There Is Hope in Combating Dementia
Insights from a Lifelong Expert on Memory Care
I recently had a fascinating conversation with Greg Cini about dementia—its early signs, ways to combat it, and the challenges families face. Greg’s knowledge and experience in memory care were too compelling not to share. His insights are practical, actionable, and deeply personal. This guest post captures his wisdom, offering guidance and hope to those navigating the complexities of dementia.
There Is Hope in Combating Dementia
First, let me start by saying there is hope in combating most forms of dementia. Even with a diagnosis, it is not necessarily a death sentence. Like cancer, the earlier we detect dementia, the better the chance of combating the disease. However, Big Pharma is not the answer—there is no magic pill to combat dementia! Lifestyle choices, for the most part, trigger the onset of most dementias, and by living a brain-healthy lifestyle, we can stave off cognitive degenerative diseases.
Brain-Healthy Habits
The best brain-healthy habits are as simple as socialization and community connection, multimodal fitness, brain exercises, quality sleep, and the right diet (MIND Diet), just to name a few. Here are some great book references to guide you to a better brain-healthy lifestyle:
I always tell people that as often as we get a physical checkup, we should also get a cognitive checkup. If we start to see a decline in cognitive performance, that should be a call to action. One great tool for tracking cognition over time is Cognivue—try to find a doctor in your area who provides this service.
Early Signs and Diagnosis
If reversal is not an option (and you’ll know when it’s not), the person diagnosed with the disease must have the willingness and wherewithal to fight back and re-engineer their life. For those with loved ones battling the disease, I am sorry you are going through this. It is an exhausting journey and one that can take an emotional toll on a family if not managed properly.
The first and most profound step in dealing with dementia is to admit there is a problem. Stop hiding or ignoring the signs that something is wrong with a loved one’s cognitive function. Some sure signs of early-stage dementia include confusion over simple daily tasks like balancing a checkbook, a drop in personal hygiene, getting lost on familiar routes, and frequently repeating the same questions or statements.
If you suspect dementia, seek professional help. Find a neurologist who specializes in cognitive degenerative diseases to get a proper assessment. Memory decline does not always lead to a dementia diagnosis—certain health issues, medications, high-stress events, or even urinary tract infections can mimic cognitive decline or memory loss.
With a confirmed diagnosis, identifying the type of dementia can help you understand what to expect as time goes on. Dementia is an umbrella term, much like cancer, with many varieties. The five most common types are:
There are multiple tests available to assist in diagnosis, including blood tests, biomarker assessments, and genetic testing. However, none of these tests are foolproof, and some neurologists may only provide a general “dementia” diagnosis if results are inconclusive.
Navigating the Disease
If your loved one is diagnosed and combating the disease is not an option, here are a few tips to help families and caregivers navigate the journey.
Start by seeking support—the local Alzheimer’s Association is a wealth of knowledge and can connect you with support groups, educators, specialty clinics, and more. Learning de-escalation techniques is essential, as dementia can lead to moments of agitation. For example, if a loved one refuses to shower or shave, do not force them in the moment. Walk away and try again a few minutes later with a compelling reason, such as an upcoming meeting or social engagement. Little white lies in these cases are not deceitful if they help reduce stress and improve cooperation.
Another helpful strategy is to involve family members or friends. If your loved one responds better to certain people, have them step in when resistance occurs. For example, if your mother listens to her best friend Betty more than you, have Betty encourage her to brush her teeth or attend a doctor’s appointment.
Maintaining a consistent daily routine can also help reduce agitation, especially if it aligns with their natural tendencies, such as being an early riser or night owl. Forcing them to adapt to your schedule can create unnecessary frustration and conflict.
Responding with Patience and Kindness
Keep in mind that dementia often causes people to act and speak in ways that are unlike their former selves. As tough as it may be, respond with patience and kindness. Constantly reassure your loved one that you are there to help them through any situation. Living in their reality, rather than trying to bring them into yours, is essential. If your mother insists there is a purple elephant in the driveway, don’t argue—simply tell her you will call the zoo to take care of it.
If you are a family caregiver, balance is crucial. Utilizing local adult day programs can provide a break, allowing you time to run errands or decompress, while also providing social engagement for your loved one. Hiring in-home assistance or transitioning to a specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care facility may also become necessary. Preplanning is key—know your options in advance to avoid making hasty, stressful decisions in moments of crisis.
To help families navigate the best care options, I wrote a book called Things to Remember About Memory Care, which provides guidance on finding quality dementia care communities and service providers in your area.
Take Action
I could go on for pages, but for the sake of your time, take action now. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association for guidance and support. You can reach out to Greg Cini on LinkedIn. Or drop a comment here. This post has comments open to everyone. He would be glad to help and point you in the right direction.