Furthering Knowledge in Dementia Blog

Top 7 Reasons for BetterConduct Furthering Knowledge in Dementia Blog

If I had to use one word to describe the journey of dementia and caregiving, it would be change. Uncertainty. Inconsistency. Nothing stays the same. The future is predictable only in its unpredictability. And what is constantly changing can be extremely stressful.

This blog will include information to alleviate some of the stress from unforeseen changes in the progression of dementia. It will target the most challenging – and discouraging—obstacles in caregiving. It will give facts, insight, and verified strategies from research studies and techniques that have worked for a multitude of cases. Although every dementia journey is unique and complex, the reasons for this blog are quite simple.

Top 7 Reasons for the Furthering Knowledge in Dementia Blog

Number 1: As mentioned previously, change is constant in dementia. There will be issues that arise for which information from studies is needed because there are documented situations and settings that help maintain daily functioning, slow cognitive loss, and improve quality of life. Yes, you read that correctly.

Number 2: There are sensory and cognitive changes that are normal to aging and those which are not. There are also behaviors to expect in each dementia subtype and stage of the disease. Each type differs in origin, symptoms, and progression. Knowing what to expect can help us address the unexpected, too.

Number 3: Most patients do not see geriatricians or gerontologists who specialize in aging and dementia. Physicians may be aware of pertinent research studies or have the time or inclination to keep up with recent publications. Locating the information you need and how it applies to your situation can be overwhelming and time-consuming. This blog is a resource to quickly convey information without tedious searching through the literature to decipher validity of the methods as well as the applicability of results specific to your situation.

Number 4: Most people do not realize why or how medications react differently in the elderly and those with dementia. An extensive list exists of medication that can be potentially harmful – even lethal – to those with dementia or even someone without dementia but over 65. Many physicians do not know about this list (mine didn’t!) or the safer alternatives available. This can help all of us be better patient advocates.

Number 5: From personal experience with my father’s journey and working with special populations for decades, I know how stressful disability can be and the toll it takes on the individual and their caregivers. Discussions will include the best (and most effective) coping strategies, respite care, resistance to change, and dementia grief, to name only a few.

Number 6: There are little-accessed services like palliative care and ways to be reimbursed for caregiving expenses. When additional assistance is needed, what is available and how can services be obtained? What should be asked of the care provider? This empowering information should be accessible to all.

Number 7: The last reason for this blog is to continue awareness of the need for dementia research into the many unknown hurdles compounding caring for those we love. The stigma surrounding dementia needs to be eliminated and the difficulty of the disease assuaged by knowledge obtained through carefully controlled research trials. Many of us are on the same journey and we need to help each other navigate the twists and turns.

Hang on for the ride! Although difficult, this can be an enlightening experience in many ways. Check back and use the website, www.betterconduct.com, to find more information.