They say it's the most feared disease, but don't ask, "Do you remember, Mom?"

How should we handle patients with dementia?

According to the 2023 Dementia Status Report released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, one in ten elderly people is diagnosed with dementia. Additionally, the estimated number of dementia patients, which was 980,000 in 2023, is projected to reach 3.14 million by 2050.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Central Dementia Center, dementia has been ranked as the most feared disease among those aged 60 and above, surpassing cancer. Dementia causes individuals to forget happy memories, beloved family members, and even themselves, making early detection and consistent management essential. Let's learn about attitudes towards dementia patients and everyday prevention methods for dementia.

When facing a dementia patient, they may appear different from the person we knew, which can be confusing. So, how should we treat a dementia patient?

Assign appropriate roles to dementia patients.

It is not helpful to dementia patients to stop working or do nothing because they have made more mistakes or for safety reasons after being diagnosed with dementia. The most important thing for dementia patients is to preserve their remaining abilities for as long as possible. Tasks that they have been familiar with for many years are well remembered not only by their minds but also by their bodies. To slow the progression of dementia and to maintain the physical health of dementia patients, it is beneficial to assign appropriate roles and encourage participation in work. Even at home, engaging in simple household chores such as mopping or folding laundry helps maintain physical functions and provides a sense of achievement.

② Avoid direct rejection or denial

One thing to avoid when talking to dementia patients is giving negative responses from the very first words. Sometimes, even if the dementia patient's demands or claims don't make sense, it is effective to first accept them with phrases like "That's right." or "I understand," to calm them down before explaining. Do not engage in arguments to settle disputes, and refrain from pointing out or ignoring the dementia patient.

Do not ask if they remember or test them.

Because dementia patients want to keep remembering the people around them, they often show photos and ask, "Do you know this person? Do you remember?" each time they meet. In response, dementia patients may avoid answering or pretend not to hear. Dementia patients also feel distressed and stressed about not being able to remember. Therefore, it is better not to ask questions like "Do you know who this is?" or "Try to remember." If the patient seems not to know, instead of asking, it is best to tell them clearly.

④ Do not let them stay only at home.

Due to time constraints and caregiving limitations, dementia patients sometimes stay at home because they feel embarrassed or worried about being a burden to neighbors. However, since the progression of dementia in elderly individuals who continue working and interacting with neighbors is slower, it is important to maintain social activities.

They say it's increasing gradually, and I also every time

Whenever I forget or accidentally overlook something, I often think, "What if," and I believe it would be good to also learn how to handle such situations well.