Accepting My Diagnosis Archives - DementiaHub.SG

Books for Your Journey with Dementia

aleene.chow — Wed, 29 May 2024 04:43:40 +0000

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The personal stories of others can provide affirmation and perspective for our own lives. This article lists free books available on loan that can support you in your journey with dementia.

If you have recently been diagnosed with dementia, you may wonder what changes the diagnosis might bring to your life. Many persons with dementia have written books on their lives, which have inspired others as stories of resilience.

All of these books are free to loan in the E-book format from the National Library Board, and you can read them almost immediately at your own time online.

Book Recommendations for Persons living with Dementia

Non-Fiction: Memoirs written by Persons Living with Dementia

Memoirs offer the insight of persons living with dementia who have walked the journey with their friends and family. It can help provide some assurance that you are not alone in your experience, and prepare you for some changes you might observe.

Somebody I used to Know

by Wendy Mitchell (Available as e-book)

A powerful memoir that chronicles the journey of by Wendy Mitchell, a former NHS manager diagnosed with early-onset dementia, and how she adapted to life with the condition and the challenges she faced along the way.

Dancing with Dementia: My Story of Living Positively with Dementia

by Christine Bryden (Available as e-book)

This is an inspiring memoir by Christine Bryden, a dementia advocate and survivor. Christine shares her personal journey of living positively with the condition and offers practical advice on how to maintain a fulfilling life despite the challenges of dementia.

What I Wish People Knew about dementia : From Someone who Knows

by Wendy Mitchell (Available as e-book and audiobook)

This heartfelt book by Wendy Mitchell, a person living with dementia, sheds light on the realities of the condition and provides valuable insights on how to support and care for those affected by it.

Memory's Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia

by Gerda Saunders (Available as e-book)

“Memory’s Last Breath” is a beautifully written memoir that offers an intimate and revealing account of living with dementia. Gerda Saunders shares her personal experiences of coping with the complications of losing short-term memory, while also embarking on a personal investigation of the brain and its mysteries.

The First Survivors of Alzheimer's: How Patients Recovered Life and Hope in Their Own Words

by Dale Bredesen (Available as e-book)

For persons receiving treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease as well as their family members, this book offers hope and comfort. It features first-person stories of patients who recovered life from Alzheimer’s Disease and how they did it, with commentary from Dr. Dale Bredesen to help readers find tips and tricks that might help them as well.

Non-Fiction: Guides on Living Well with Dementia

Written by care professionals who work with people living with dementia, these guides are written to provide advice for some questions you might have about your symptoms, relationships, and how to live a life well-lived despite dementia.

Living Your Best with Early-Stage Alzheimer's: An Essential Guide

by Lisa Snyder (Available as e-book)

This book provides a practical guide on coping with the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, managing symptoms, finding meaningful activity, planning for the future, maintaining relationships, and participating in research. It empowers the person with Alzheimer’s to move forward in life despite the challenges of the diagnosis.

Dealing with Dementia: A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias

by Brian Draper (Available as e-book)

This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on drug treatments, complementary therapies, and care options for those struggling with a diagnosis of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. With a down-to-earth approach, it’s an invaluable resource for anyone worried about the effects of aging on the mind.

Fiction: Stories about Dementia

These books are not based on real persons or events, but have been well-received by members of public and caregivers for their portrayal of life with dementia and the message of hope they promote. These books have been adapted into films and may serve as an introduction for family of persons living with dementia to understand the condition.

Still Alice

by Lisa Genova (Available as e-book)

Alice Howland, a successful Harvard professor with a happy family life, begins to experience forgetfulness and confusion. She is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, and as her memory fades, she fights to maintain her independence and sense of self. This New York Times bestseller is a poignant and detailed portrayal of the experience of losing one’s mind, and has been adapted into a major motion picture.

The Leisure Seeker

by Michael Zadoorian (Available as e-book and audiobook)

“The Leisure Seeker” by Michael Zadoorian is a heartwarming tale of an elderly couple, Ella and John Robinas, who embark on a cross-country journey in their RV, determined to live their final days on their own terms. Despite Ella’s cancer and John’s Alzheimer’s, they set out on a forbidden vacation, leaving behind their adult children and doctors. This unforgettable journey of rediscovery has been adapted into a major motion picture starring Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland.

