A dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean your senior loved one only has a short time left to live. Instead, many people with dementia go on to live for many years, which means you still have time to enjoy many happy moments together. Your loved one’s physician is the best person to help you understand how long your loved one may live with the health condition, but understanding the general amount of time people live with dementia allows you to find strategies that may extend your loved one’s life.
Consider the Type of Dementia Your Loved One Has
There are several different types of dementia, and each one may progress at a different rate compared to others. For instance, people with Alzheimer’s-related dementia live an average of four to eight years after their diagnosis. However, some people may live for an additional 20 years or even more. A person with vascular dementia could live for many years as well, provided he or she receives care to prevent strokes and damage to the blood vessels.
Try to Identify Dementia as Early as Possible
In many cases, dementia is treatable with medications and lifestyle changes. Identifying dementia as soon as possible helps your loved one start treatment before there’s more damage to the brain. Make sure to watch for signs of dementia, such as increased confusion or memory lapses. The doctor may test your parent for dementia and make an accurate diagnosis using imaging and other assessments. If your loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, the doctor will provide a treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause and may extend your loved one’s life.
If your loved one develops dementia, he or she may need a higher level of care than a family member is able to provide. Caring for a senior with dementia may be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Columbus families may rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
Provide Mental Stimulation to Reduce Symptoms
Dementia is typically a chronic disorder, although some seniors might experience a temporary form due to illness or medication. If your loved one has chronic dementia, you may reduce the symptoms by providing opportunities to develop his or her cognitive skills. Caregivers often use brain games, such as puzzles and memory tests, to help seniors with dementia retain their ability to think clearly.
Protect Your Loved One from Brain Injuries
Seniors with dementia are more likely to experience rapid progression of their health condition if they receive injuries to their brains. Prevent falls that could cause your loved one to hit his or her head by arranging for someone to help out during the day. Your loved one might also benefit from medication management to prevent an accidental overdose that could impact his or her brain health.
Seniors may face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which may be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality homecare services. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Plan for Long-Term Care
Modern medicine has made it possible for people with dementia to live for many years, which means your loved one will likely need care eventually. The final stages of dementia may make it difficult for seniors to prepare their meals, bathe, and keep up with housekeeping tasks. Planning now for who will take care of your loved one makes it easier to transition to these more challenging stages.
It may be challenging for family caregivers to manage their loved ones’ physical and cognitive needs, and professional caregivers are a valuable resource. Families looking for top-rated Columbus at-home care providers may reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we may make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 614-678-5887.
