When dementia comes home

Misplacing keys. Feeling confused and disoriented. Are these instances of simple forgetfulness—or is something more going on?

In many instances, forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. For 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65, it might be a sign of Alzheimer's or another type of dementia. But what if someone who is relatively young is experiencing these symptoms?

The terms "dementia" and “Alzheimer’s" are often used interchangeably. While they're not the same thing, they are closely related to each other. Dementia is a broad term that refers to a collection of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Alzheimer’s is a specific condition that gets worse over time and is the most common cause of dementia.

Although age can be a major predictor in how likely one is to have dementia, younger people are also at risk for those diseases. A new report from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), Early-Onset Dementia and Alzheimer's Rates Grow for Younger Americans, found preliminary data showing that diagnoses of early-onset dementia in Americans between the ages of 30 and 64 has increased from 2013 to 2017.

While these statistics are understandably concerning, the advice for how to cope remains the same if someone has any type of dementia.

“The important thing is to maintain a good quality of life now—and plan for the future,” says Catherine Madison, M.D., director of the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center and a neurologist in San Francisco who specializes in Alzheimer’s.

Here are tips for handling a diagnosis as well as how to better care for a loved one with dementia.

Acknowledge Feelings

When someone hears a diagnosis, the emotions can range from anger to fear, and beyond.  “Those emotions can all be expected,” says Dr. Madison. “It’s normal to be frightened in this situation.” Take time to process all emotions without making any rash decisions. Write down any feelings – in a notebook, on a phone, or even just on a scrap piece of paper. The more you or your loved one write, the easier it is to track emotions over time—and talk to the doctor about them.

Stay Connected

Are there friends, family, or community members who have supported you or your loved one through tough times? Try to stay in touch with these people as you and your loved one cope with the diagnosis. “Having family members and friends to rely on for support can greatly help with the emotional ups and downs of Alzheimer’s,” explains Dr. Madison.

Listen to Music

Research shows that listening to music—and singing along—can help decrease feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and agitation in people with dementia. So, put on some tunes and let yourself and your loved one sing, dance, or just enjoy the rhythm!

Stick to a Routine

Sometimes the best routine is a simple start. Think about the basics, like taking medications at the same time each day, or setting aside a specific time (and an amount of time) for things like going to the gym and eating meals.

Creating a to-do list can also help! You and your loved one shouldn’t be overly concerned about finishing everything listed, but it can help to organize thoughts and next steps.  For more information about coming up with a daily routine, check out these additional tips by clicking here.

Eat Right and Exercise

Having a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to manage symptoms of dementia, recommends Elizabeth Landsverk, M.D., a geriatric specialist in Burlingame, California.

The first step: Make some adjustments to your diet. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends following these healthy eating tips:

• Give your diet a bit of extra color. Opt for a diverse selection of fruits and veggies, in addition to lean proteins (like chicken and fish) and whole grains.
• Cut back on saturated fat and cholesterol. That includes butter, solid shortening, and fatty cuts of meat.
• Skip dessert. Refined sugars, including those found in baked goods, juices, and even condiments (like ketchup), are lacking in essential vitamins.
• Switch to spices and herbs. Avoid seasoning foods with table salt.

Exercise is also crucial in managing dementia's symptoms. A 2018 study found that doing two and a half hours of exercise each week can slow cognitive decline. Think of it as 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week! Dancing has also been shown to have an anti-aging effect. A different study showed that people with dementia who participated in a moderate exercise program had a boost in their well-being.

Also, limit your alcohol consumption. “Alcohol is a toxin to the brain,” says Dr. Landsverk. “If you really enjoy your cocktail before dinner, try to water it down a little bit. In this way, you can enjoy the ritual and minimize the toxin.” 

Join a Support Group

A University of Exeter study found that people with early-stage dementia who participated in a weekly 90-minute support group for eight weeks were better able to cope with their diagnosis. For more information, and to find a support group, click here.

Make Your Space Safer

“If you’re living in a multistory house, the most important safety concern is the risk of falls on steps or stairs,” Dr. Madison says. Think about ways to make the home more accessible. Some rooms to start with are the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Here are a few other home safety improvements:

Bathroom

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50 percent of injuries at home happen in the bathroom. Consider placing non-skid bath mats in the tub or shower and adding grab bars in the shower and by the toilet.

You can order these items online or purchase them while on a shopping trip with a friend.  Independence Blue Cross (Independence) Medicare Advantage members can shop for these products using their Over-the-Counter (OTC) allowance ($30 quarterly allowance, up to $120 per year). This allowance can be used to pay for products from the Independence OTC catalog, offered through Convey.* You can access the catalog by visiting ibxmedicare.com/otc. See the “Bathroom Safety & Fall Prevention” section for available products.

Kitchen

Install, or have family or friends help you install, safety knobs on the stove and safety locks on cabinets with cleaning supplies, knives, and matches. Place cushioning material on any sharp edges and corners.

Remove Throw Rugs and Add More Lighting

One study found that almost 78 percent of homes with older adults had some type of throw rug, which can present a serious tripping hazard. Keeping walkways and rooms well-lit can also help to prevent falls.

Stay Informed if You’re Caring for a Loved One

If someone you care about has been diagnosed with any type of dementia, learning about their condition can help explain new, and sometimes concerning, behaviors. Consider having a conversation with your loved one about the privacy laws surrounding their medical information, also known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) so you can plan together how to help manage their care. Once HIPAA releases are in place, don’t hesitate to reach out to your loved one’s care team, including doctors, counselors, and social workers, to learn about your loved one’s medications and how to encourage them to take them.

You can also check out online resources such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institute on Aging. Caregivers can’t forget to take time for themselves, too. They need to stay healthy to provide quality care. “If you get sick or are exhausted, you won’t be able to continue caregiving,” says Gail Gibson Hunt, founder, former president, and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving.

*The Independence Blue Cross Over the Counter benefit is underwritten by QCC Insurance Company and is administered by Convey Health Solutions, Inc., an independent company.