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Question: My grandmother has been acting strange as of late. She hides her belongings, she doesn’t shower as much as we would like, and she swears that we never told her things that we know we did. Is this normal behavior? Do dementia patients know what they are doing?
Caring for a family member with dementia can be an emotionally and physically draining experience. As the illness progresses, it’s important to understand what patients are able to comprehend, as well as how their decision-making capabilities might be affected. Let’s take a look at what dementia patients know in different stages of the condition.
During the early stages of dementia, patients are still relatively lucid. In this phase, they will often remember recent events and be able to communicate effectively with those around them. They may also be able to make decisions based on their own personal preferences or beliefs. However, it is common for these types of decisions to become more difficult as time goes on.
At this stage, it is most likely yes.
As dementia progresses into the middle stage, patients may begin to have difficulty understanding conversations or remembering simple facts and instructions. They may also have difficulty communicating their own thoughts and feelings due to confusion or lack of clarity in speech. As a result, decision-making becomes increasingly more difficult and may require help from a caretaker or family member who understands the patient’s needs and wants.
At this stage, it is most likely a maybe.
In the late stages of dementia, patients may become largely unable to communicate verbally and rely on nonverbal cues such as facial expressions or body language in order to express themselves. At this point, decision-making is almost impossible without assistance from a caregiver who knows the patient well enough to determine what he or she would want in any given situation. It is also likely that memory loss will prevent them from understanding why certain decisions were made or why they need to follow certain rules or instructions laid out by caregivers.
At this stage, it is most likely no.
Knowing what your loved one with dementia knows can help you provide better care for them during each stage of the illness. In general, it’s important to remember that decision-making capabilities tend to decrease over time as dementia progresses—which means that more support from family members and caregivers is needed during later phases of the disease in order for individuals with dementia to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. With patience and understanding, you can help provide your loved one with comfort throughout every stage of their journey with dementia.
In order to understand your loved one’s comprehension and decision-making capabilities, it is important to observe their behavior and interactions in different situations. Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as facial expressions or body language, which can often be used to communicate thoughts and feelings even when verbal communication is difficult. Additionally, speak with their doctor or other healthcare professionals who are familiar with the patient’s condition in order to gain a better understanding of how they may be affected by the disease.
Depending on the stage of dementia, some individuals may still be able to make decisions based on their own personal preferences or beliefs. However, it is common for decision-making capabilities to decrease over time as the disease progresses. In the later stages of dementia, individuals may need help from a caretaker or family member in order to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Providing emotional and physical support is essential for helping your loved one navigate each stage of dementia. Spend quality time with them and try to engage them in activities that are familiar and comforting. Additionally, ensure that there is sufficient professional care available at all times so that any medical needs can be quickly addressed. With patience and understanding, you can help make your loved one’s journey with dementia as comfortable as possible.
If your loved one is still able to make decisions, it is important to ensure that they understand the implications of their choices and are making an informed decision. However, if decision-making becomes too difficult for them due to confusion or memory loss, you may need to step in and provide assistance. Talk through the different options available and help them decide what is best for their health and well-being. In some cases, consulting a professional such as a doctor or lawyer may be necessary in order to help make complex decisions.
In any case, remember that your loved one with dementia should be respected and their opinions valued as much as possible. Even if they cannot make a decision on their own, they still deserve to have their wishes taken into account.