1. Determine if the Cause is Treatable
Dementia can spring from a number of different conditions. The most common is Alzheimer's disease, which affects about half of those afflicted with dementia. Other conditions include AIDS dementia complex, Huntington's disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Reversible conditions include imbalances in metabolism, infection, inadequate diet, drug or alcohol abuse and adverse reaction to a particular medication. Specific ways to deal with dementia depend largely upon the causes, so your first step in coping should be to determine exactly what is behind the symptoms.
2. Ask About Medication
Medication can be used to slow the progress of irreversible dementia in many cases. Prescription drugs exist for patients with Alzheimer's disease, which help improve the memory and slow the condition's progress. Behavioral symptoms can be treated by antidepressants and similar drugs, while medication exists for sleeping disorders and other individual aspects of dementia. The precise type of medication will depend on the cause of dementia, so speak to a doctor before choosing meds.
3. Find a Suitable Caregiver
In cases of irreversible dementia, it is imperative that you have someone to look after you. In many cases, family members can provide support for you at home with a certain amount of training and preparation. Sometimes, however, you may need a qualified medical professional to stay with you and in more severe cases, you should look into staying in an assisted living center. Regardless of the circumstances, caregivers need to be aware of what is required of them and know how to respond in case of an emergency. They should also be prepared to interact with you in ways beyond simple physical care. Many doctors believe that regular interaction--especially with loved ones--can help slow the progress of dementia-causing conditions and keep you engaged in the world around you.
4. Take Care of Your Financial and Legal Matters
Most cases of dementia--and almost all irreversible cases--will leave you unable to make important decisions concerning your money or your home. You should prepare for that by allowing a trusted relative to make those decisions for you. Discuss the matter with your family and contact a lawyer who can talk about the specific procedures with you.
5. Make Sure Your Home is Safe
If you're suffering from dementia, you or a caregiver should take steps to keep your living quarters safe. A proper environment can make day-to-day activities easier and allow you or your caregiver to respond in case of trouble. Make sure you can easily enter and exit any pertinent areas (such as the bathroom). Prepare an emergency exit plan and check any locks to make sure they can be unlocked quickly in case you need to leave the house. Keep all walkways clear and check any chairs to ensure they have armrests and firm seats, allowing you to stand up again without difficulty. Make sure that the telephone can be operated (by using one with larger buttons if necessary) and always have important numbers posted nearby.
