It seems that the only way to preserve cognitive skills in dementia is with the help of complex exercises under the supervision of a doctor. Of course, medical care is important, but even simple household tasks can benefit the patient. It is also a great way to keep the connection between us and a loved one who suffers from this condition.
Dementia is a syndrome in which degradation of memory, thinking, behavior and ability to perform daily activities occurs. At the same time, Alzheimer’s disease becomes the most common cause of dementia in 60-70% of cases.
To date, there are no drugs that can cure dementia. All therapy is only aimed at postponing the inevitable decline of the mind. And therefore, literally the only key to the fight against the disease is early diagnosis, says neurologist Natalya Kuzmenko. “But, as practice shows, often the diagnosis is made late, the treatment is delayed. And the expectations of patients and relatives do not correspond to reality,” she notes.
A person with dementia is a physical, emotional and financial burden for his family members. In addition, the situation requires a complete restructuring of the usual way of life. But one should not assume that a person remains, as it were, outside the normal existence. We can do a lot to improve the lives of people with this disease, Kuzmenko is sure: “And this concerns social adaptation, maintaining the ability to self-service, training cognitive functions.”
Dementia is almost always accompanied by depression, so positive emotions, social and physical activity are especially important.
“When you select everyday activities for a patient, consider the facts of his biography: who he worked for, what he liked to do, what were the person’s hobbies and hobbies when he was healthy,” explains Natalya Kuzmenko.
- So, in the early stages, it can be cleaning the apartment, cooking, gardening. And on the later ones – shifting towels, buttons, performing other monotonous work.
- Sources of positive emotions:
– listening to your favorite music from the patient’s youth,
– drawing or coloring
– modeling, making paper crafts,
– singing (especially joint),
– visiting friends,
– walks in the park,
– trips to theaters and cinemas.
- In addition, it is necessary to encourage sports activities and physical exercises that are beneficial to the health of the patient. By the way, early rise and lack of daytime sleep also slow down the progression of dementia. The nature and difficulty of the exercises should be determined according to the individual’s condition.
- And visual aids are used to maintain the memory of an elderly relative. For example, photographs of family members with names can be placed in a conspicuous place so that the patient can constantly remind himself who is who. According to the same principle, “memory albums” can be made, says Kuzmenko.
- In the early stages of dementia, it is helpful to do mental exercises regularly. However, for their selection, it is better to contact a specialist. For example, you can suggest:
– pronounce and write down the names of ten animals, ten cities, ten professions;
– pronounce and write down as many words as possible that begin with the same letter of the alphabet;
– choose words with opposite meanings;
– try to compose a story based on a series of pictures;
– choose any long word and invite an elderly relative to make as many words as possible from the letters that make up this word.
It is worth noting that, starting from the moderate stage of dementia, patients become increasingly dependent on outside help, and they should no longer be left alone at home. On the Internet, you can find special recommendations developed by the World Health Organization for those caring for people with dementia.
About expert
Natalya Kuzmenko — neurologist, neuropsychologist at the Semeynaya clinic.