Debra Jager Home Instead Senior Care

Dementia is not a normal part of aging, but it is a common disease affecting approximately 13% of people over 65. If you are worried that you or your partner may have dementia, it is important to get checked out by your GP.

Normal forgetfulness such as forgetting where you parked the car, why you went into the kitchen, or having a name or word on the tip of you tongue is not dementia. Dementia is more likely to be noticed by relatives and friends and may include difficulty performing familiar tasks, time and place disorientation, putting things in inappropriate places, and changes in mood and personality.

If you or a family member is diagnosed with dementia then it is very important to get support early on. The Alzheimer's Society provides people with their dementia and their caregivers and families with support. They have a fantastic website with practical tips and information, and field officers who are able to answer your questions.

If you are caring for someone with dementia it is very important to make sure you are well looked after. Research shown that 40-75% of family caregivers have a stress related illness as a result of care giving. Often caregivers feel like they are on duty 24 hours a day, so it is very important to make sure there is support in place early on. This can include setting up rosters using family and friends so one person is not carrying the load. Using outside agencies to assist is also important as that allows the carer to spend time with family and friends. Talk to your GP early on to get assessed for help in the home, and respite care.