Recognize dementia: early warning signs and support for relatives!

Recognize dementia: early warning signs and support for relatives!

In the Donnersbergkreis region, a “dementia network” is operated under the direction of Viktoria Ginkel, which offers relatives and affected help. Dementia diseases can occur or suddenly and are expressed, among other things, by memory problems and difficulties in complex processes. It is crucial that symptoms are promptly clarified as a doctor because they can also point out depression. Relatives are encouraged to address abnormalities at an early stage and consult the family doctor.

The diagnosis of dementia is carried out by tests that can be carried out by general practitioners, neurologists or psychiatrists. The memory ambulance of the Palatinate Clinic in Kaiserslautern is an important point of contact. These tests provide initial clues, but do not cover all degrees of dementia. A distinction is made between primary dementia, such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, and secondary dementia, which are caused by factors such as tumors or vitamin deficiency.

Information on symptoms and support

patients often show changes in essence such as withdrawal or disinhibition. After the diagnosis, it is advisable to create a living will and to include the social environment in the process. Relatives often experience an emotional loss and face challenges in dealing with the symptoms. In order to offer support, training courses for relatives are offered in the Donnersbergkreis.

the topic of dementia is also taken into account in a telephone consultation. On Friday, January 3. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., those affected and relatives can contact Viktoria Ginkel directly on 06352 703524. In addition, a training series with the title "Help with helping" for caring relatives will start from February 13, 2025. Registration for these training is free of charge at Viktoria Ginkel on 06381 920 980 or by email.

like nursing.de , dementia is a syndrome, not an independent illness. The characteristic features are the loss of short -term memory, restrictions in communication, as well as changes in perception and orientation. In order to be classified as dementia, symptoms have to exist over six months and reinforce. The most common form is Alzheimer's dementia that occurs in over 60% of cases.

Dementia diagnoses are carried out by a patient discussion, physical examinations and special tests. This disease runs in three stages: at the beginning, the symptoms are often still mild, in the middle stage, extensive support in everyday life is necessary, while the advanced stage requires intensive care. Therapies aim to slow down the course of the disease and to increase the quality of life of those affected.

Life expectancy after a diagnosis varies depending on the form of dementia. For Alzheimer's, this is between 1.5 and 8.5 years, while vascular dementia is the expected lifespan between 1.4 and 6 years. Common causes of death for dementia patients are secondary diseases, including pneumonia.