Dementia has been severely misunderstood for many years and stigma continues to cloud it. If you or someone you know suffers from it, the best and first thing to do is to educate yourselves on the myths about dementia. The more you know the less afraid you become of it and dementia will no longer have the power to control your life with fear and uncertainty.
All Types of Memory Loss are Dementia
When it comes to diagnosing dementia, memory loss is just one of the symptoms that patients face. Dementia is also an umbrella term for over 400 different types of memory and cognitive loss diseases including and most commonly, Alzheimer’s, but also frontotemporal lobe dementia, and vascular dementia. Common dementia symptoms include speech impairment, mood, and behavioral changes, and memory loss.
There is no Preventing the Onset of Dementia
Another myth is that dementia cannot be prevented. It can very well be kept at bay by adopting healthy habits. Regular exercise, balanced meals, reduced alcohol consumption, and not smoking all contribute to the delay and prevention of dementia. The brain is just like any other organ in your body and needs to be taken care of as well.
Forgetfulness Immediately Signifies Dementia
Many people have the assumption that any sort of forgetfulness is immediately linked to dementia, especially once you have crossed a certain age. However, if you yourself notice the signs that you seem to be forgetting things easily or not being able to recall certain things you may just have depression. Memory loss is a common sign of depression. Especially if you can recognize it in yourself. Dementia has a more serious effect on memory and behavior and is not often recognized by the patient themselves. Often, they will argue that nothing in them has changed, yet those around them are more aware of the signs of changes their loved ones are going through. If someone mentions it to you or brings you down to a doctor because of your memory loss, then chances are it might be dementia.
Life Changes Drastically
After being diagnosed with dementia, many people begin to feel an overwhelming sense of dread that everything in their life is about to change. That they can no longer accomplish simple tasks for themselves or that life would lose all meaning. This is not always the case. For mild cases of dementia, while some changes are made, largely your life will continue as normal. There is still treatment and ways you can slow down the rate of your dementia by keeping healthy, listening to your doctors and keeping your mind active.
Understanding dementia is the first step to not letting it take over your life. With the help of doctors and family, you can still lead a normal life that is fulfilling and meaningful. However, if you do feel like you may need more care, our Assisted Living and Memory Care options available at TerraBella Little Avenue are amazing options that you can consider.
