As our loved ones grow older, they may begin to experience various health issues. One of the things that a lot of seniors deal with is dementia. There are many different types and forms of dementia. But, this group of conditions is well-represented amongst the population of aging adults. Not only does dementia make an appearance, but it can also bring with it other issues. Dementia and sleep disorders may pair up and cause new struggles for your loved one. Not to mention, they cause more concerns for the families of older individuals. Unfortunately, dementia can cause a lot of changes in the life of your aging loved one. But, it’s important to gain more knowledge about these conditions and how they can affect the seniors in your life. Having this information can help you as you look for the best way to care for your older family members and friends.
Information About Dementia in Seniors
As we stated, dementia is the name of a group of conditions. Each form of dementia has its own set of symptoms and signs. They each have varying effects on people. But, in general, dementia affects the way people think and behave. It can cause memory problems and other cognitive lapses. It can also impact the individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks and functions. Dementia can also negatively affect the way people communicate. As a result of dementia, many individuals find it difficult to manage alone on a daily basis. This condition can make it hard for people to direct their attention properly and take care of their regular and basic needs for themselves. People who have dementia may have difficulty with organization and coordination.
Those who are living with dementia may deal with other issues. Depression or anxiety could come as a result of dementia. Many individuals also deal with personality and behavioral changes. They might suffer from feelings of confusion or disorientation. But, dementia and sleep problems may also combine to cause issues for those who are living with a form of dementia. If you have noticed sleeping problems in the life of your aged family member, it could possibly indicate that your loved one is dealing with the effects of the connection between dementia and sleep disorders.
Discussing the Relationship Between Dementia and Sleep Issues
Dementia can cause people to become excessively tired throughout the day. It can cause people to feel sleepy while it is time to be awake. This can make it difficult for individuals to sleep soundly at night. People who have dementia may become “light sleepers”. This means that they may be more inclined to wake up easily. As a result, their sleep will be much less sound and they will not feel rested during the day. So, they may take naps and feel sleepy again throughout the day. In other cases, people who have a form of dementia may also suffer from other conditions which can make it hard for them to get a good amount of rest.
Taking Care of Your Loved One
A lot of families wish to provide the best of care for their older family members. Finding the right kind of help for your loved ones can be difficult. You want to know that your family member is getting the attention that he or she needs. You also want to be sure that all of their needs are met. Many times, people who have dementia are placed in a nursing home or a similar facility. But, what if you could keep your loved ones at home, allowing them to have independence while still getting care? You can! Here at Florida First Senior Home Care, we offer a referral service that allows you to find in-home caregivers for your aging loved one. For more information, just give us a call.
