Dementia is a condition that affects the memory, thinking, and social abilities of the person. These symptoms are enough to interfere with a person’s life, affecting how they live, interact with others, or move around. As they grow older, these symptoms increase and make their lives even more difficult. From carrying out daily activities to going out – every task becomes challenging.

Dementia and Its Symptoms

There are various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, etc., each with its own symptoms and challenges.

One of the often overlooked challenges is muscle loss dementia, a condition where cognitive decline is accompanied by gradual loss of muscle strength. This can complicate daily tasks and mobility for affected people.

All these physical changes and cognitive symptoms can affect the lives of both the caregiver and the patient.

Some common symptoms of dementia are –

  • Memory loss – it is the most common symptom in individuals affected by dementia. It causes the person to forget recent events, names, or recent conversations.
  • Confusion – those affected can get lost in familiar places and may struggle to recognize the faces of their loved ones.
  • Difficulty communicating – they may not find the right words to convey a message or may not be able to follow a conversation.
  • Decision making – people find it difficult to make decisions or understand situations
  • Behavior changes – they may become irritable, anxious, or suspicious and show frequent changes in behavior.

As these symptoms worsen, it can make it increasingly difficult for people to carry out daily tasks.

Dementia’s Effect on Daily Living

Dementia affects the functioning of the brain, which makes it hard for people to carry out tasks that were once easy for them to do.

Self-care tasks

  • Dementia can lead to challenges in personal hygiene and grooming
  • The person might forget to wash their hands or brush their teeth
  • They might need help with getting dressed, brushing their hair, or using the bathroom
  • Tasks like preparing meals can seem complicated to them
  • This may sometimes lead to unsafe situations, such as using the wrong appliances or forgetting to turn off the stove

Household management

  • Individuals with dementia may find it tough to manage a household
  • They may forget to pay bills or leave doors and windows open
  • Daily chores like laundry, and cleaning can feel overwhelming to them

Social life

  • As the cognitive abilities of the person decline, they feel isolated and withdrawn
  • They might forget the names of family members or may not hold conversations
  • These changes can affect their social life and lead to embarrassment due to forgetting things
  • This results in emotional distress, which might lead to anxiety or depression in dementia patients

Mobility Issues in Dementia

While dementia mainly affects cognitive functions, it also impacts physical abilities. People may go through trouble with balance, coordination, and motor skills, making it tough for them to move around.

  • Changes in movement and balance

May begin with having trouble walking. They may experience falls frequently and have difficulty standing up. Falls are a major concern and can lead to serious injuries in older people.

  • Reduced strength

Muscle strength also decreases in individuals, especially if they are less active. The decline in physical activity can cause muscle atrophy, which makes it harder to move around. The lack of physical activity can also affect the overall health of the person, leading to weakness and fatigue.

  • Impaired coordination

Dementia also causes difficulties with motor skills. Some tasks that require coordination, like writing or tying shoes, can become difficult for the patients. Therefore, they may need assistance with these activities.

Risks Associated with Mobility Issues

The physical limitations caused by dementia can lead to several risks.

  • Lack of balance and frequent falls make it difficult to navigate even familiar spaces
  • As mobility issues worsen, patients may become more dependent on others for help with walking, getting out of bed, or getting around the house. This may lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.
  • Limited mobility also leads to reduced social interaction. People find it difficult to leave the house or participate in social activities. This isolation contributes to feelings of anxiety, worsening the quality of life.

Helping Older Adults with Dementia

Despite the challenges that dementia brings with it, there are some dementia care strategies to help patients maintain their health.

  • Physical activity, even a short walk or gentle stretching, can help improve strength and balance.
  • Making simple changes to the home can have an impact on safety and mobility, such as ensuring there are no obstacles on the floor and installing adequate lighting.
  • Caregivers can assist people with personal tasks such as meal preparation, personal grooming, etc.
  • Creating a routine can provide structure and reduce anxiety. Regular activities such as meals, exercise, or socializing can help patients feel more secure and improve their lives.

Conclusion

Though dementia makes daily living and mobility difficult for older adults, with the right support and dementia care, individuals can continue to live fulfilling lives. Caregivers and family members can all play an important role in helping people maintain their independence for as long as possible.