Watching a loved one’s memory slowly deteriorate as a result of worsening dementia is a truly heartbreaking ordeal to suffer through. When you are also responsible for your loved one’s daily care, the job can seem utterly overwhelming. There are a few things that caretakers of individuals with dementia should keep in mind to help them through the experience. First, understand that aggressive changes in behavior and high irritability levels are very common symptoms associated with dementia, so if your relationship with your loved one has grown more combative, it is simply the disease rather than anything personal. Individuals with dementia will become easily disoriented and confused. Caregivers can assist them best by keeping things as visually oriented and simple as possible. Dementia will also impair one’s ability to make decisions and proper judgements. Caregivers should take care to protect their loved one as needed, but they should also focus on helping self-esteem and self-confidence levels.

Key Takeaways:

• If you have an aging parent or loved one who is starting to decline cognitively, there are some steps you can take to help them.
• Provide your memory impaired loved one with pleasant reminders when necessary, which may help with their sporadic mood swings and irritation.
• When explaining something to your aging loved one, be brief and direct to prevent confusion.

“You’re not as powerless as you might think! There are things you can do to help your aging loved one be happy, safe and as independent as possible.”

Read more: http://www.thediaryofanalzheimerscaregiver.com/dementia-care-3-tips-dealing-memory-problems/