
Dementia is the umbrella term under which various diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s fall, and negatively affect a person’s cognitive functions including memory, language and problem solving abilities. This can be very challenging for the person living with dementia and their loved ones.
Christelle Klopper, Coordinator of Elderly and Disability Care Services at Badisa, emphasises the importance of understanding the condition: “To care for someone with dementia or to better understand the condition, it’s important to gain knowledge. This helps you to support them more effectively on their journey through a new world.”
In this article, Christelle shares some practical tips to help you support those living with dementia.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a group of symptoms that negatively impacts memory, language, problem-solving, reasoning, attention, and logical thinking. Dementia is an umbrella term for several conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Vascular dementia, Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (alcohol-related dementia), to name a few.
Early signs and symptoms of dementia
Have your loved one visit their doctor if you suspect the following early signs and symptoms:
- Memory loss: the person struggles to remember recent events and frequently misplaces items like keys.
- General confusion and problems with planning and decision-making.
- Communication difficulties: the person has trouble finding the right words to express themselves and following conversations.
- Disorientation: the person easily gets lost, even in familiar places.
- Vision problems: the person finds it hard to judge distances or understand what they see.
- Emotional changes: the person shows signs of anxiety, depression, and withdraws from social activities.
Challenges faced by people living with dementia
People living with dementia may experience several challenges, including language difficulties, making it especially hard to communicate in a second language. Chronic conditions like hearing or speech problems can further complicate communication, requiring extra support and understanding from loved ones.
“Listen more and talk less – this is key to connecting with a person living with dementia.”
Christelle Klopper
Communicating with a person living with dementia
Communication becomes more difficult as dementia progresses. Here are tips to improve communication:
- Be patient: use short sentences and simple language. Allow time for responses.
- Use non-verbal cues: make eye contact and use gentle touch.
- Avoid correction: don’t argue over details like days and dates. Focus on a calm, reassuring tone.
- Encourage conversations: talk about familiar memories and listen empathetically.
- Create a calm environment: avoid over stimulating surroundings, reduce distractions, and keep the atmosphere relaxed.
Activities for people with dementia
Daily activities can improve the well-being of someone with dementia. Focus on what they can do, such as:
- Playing music for dancing or light exercise.
- Doing simple tasks like folding towels or socks.
- Stimulating the senses with spices like anise or textures like velvet, which they can smell or feel (e.g., sensory blankets).
- Playing with beach balls/balloons or blowing bubbles for safe enjoyment.
- Doing simple crafts.
- Taking a walk outside for fresh air and sunlight.
For more information or to learn more about Badisa’s services to older persons and those living with disabilities, visit www.badisa.org.za.