Alzheimer's & Senile Dementia Questions Answered
Could It Be Dementia? Advice Book Released for Families
Aug 29, 2008
In an interview on Genesis TV on Tuesday 26th August 2008, Louise Morse of Pilgrim Homes, spoke about the problem of dementia covered in her book Could it be dementia? Losing your mind doesn't mean losing your soul, which she has co authored with Roger Hitchings
Pilgrim Homes, a group of Christian based homes for the elderly founded in 1807, have extensive experience in helping people who have developed dementia or Alzheimers late in life.
Alzheimers is aGrowing Problem in Society
Louse Morse pointed out that dementia is a growing problem for society and that it needs to be better understood. Many people, she observes, are very frightened that they may be developing dementia. “People will go to the doctor to ask if they have dementia. However, if you think you have dementia because of poor memory, then you probably haven’t got it.”
Symptoms of Alzheimers Aren’t Noticed by Sufferer
She went on to comment “The people who are suffering from dementia don’t usually know it. That is the nature of the disease.” Those around them notice changes, but the sufferer is often unaware or in denial.
They may try to cope by “Confabulating.” Finding that there are gaps in their memory bank, they need to try to make sense of their situation and so will try to find facts that fit. Their version of the truth can be way off the mark. It can seem like they are fantasizing, or telling lies.
Alzheimers Gives Rise to Hallucinations
Dementia sufferers will often hallucinate and will have total belief in what they have experienced, no matter how ludicrous. This is due to changes in the brain cells that deal with audio and visual processing.
This condition, sometimes referred to as Sundown Syndrome, can be managed.
Memory LapsesCaused by Dementia and Alzheimers
Ms Morse pointed that many of us have memory lapses that are often due to being distracted by children, pressure of work, or worries. This doesn’t mean one has dementia, just that one needs to have a less hectic lifestyle or more rest.
A Bigger Capacity
Famous “high fliers” who have developed dementia include Margaret Thatcher and Terry Pratchett. Often the degree to which one is affected by this disease, according to Ms. Morse, is linked to one’s original mental capacity. The higher the mental abilities prior to the onset of dementia, the less damaging are the effects.
This has given rise to a new electronics industry creating “brain games” to increase mental capacity.
Answering the Difficult Questions about Alzheimers & Dementia
The book suggests answers to questions people ask when they see their loved one’s behaviour changing. For example, why do people with dementia become paranoid? Why do they seem to change character? What is happening when a beloved husband behaves as though he never knew you?
Above all, they ask, “Where is God in all of this?” The authors' aim in writing the book is to give as much practical information as possible and to restore a sense of Divine purpose where this has been lost.
The book includes people with dementia speaking about their experiences of the disease. It contains advice on prevention of the disease and how to care for people with dementia. It also highlights the health-damaging pressure on caregivers.
What Churches Can Do to Help Alzheimers Sufferers
The book offers practical things churches and other groups can do to give comfort and support, and by organising activities for dementia sufferers.
How to Get the Book
Could it be dementia? Losing your mind doesn't mean losing your soul is published by Lion Monarch books. You can order the book online from the Pilgrim Homes' web site.
 |
