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Dementia is a progressive disease that can become more difficult to manage over time. In the early stages of dementia though, it is possible to continue life as usual. Many people can continue to stick to their usual schedule by making adaptations to their lifestyle and their home. Here are some tips to cope with early dementia.
What are the early stages of dementia?
Different types of dementia affect people in different ways and at different rates, so there is no set model of what you can expect and when. That said, there are lots of common early symptoms that people with different types of dementia experience.
Common early symptoms of dementia:
- Memory problems. The person may start finding it difficult to remember things like the names of new acquaintances, phone numbers, details of conversations or tasks they need to do.
- Behavioural changes. The person may experience small changes in their personality, such as becoming more introverted or extraverted than usual. They may see a change in their moods, such as mood swings, irritability or depression. They may even become aggressive.
- Confusion. This could include losing objects, muddling what time or day of the week it is more easily or trouble with concentration, particularly if they are tired. They may also find problem-solving and analysis more challenging.
Tips to cope with memory problems in early dementia
Struggling with memory can be extremely frustrating so the most important thing is to be patient with your loved one and to encourage them to be patient with themselves. It’s good to have a sit-down discussion with your loved one about what difficulties they are experiencing and what they can do to make things easier.
Organisation is the best way to manage difficulties with memory. In early dementia, your loved one may find organisation challenging, but still doable. Methods to cope with memory problems in early dementia and keep organised could be:
Suggest they keep a diary
Diaries are hugely beneficial as not only will your loved one know where to look for reminders about their day, but the action of writing things down also makes them easier to remember.
One problem is that trying to fit everything in one small diary window can make information more muddled, so consider having different diaries for different purposes. For example, you could get your loved one a small pocket diary to write appointments in, a day-a-page diary to write a daily to-do list in and a journal to record what they’ve done and their thoughts.
The latter is known to improve memory and relieve stress as it enables people to organise and analyse the day’s events and their feelings.
Help them to organise their environment
It’s a lot easier to remember where things are if everything has its place. A tidy home also relieves stress, which in turn makes it easier to think more clearly. You may wish to spend some time with your loved one helping them to create an organised and calming environment in their home. Some dementia-friendly home adaptations to consider are:
- Have a clear-out. It’s normal to accumulate a large number of possessions over a lifetime, along with many things people simply don’t need, like piles of old magazines and clothing catalogues. A good de-clutter has been proven to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Create clear and simple storage. This could be organising their cupboards and drawers with boxes or dividers, organising their wardrobe by item type or by colour, or putting their books into alphabetical order.
- Labelling storage can save them time when trying to remember where something is. You could fashion nice labels for their cupboards with a note or pictures to show what is in each.
- Assign a ‘Key Items’ container or drawer where they can store the things they need often but regularly misplace. This could be items like their wallet, the TV remote or their mobile phone.
- Add some memory-provoking decorations, such as photographs, paintings of their favourite places or a noticeboard for memos. If they are good with technology you could help them set up a speaker to play their favourite music.
Encourage them to exercise their mind
The brain needs stimulation to help it function at its best just as the body needs exercise. Exercising your brain strengthens its ability to resist and recover from neurological damage.
Reading novels, doing brainteasers like crosswords or sudoku, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and learning new skills are all proven to improve brain function.
The Alzheimer’s Society even offers a Brain Workout pack that you can order to be delivered to your home every month.
Managing behavioural changes in early dementia
In early dementia, behavioural changes are not as challenging as they can be later on. You will still be able to talk to your loved one about behaviour. To save their feelings, it is often best to choose which behaviours to speak to them about. For example, it may be embarrassing for them to tell them they’re being repetitive, but if they have started swearing at shop workers then reminding them that it’s inappropriate is necessary.
Losing inhibitions is a very common symptom of early dementia. The person doesn’t mean to behave this way, it’s just that the natural filter in the brain that analyses what is socially acceptable doesn’t work properly.
Often it’s necessary to be patient and accepting of behavioural changes. This can be really hard as a family member, as the person you knew has changed, but there is support for friends and family available.
Identifying factors that worsen symptoms of early dementia
It is sometimes the case that certain factors make symptoms worse. Your loved one may have unhealthy habits that are aggravating their dementia, or certain times or places have an effect. If you can identify these triggers, it may be easier to manage their symptoms.
Lifestyle factors such as drinking too much, smoking, getting no physical exercise, not eating enough fruit and vegetables, and spending too long on ‘passive’ brain activities like watching television are all known to have negative effects on dementia.
Stress and lack of routine can also be detrimental. Many people with dementia experience ‘sundowning’. This is when they become confused or aggravated at dusk and as night falls. It’s believed to be an innate response caused by associating the setting sun with going to sleep, which can then cause stress if it is not time to go to bed.
Finding a support network to cope with early dementia
Unfortunately, dementia is common but that does mean there is plenty of support out there to help you cope.
The Alzheimer’s Society runs dementia activity groups where people with dementia and their loved ones can meet others in their area in similar situations. You can find your local dementia activity group here.
They also have various other support networks where you can take part in groups or events in your local area. Click here to find out what’s available in your area.
Helplines
Dementia UK: 0800 888 6678
Alzheimer’s Society: 0300 222 11 22
Support for specific types of dementia: 07592 540 555
Young Dementia UK: 01993 776 295
Planning for the future
There is no cure for dementia, so it is a good idea to plan for the future while your loved one is still in the early stages of the illness.
You may want to look at care providers or care homes together, make a will or even discuss Power of Attorney. Getting their affairs in order at this stage may seem defeatist, but it ensures that they can make their own decisions about their care and their estate, while they are still able to.
