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Some people with dementia also experience hallucinations that can lead to paranoia, extreme anxiety and panic. , who need to make sure they ask for help from an understanding family member, a friend, a professional or a support group.

There is a difference between memory loss as a normal part of ageing and the memory changes seen as a symptom of dementia. Normal forgetfulness may include misplacing the car keys or walking into the kitchen and forgetting why you went there. The person with dementia may lose the car keys and then forget what they are used for.

Memory loss in a person with dementia is persistent and progressive (it continues to get worse), not just occasional. It may affect a person’s ability to continue to work or carry out familiar tasks. It may mean having difficulty finding the way home.

Eventually, it may mean forgetting how to dress or how to bathe. The loss of memory can progress and affect memory of: stored knowledge – over time, the person loses known information such as historical or political information everyday skills – the person progressively loses the capacity to perform tasks such as dressing and cooking.

Some key points about normal forgetfulness include:

  • As we get older
  • the most common change that we complain about is memory change

Memory change associated with healthy ageing doesn’t interfere with everyday life in any dramatic way. Everyone is different and the effect of getting older on memory is different for each person. Research suggests that while you do lose some nerve connections in the brain, it is possible to grow new nerves and to maintain the functions you have by exercising your mind.

Research also suggests that immediate memory and lifetime memory do not change as we get older. A number of practical suggestions that can help carers to manage memory loss in people with dementia include:

  • avoiding stressful situations – providing emotional support
  • reducing background noise
  • exercise can all help to reduce stress
  • improve memory maintaining a regular routine – keeping to a routine can help with a sense of security
  • reduce confusion trying memory aids – using memory aids like lists
  • diaries clear written instructions can help if the person with dementia is happy to use them

Depression makes it harder for a person with dementia to remember things and enjoy their life.

Depressive symptoms have been reported to occur in approximately 40 to 50 per cent of people with Alzheimer’s disease. People in long-term residential care appear to be particularly at risk of depression. Other things that may contribute to a person’s depression include:

  • environmental factors
  • such as the inability to screen out unwanted stimulation like loud noises

Depression may make it harder for a person with dementia to remember things and enjoy their life. It can also add to the difficulty of caring for someone with dementia. It can be very difficult to know if a person with dementia is depressed.

Because many of the symptoms of dementia and depression are alike, it can be difficult to tell the difference. Some of the typical signs of depression in dementia are:

  • increased confusion. If you suspect that depression may be affecting a person with dementia
  • speak with the person’s doctor
  • who will be able to carry out a thorough examination to rule out other medical problems

Medication such as an antidepressant may be prescribed and can be very helpful in improving the symptoms of depression.

It may also improve appetite and sleep problems

The doctor can also arrange for any appropriate referrals or for specialised psychiatric assessment. Treatment can significantly improve the person’s mood and their ability to participate in activities.

It is important to investigate and treat depression, whenever it is suspected

Antidepressants can have side effects that should be discussed with the doctor before treatment is started.

If it causes side effects, the medication may need to be changed

If the medication is ineffective, it should not be continued.

Usually, a trial of at least two weeks of treatment is necessary to tell how useful the medication is going to be. Some suggestions for dealing with depression in a person with dementia include:

  • Try to keep a daily routine for the person with dementia. Incorporate daily exercise
  • because this has been proven to have a positive impact on symptoms of depression

Limit the amount of noise and activity in the environment if this causes a problem.

This will help avoid overstimulation

Large group situations can make some people feel worse, while others may benefit from the stimulation of a busy, active gathering. It is important to know what the person has enjoyed in the past, because it is likely that similar activities will still appeal. Have a realistic expectation of what the person can do.

Expecting too much can make both the person with dementia and the carer feel frustrated and upset. Be aware of when the person is usually least tired and do any important tasks at that time.

Be positive

Frequent praise will help both the person with dementia and the carer feel better. Include the person in conversation to the extent that they feel comfortable. People with dementia sometimes experience a range of conditions in which they do not experience things as they really are.

Although hallucinations and delusions are imaginary, they seem very real to the person experiencing them and can cause extreme anxiety, paranoia and even panic. Some people can also misidentify other people or themselves.

For example, they might feel frightened when they cannot recognise their reflection in the mirror.

Speak with the person’s doctor about potential medications. Antipsychotic medications sometimes used to treat these disorders can have side effects such as stiffness, shakiness or drowsiness. Newer antipsychotic medications have fewer side effects, but can still cause drowsiness.

Sometimes, where delusions and hallucinations are causing a major problem, a trial of a medication may be appropriate. Things that you can do to help manage hallucinations and false ideas in dementia include:

  • Do not argue – it is better to acknowledge that the person may be frightened by the delusions

Do not scold the person for losing objects or hiding things.

Investigate suspicions to check their accuracy

Attempt to distract the person if possible

Try to respond to the underlying feelings that may be at the bottom of the statements that the person makes.

Controlling the environment of the person with dementia can also help

For example, try to maintain a familiar environment and routines, increase the lighting around the house and use night-lights.

Some hallucinations and false ideas can be ignored if they are harmless and do not cause the person to become agitated. Do not take accusations personally and be aware that the person is not able to control this behaviour. Dealing with dementia-related behaviours day in and day out is not easy.

It is essential that you seek support for yourself from an understanding family member, a friend, a professional or a support group.

Remember that you are not alone

Telephone advice, assessment, intervention, education and specialised support are available 24 hours a day. , Dementia United States Tel.

A major symptom of dementia is memory loss

If depression Changes in the mental health of the person with dementia can be very difficult for carers Memory loss and dementia events – the person may forget part or all of an event words or names – the

  • person progressively forgets words names of people things written
  • verbal directions – the person progressively loses the ability to follow directions stories on TV
  • in movies or books – the person progressively loses the ability to follow stories Normal forgetfulness Managing memory changes in dementia Depression
  • dementia the side effects of medication reaction to a diagnosis
  • the perceived impact on lifestyle physical illness social isolation tiredness Symptoms of depression in dementia loss of interest
  • pleasure in previously enjoyed activities lack of energy poor sleep loss of appetite
  • weight expressing feelings of worthlessness
  • sadness being unusually emotional tearful angry or agitated Treatment for depression in dementia Managing depression in dementia Dementia
  • hallucinations false ideas Support for families carers of people with dementia Dementia United States offers support
  • information education care workers

Key Points

  • Normal forgetfulness may include misplacing the car keys or walking into the kitchen and forgetting why you went there
  • person with dementia may lose the car keys and then forget what they are used for
  • Depressive symptoms have been reported to occur in approximately 40 to 50 per cent of people with Alzheimer’s disease
  • People in long-term residential care appear to be particularly at risk of depression
  • Because many of the symptoms of dementia and depression are alike, it can be difficult to tell the difference