DAY BY DAY


    Dementia is an overall term to describe those who are unable to do their normal everyday activities due to not being able to remember things, think clearly or make decisions appropriately. Some think dementia is part of normal aging, but it is not. It does share similarities but there are certain symptoms and signs to look for together. Individuals may have problems with their memory, attention, communication, reasoning skills and judgment. Incidents that may occur would include getting lost in their neighborhood, forgetting names of people they know, not being able to complete tasks and possibly forgetting old memories. Treatment is different depending on the type of dementia one may have. Dementias, such as Alzheimer’s disease, do not have a cure but medications can be used to help manage symptoms. Exercising, eating healthy, and continuing to be active with others can help to decrease the changes of developing dementia (What Is Dementia? | CDC, n.d.).

There are several ways which help to promote one’s health, well-being, and quality of life when they have dementia. Aqua therapy is one of those ways. In a study back in 2018, they focused on individuals over a six-week period of aqua therapy. After it was completed, they tested their balance and flexibility. Not everyone showed improvements, but 83 percent did show improvement. Further research needs to be done but aqua therapy was found to be safe for dementia patients (Turnbull et al., 2018). Quality of life seems to vary among the individuals and how they cope. During a five-year study people were interviewed throughout this time and it was found some lived happier not recognizing they had dementia. They still needed support from family or others but tended to be happier and without depression. Others were educated and plans were made and shared and although stunning at first, they felt assured. Family members need to consider all the factors and how they think their family member will cope best. Coping is a huge part of the dementia process in preserving quality of life (Thorsen et al., 2020).

Resources are helpful in assisting families with the support they need. There are several different agencies and reading materials discussing these matters. A list of resources and publications can be found at the following website address: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/index.htm Included are journal articles, reports on aging, Healthy People 2030, and partner resources. This website shares easy to read information and links throughout to guide to other areas that may also be helpful.

References

Thorsen, K., Dourado, M. C. N., & Johannessen, A. (2020). Awareness of dementia and coping 

to preserve quality of life: a five-year longitudinal narrative study. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being, 15(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2020.1798711

Turnbull, J., Salwan, S., & Pattman, J. (2018). Aquatic Therapy for People With Dementia: A 

Pilot Project...5th International Conference For Evidence Based Aquatic Therapy (ICEBAT), Apr 14-16, 2018, Las Vegas, Nevada. Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 26(2), 37

What Is Dementia? | CDC. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from 

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/index.html

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