Dementia isn’t just memory loss, it’s a life-changing condition that impacts thinking, daily activities, and families worldwide. With 10 million new cases diagnosed annually, it’s a reality too many face.
At Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio, Joel Vandersluis, MD, and our team are here to empower you with expert care, resources, and knowledge. Whether you're seeking answers or support, we provide everything you need to navigate dementia with confidence and compassion. Let’s take this journey together!
Do you or someone you know have dementia? You might have a lot of emotions surrounding the topic, including frustration and sadness. People with dementia often ask the same questions multiple times, making it frustrating for those around them.
Dementia is the loss of cognitive function that interferes with everyday life. This may include reasoning, thinking, and remembering. Not only does dementia affect mental health, but physical health as well.
Signs of dementia become apparent when neurons in the brain no longer function, lose connection, and die. All aging people experience some neuron loss, but those with dementia face a greater loss.
Signs and symptoms vary, but may include:
Dementia looks different in everyone and is dependent on its underlying causes, other health conditions, and the person’s cognitive state before coming ill.
Dementia is caused by various diseases or injuries that directly impact the brain. Some diseases include:
Alzheimer's is the most common culprit of dementia and accounts for up to 70% of cases.
If you or someone you love is exposing signs of dementia, the best thing you can do is seek medical help. We’re at the forefront of dementia diagnosis using the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations.
Dr. Vanderluis approaches each patient with compassion, seeking to understand their situation as if it were his own family member. He first assesses the patient’s medical history and conducts a physical exam to rule out any underlying conditions related to cognitive impairment.
Then, he may diagnose dementia using:
Early detection of symptoms is important because some cases can be successfully treated.
Dementia is hard not only for the person diagnosed, but also the friends and families that support them. Caring for someone requires patience, resilience, and empathy. Here are some tips to help:
Be in touch with a medical professional about your loved one’s case and make sure to stay educated about dementia type and progression.
Consistency is key for those living with dementia to help limit confusion and anxiety. Provide step-by-step support for activities like dressing or eating. Keep them active with hobbies or tasks they’re interested in.
Make sure you can detect triggers like agitation or aggression that may arise from discomfort or fear. In these situations, it's best to validate their feelings with empathy rather than battling them. Stay positive and try to redirect their feelings to a calming activity.
Try to incorporate smaller meals into their life more frequently, as this may be less overwhelming. Try to incorporate soft foods that are easy to consume, especially if they have trouble chewing. Make sure to encourage hydration or serve fruit as a hydrating snack.
Encourage a consistent bedtime to help build a routine, and create a relaxing pre-bedtime activity like reading or listening to a podcast. Limit any daytime naps as this can make sleeping at night more difficult.
It can be easy to put someone you love first, but don’t lose sight of your life and drive. Get support through caregiving groups to connect with others in a similar situation. Take breaks to recharge and stay mindful with exercise and meditation.
We’re in this together. Call 937-224-8200 to get more resources on dementia or request an appointment online today.