Special thanks to the National Library Board (NLB) for contributing to the book list.

Additional Resources

Archives Unlocked: Oral History and Reminiscence Work By Irene Lim and Patricia Lee
Source: National Archives of Singapore

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oral History Centre of Singapore, together with the Singapore University of Social Sciences and Dementia Singapore, embarked on a meaningful journey to document the stories of eight persons living with dementia and their caregivers. The act of reminiscing is used to promote the wellbeing of the seniors. Through adapting oral history methodology, these seniors are given the space to recollect, reflect, tell and record their days of growing up in Singapore.

Spark Conversations: A Journal of Shared Memories
Source: Agency for Integrated Care

This journal can serve as a starting point for you to share your life story and memories with younger members in your family. It includes questions and cards for a meaningful conversation between youths and seniors.

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How is Dementia Diagnosed?

Admin — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 01:51:43 +0000

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As a person experiencing dementia-like symptoms, or a close family member or friend of such a person, you may wonder what would happen during a visit to the doctor.

Join us as we take you through the diagnostic process, where with the help of a team of healthcare professionals, you can better understand these dementia-like symptoms.

Overview of the diagnostic process

The process consists of a few to several sessions with healthcare professionals. It often begins with seeing a general practitioner (GP) or family doctor at a polyclinic or GP practice. The GP or doctor will conduct an initial screening and consultation.

The GP or family doctor may then refer the person experiencing dementia-like symptoms to a specialist team, or to specialists such as a neurologist, geriatrician, or psychiatrist for further consultations and assessments over a few to several sessions.

These sessions include a combination of consultations, detailed history taking, blood tests, cognitive tests, and brain scans to find out whether a person has dementia, and if possible, what type of dementia they have.

Read more on the various types of dementia.

Different Types of Dementia

On visits to the doctor, bring a trusted person along

We encourage persons going through the diagnostic process to be accompanied by a reliable, trusted person who knows them well; someone who lives with the person being diagnosed, or family members and friends who are close to the person. This is especially important on the first visit to the doctor.

This accompanying person can act as an informant, providing important information that may help in the diagnostic process.

In addition, this person can help the person being diagnosed to follow up with further diagnosis sessions. They can also be a source of support, journeying alongside the person going through the diagnostic process, as this journey can be challenging.

It is very helpful for persons going through the diagnostic process to bring someone along for their appointments.

The diagnostic process may include these procedures

1. Interviews

Both the person experiencing symptoms and people who know them well, such as family members, will be interviewed by healthcare professionals such as a doctor or nurse.

Healthcare professionals will often ask for more detailed information on:

What symptoms the person has experienced, when they were experienced, and for how long. Symptoms may include memory loss, language issues, losing one’s directions, changes in mood and behaviour, and issues with one’s ability to plan
How these symptoms have affected the person’s daily tasks and routines
The person’s background, including medical history, the presence of any behavioural and psychological symptoms, and medications and supplements the person takes
The person’s educational and occupational backgrounds

Read on to understand the symptoms of dementia.

Dementia Signs & Symptoms

The diagnostic process will involve interviews about the person’s condition.

2. Tests for other existing medical conditions

To rule out or identify the presence of other medical conditions, doctors would often test for conditions other than dementia. These conditions might cause, contribute to, or make dementia-like symptoms more severe.

Some of these conditions include mood disorders such as depression; stroke; Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI); neurodevelopmental conditions; delirium; and psychiatric conditions such as psychosis.

Find more information on other conditions that exhibit dementia-like symptoms.

Is It Dementia or Other Conditions?

3. Cognitive screening and assessments

As cognitive impairment is a key symptom of dementia, cognitive and language tests (for example, testing orientation, and short- and long-term memory) are conducted.

4. Blood tests

Blood tests are conducted to rule out other conditions by testing for markers of other disorders which could be contributing to the person’s symptoms.

