Dementia is an umbrella term which includes Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy Body dementia to name a few. Usually, the patient will not complain about their own forgetfulness or decline in functioning, it will be the family or next of kin reporting these changes. It is important to make the correct diagnosis, if dementia is suspected one must first ensure that other medical conditions have been excluded that can explain a patient’s change in behavior.

There are many options for taking care of demented patients, home-based care is in many cases the best option and least disruptive for the patient if the environment is supportive. Small changes in the home environment can contribute to a calm, safe and content patient.

For some, admitting a patient to a Dementia facility or Memory Centre as it is often called, might be the only option. Make sure to do your homework well before choosing a facility for your loved one. Dementia programmes and sufficient clinical support is needed to support these patients. Family involvement is key even though your loved one might not remember you, you still remember them!