Managing dementia symptoms: How families can cope with difficult behavior

Bob and Jo have been together for 48 years and in this YouTube video, Jo shares how her love for Bob remains after all these years. But she admits things have become different now.

Video Source: YouTube.com

"We still have a cuddle," Jo said. "But when I am cross and tired I pull back and I am find it's quite necessary sometimes to distance myself because Bob is more like a child now and not my husband."

Like Bob, one in every nine people aged 65 and older has Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia, according to Alzheimer's Association. Once diagnosed, its effects are drastic and irreversible, and could definitely take a toll on relationships.

Image Source: tiranatime.com

Common signs and symptoms include struggle to recall recent events, anxiety, and depression. There is also a tendency to display unusual behavior. As a result, care for the person becomes increasingly challenging.

Family members of persons with dementia, especially children, may show feelings like grief, anxiety, and irritation and embarrassment at unusual behavior displayed by the person. It is therefore important to gently encourage children to talk through it and help them realize people with dementia need extra love, care, and understanding.

Image Source: uhmb.nhs.uk

As for husbands and wives like Jo, making an extra effort to concern and affection is key to managing the situation. Jo admits it has come to a point where she had to get a room of her own, but the last thing she makes sure of every night is to read with Bob, a gentle gesture to show nothing much has changed.

For now, Bob knows he must help himself as well, and he's working on it. "I know I can't cure it", he said, "but I shall make sure that, you know, I'm not going to give in."  

Dementia is one among the illnesses commonly affecting the elderly. Dr. Evelyn Rosen specializes on this and other psychiatric conditions that come with old age. Visit this Facebook page to know how to manage dementia and other similar conditions.