing to ensure the safety of residents.

• 24/7 Care

Patients will receive 24/7 care and support from trained staff experienced in caring for individuals with dementia. This can include assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and specialized care for behavioral and psychological symptoms.

• Special Program

These facilities often provide specialized programming designed to meet the unique needs and abilities of individuals with dementia. This can include cognitive stimulation activities, sensory-based programming, and other forms of therapeutic intervention.

• Socialization

Memory care facilities provide opportunities for socialization and engagement with others, which can help reduce isolation and depression and improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia.

• Family Support

A memory care facility can support families and caregivers of dementia patients. Examples of support they receive are education, counseling, and support groups to help families manage the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.

• Respite Care

Memory care facilities may also offer respite care services to provide temporary relief for family caregivers. This can allow caregivers to take a break and attend to other responsibilities or recharge before returning to their caregiving duties.

Looking for Reliable Memory Care in Elgin?

Memory care can provide a wide range of benefits for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families, including a safe and secure environment, 24/7 care and support, specialized programming, socialization and engagement, family support, and respite care. These services can help improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia and provide peace of mind for their family members.  

At Senior Living Experts, we want to help you find the best place for your loved ones with memory problems. We offer assistance in the selection process. We also offer the experience and knowledge we’ve gained throughout the years. Contact us to get started.