A recent survey by the Central Dementia Center has revealed that dementia has overtaken cancer as the most feared disease among individuals aged 60 and older.
According to the 2023 Dementia Status Report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, dementia now affects one in ten elderly individuals. The number of dementia patients, which was 980,000 in 2023, is expected to rise to 3.14 million by 2050.
Dementia erases cherished memories and disrupts personal connections, highlighting the importance of early detection and ongoing management. To better support those with dementia and incorporate preventive measures into daily life, it’s essential to understand how to interact with dementia patients and adopt strategies for prevention.
1. Assign Appropriate Tasks
Stopping a dementia patient from working due to mistakes or safety concerns does not help. The most crucial aspect for dementia patients is to retain their remaining abilities for as long as possible. Familiar tasks, like simple household chores, can help them maintain physical function and provide a sense of accomplishment.
2. Avoid Direct Rejection or Denial
When communicating with dementia patients, it is crucial to avoid negative reactions. Even if their demands or claims seem unreasonable, acknowledge them with phrases like “That’s right” or “I understand,” and then explain gradually.
3. Do Not Quiz Them on Memories
Asking a dementia patient, “Do you know who this person is?” in hopes of prompting previous memories can induce significant stress. Dementia patients often feel embarrassed and stressed about their inability to remember. If they do not know, it’s better to provide the information directly instead of asking questions.
4. Do Not Confine Them Indoors
Keeping dementia patients indoors, either due to their condition or fear of causing trouble, is not helpful. Instead, it is better to encourage them to continue participating in social activities. Caregivers should assist dementia patients in joining community gatherings or activities at care centers.
5. Do Not Force Lifestyle Changes
Forcing healthy eating habits or prohibiting smoking and drinking for the sake of parents’ health can cause stress. It is better to allow them to enjoy their favorite foods within reasonable limits.
6. Monitor Their Physical Health
As dementia symptoms worsen, patients may find it difficult to recognize thirst or fullness, which often leads to weight changes or constipation. Setting a regular meal schedule and providing simple snacks is advisable.
7. Treat Them with Respect
Even if dementia patients seem childlike, avoid treating them like actual children. Doing everything for them can harm their self-esteem, so respecting their independence is important.
8. Educate the Family
If family members don’t understand the patient’s condition, they may feel confused or unintentionally cause harm. It is important to share information about the symptoms and behaviors of the dementia patient among family members.
9. Use a Calm Tone and Gestures
Hearing loss is a common symptom among elderly dementia patients. To ensure clear communication, speak slowly in a low tone and use simple actions or expressions.
Professor Kang Jae Hun from the Department of Family Medicine at Gangbuk Samsung Hospital emphasized the importance of healthy lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, exercising, and managing stress to prevent dementia. He also recommends a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, bread, potatoes, chicken, nuts, olive oil, and fish. He also recommends low-fat milk and minimal intake of red meat.
Professor Kim Ji Wook from Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital suggests that starting high-intensity exercises in middle age can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. He notes that physical activities can regulate amyloid levels, which are linked to Alzheimer’s while promoting neuroplasticity and preventing brain function decline.
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