Dementia FAQs

Dementia is a general term for loss of cognitive function. This can affect memory, thinking, personality, movement, mood, sleep, and other brain functions. It is not a single disease, but rather a group of symptoms that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions.

The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for about 60-80% of cases. Other common causes of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that the symptoms get worse over time. There is no cure for dementia, but at-home care services can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

Alzheimer's disease is not strictly hereditary, but there is a genetic component to the disease. About 5-10% of cases of Alzheimer's disease are caused by mutations in genes that are known to increase the risk of the disease. However, there is no guarantee that if you have these genes you will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

The other forms of dementia are not as well-understood as Alzheimer's disease, but there is some evidence that they may also have a genetic component. For example, people with a family history of vascular dementia are more likely to develop the disease themselves.

However, it is important to remember that genetics is not the only factor that contributes to dementia. Other risk factors include age, lifestyle, and environmental factors, such as:

• Depression, loneliness, and isolation
• Lack of a nutritious diet and exercise routine
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• Previous head trauma
• Smoking & tobacco use
• Exposure to air pollution
• Heart disease & diabetes

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Dementia is a general term for loss of cognitive function, while Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia.

Dementia is a progressive condition that can affect memory, thinking, personality, and behavior. It is not a single disease, but rather a group of symptoms that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for about 60-80% of cases. It is a neurodegenerative disease, which means that it causes neurons in the brain to perish. This damage leads to the progressive loss of cognitive function.

There are many signs of dementia, and not everyone will experience them all. However, some of the most common signs and symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss: This is the most common symptom of dementia. People with dementia may forget recent events, names, or faces.
• Trouble thinking and problem-solving: People with dementia may have difficulty planning, organizing, or making decisions.
• Changes in personality and behavior: People with dementia may become withdrawn, irritable, or aggressive. They may also have trouble controlling their emotions.
• Changes in language: People with dementia may have difficulty finding the right words or understanding what others are saying.
• Changes in movement: People with dementia may have difficulty walking, balancing, or coordinating their movements.
• Changes in sleep: People with dementia may have trouble sleeping at night or may sleep too much during the day.

If you’re concerned about a friend or family member that you love, download our free guide to learn more about getting a formal diagnosis and finding the best care!

The progression of dementia varies depending on the type of dementia. For example, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can lead to rapid decline, often within a year, while Alzheimer's disease may have a moderate stage that can last for years. Other subtypes have complex progressions and stages that are difficult to define clearly.

At Your Side Home Care’s DementiaWise® program follows the Alzheimer's Association's three-stage classification of dementia:

• Mild (Early Stage): People with mild dementia are still able to live independently, but they may need some assistance with safety-related tasks.
• Moderate (Middle Stage): People with moderate dementia experience increased challenges, and they may become aware of the changes happening to them. They may also experience emotional changes.
• Severe (Late Stage): People with severe dementia require full assistance with all activities of daily living. They may be bed-bound or chair-bound and have limited to no communication.

Specialized care interventions can help maximize quality of life for people with dementia. DementiaWise® equips caregivers with evidence-based strategies that help them focus on each client's remaining abilities at each stage of the disease.

At Your Side Home Care’s DementiaWise® program offers specialized, empowering dementia care services, elevating the quality of life for clients and families. Focused on supporting and enhancing clients' remaining abilities, we provide exceptional personal care right in the comfort of home.

Recognized by the Alzheimer's Association for its evidence-based strategies, DementiaWise® training enables our caregivers to share valuable insights with family members. That way, they can make the best care decisions for their loved ones. With this care:

• People with dementia can safely remain at home throughout all stages of the disease
• Challenging behaviors are minimized through redirection
• Clients experience increased peace and acceptance of care
• Family members find reduced stress and more enjoyable time with their loved ones

People with dementia have unique care requirements, but they can continue to live at home as the disease progresses. In fact, even extending their stay at home by six to twelve months can have benefits for both individuals and families.

In-home care for dementia and Alzheimer's provides several benefits, including:

• Fall prevention and enhanced safety
• Establishment or maintenance of familiar daily routines
• Support in maintaining healthy eating habits through meal preparation
• Access to community support groups and resources for families

At Your Side Home Care are experts in the progression of dementia and modify our plans accordingly to meet changing needs. Our goal is to enable clients to stay at home for as long as possible, ensuring your loved one feels a sense of belonging and comfort, no matter their location.

We understand that caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. That's why we offer a variety of in-home care services that can help you provide the best possible care. Our team of experienced caregivers is trained to provide individualized care that meets the specific needs of each client. We also offer a variety of support services for families, such as respite care.

If you are considering in-home care for your loved one with dementia, we encourage you to contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have.