Dementia is a debilitating condition which is becoming more and more common. It is a serious health condition that can be emotionally and physically challenging for the patients and their loved ones. Memory, conduct, and the capacity to perform daily tasks are all impacted as the illness worsens. Even though dementia cannot be cured, there are ways to deal with dementia that can enhance the lives of both the sufferer and those who care for them.
Speaking with medical marijuana specialists in your area might help you determine whether medical cannabis can reduce the severity of symptoms like anxiety, agitation, or sleep disruptions. If you want to take benefit of the healing abilities of Cannabis, you can start by searching with medical marijuana doctors near me. Patients must apply for a Medical Marijuana Card to use Cannabis for dementia legally. This article will discuss five practical methods for helping a loved one with dementia.
What is dementia?
Understanding dementia is the first and most important step in providing support to patients. Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent type of dementia, which is an umbrella term for disorders that result in cognitive deterioration.
Dementia is a progressive condition which can get worsen as the time passes. It impacts reasoning, language, and personality, in addition to memory loss. There is no cure, but it is possible to manage the symptoms. The goals of treatment are to reduce the severity of the symptoms and enhance day-to-day functioning.
It is important to understand how the disease progresses and impacts individuals before you can support dementia patients. Some ways to deal with dementia patients include:
1. Participate in caregiver workshops
Try to understand dementia and its impact on individuals. Examine publications and studies from reliable sources, such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Speak with experts to learn about the various treatments that are available. Medical marijuana doctors in my area may recommend different strategies for managing symptoms.
2. Create a safe environment
Daily activities become increasingly challenging for patients as dementia worsens. Your loved one’s bewilderment and discomfort can be reduced and managed by providing a secure and orderly atmosphere. Some ways to deal with dementia patients include:
- Reduce Clutter: An excessive number of items can be confusing and unsettling. Keep the environment clean and in order.
- Improve lighting: Inadequate lighting and dark spaces create risks of falls. Try to keep all spaces adequately lit to ensure patients can roam around easily and safely.
- Employ Visual Cues: For regular tasks, use labels and reminders as aids to give patients constant reminders.
- Protect Dangerous Items: Keep dangerous materials, sharp objects, and prescription drugs locked.
For added protection, caregivers should install motion sensors or GPS trackers to monitor the patient’s movements. Automated alarms can be used to contact emergency medical help. Technology tools can be used to improve cognition, install alarms, and monitor movements.
3. Exhibit patience
Language abilities are impacted by dementia, making communication difficult. It is critical to use plain language, talk clearly, and exercise patience. Some tips for effective communication as ways to deal with dementia include:
- Use brief, straightforward sentences. Steer clear of unclear or complicated instructions.
- Remain composed and reassuring; your tone is more important than your words. Be patient.
- Employ non-verbal cues: Meaning can be communicated through gestures and facial expressions. Use visual aids as reminders.
- Avoid correcting or disputing: Instead of disputing with them if they forget something, gently reroute the conversation.
4. Promote physical and mental wellness
Maintaining physical and mental activity can enhance general well-being and slow cognitive deterioration. It is important to keep the patients engaged in different activities and hobbies, such as cooking, gardening, and walking. Some other activities include:
- Use memory games: It is good to keep patients engaged with activities like crosswords and puzzles. Easy card games and puzzles can improve cognitive performance.
- Music therapy: Well-known tunes might bring back pleasant memories.
- Daily Walks: Mild exercise enhances general health and mood.
- Art & Crafts: Coloring pages and crocheting are two calming and stimulating crafts.
Promoting these activities can reduce agitation or frustration, improve focus and aid in the management of dementia symptoms.
5. Try alternative therapies
Traditional drugs may not always be successful in controlling agitation, anxiety, or sleep difficulties as dementia worsens. To reduce the severity of the symptoms, many families look for complementary medicines like medicinal cannabis or CBD.
How Medical Cannabis can help Dementia patients?
- Helps stabilize mood by reducing agitation and anxiety.
- Enhances Sleep Patterns: This could help control sleep cycles.
- Reduces Pain and Discomfort: May alleviate aging-related bodily pain.
- Improve appetite
How can you add Cannabis to dementia treatment?
It is important to speak to an expert before taking Cannabis to manage dementia symptoms. You must talk about the symptoms, your current medications and your health history. Marijuana specialists will evaluate the symptoms and give a tailored prescription. It is important to use the right strain and dose of Cannabis to ensure the success of the treatment.
Make sure you get medicinal marijuana from a licensed dispensary and abide by state regulations.
Managing Dementia effectively
Dementia is a challenging and difficult health condition that can significant impact on the patient’s life. It takes time, expertise, and emotional patience to care for a loved one who has dementia. You may ease their path by educating yourself, establishing a secure environment, enhancing communication, getting them involved in worthwhile activities, and investigating alternative remedies like medicinal cannabis.