5. Brain imaging

Brain scans are sometimes done after blood tests have ruled out other possible medical conditions. During brain scans, only the person’s head is scanned.

These brain scans include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT), or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans.

Sometimes, more than one brain imaging scan will be done so that the medical team can better understand the person’s symptoms using the different brain scans’ results.

The machines used to conduct these different types of scans are all shaped like a doughnut on its side. The brain scan will happen with the person lying still. The procedure will take around 30 minutes to 90 minutes depending on what kind of brain scan the doctor uses.

In the above image, the patient lies down before the imaging procedure as a healthcare professional prepares him for the procedure. The machines used to conduct MRI, CT, and PET scans are all shaped like a doughnut on its side, like the white, round object in the image above.

The patient or their caregiver should inform the medical team on whether the patient:

Is pregnant
Has claustrophobia, as the machine surrounding the patient’s head may feel like a small, enclosed space
Finds it difficult to tolerate loud sounds, as the scanning machines produce knocking noises periodically when in operation (ear plugs or headphones are offered before the scan procedure)
May not be able to lie still during the procedure

If the patient is anxious and cannot lie still for the scan, they may be given a small dose of sedative, which is something used to calm a person down.

The patient will be taken care of by both a radiologist (a type of doctor who specialises in using medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat conditions) and a radiographer (a healthcare professional who operates the machines making the scans) during the procedure.

Information about MRI, CT, and PET brain scans

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A painless, non-invasive way of using magnetic waves to create images of the brain.

Preparing for the scan

As a rule of thumb, patients are not allowed to wear or bring any metal objects into the MRI scan room. If removal of the metal item is not possible, the medical team must be informed immediately.

It is important to tell the medical team about whether the patient has:

Medical implants (for example, cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers, brain aneurysm clips, metallic implants on their spine or limbs)
Tattoos, which may contain small amounts of metals

Patients will be asked to remove:

Accessories and jewellery
False teeth
Hearing aids
Wigs

The patient will be advised to remove or minimise the use of products such as makeup, nail polish, antiperspirants, or sunscreens, which may contain small amounts of metals.

During the scan

The scanning process lasts from 30 to 90 minutes. During this time, patients are to lie still for the MRI images to be taken.

Computerised Tomography (CT) Scan

A painless, non-invasive way to scan and create cross sectional images of the brain.

Preparing for the scan

The patient may be advised against eating or drinking a few hours before the scan to ensure that clear images are taken.

In addition, patients should remove any metallic objects that may interfere with the scan.

During the scan

The CT scan takes about 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, patients are to lie still. They may be asked to hold their breath or breathe in and out at some points in time.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A painless, non-invasive way of creating images of the brain.

PET works by detecting the radiation produced by a substance called a radiotracer. A radiotracer is injected into a vein in the patient’s arm or hand before the scan.

In the dementia diagnosis process, PET scans are used to detect the presence of proteins called amyloid and tau. Amyloid and tau build-up happens when a person is developing Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia.

Preparing for the scan

The patient will be advised to fast for 6 hours before the scan, although they may still drink water.

In addition, patients should remove any metallic objects that may interfere with the scan.

About an hour before the scan, a radiotracer will be injected into a vein in the patient’s arm or hand. Patients will then stay still and relax as the radiotracer travels to different parts of the body.

During the scan

After the patient has been given the radiotracer and an hour has passed, the PET scan will begin.

PET scans last for about 30 to 60 minutes, during which patients should lie still.

Where to get more information and support

Starting the diagnosis process may be daunting, but getting a diagnosis brings clarity to both the life of the person experiencing symptoms and their families. The sooner you get help, the earlier treatment and support for dementia can begin.

If you or someone you know may have dementia and needs support or information, contact a Community Outreach Team (CREST) to find out more about how to get support, or call Dementia Singapore’s helpline at 6377 0700.

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Talking to Children about Dementia

Admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 10:58:56 +0000

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A family member’s dementia impacts the entire family, including children. Parents may wish to shield young children from the reality of their loved one’s condition, but it is best to broach the topic with them soon after the diagnosis. Children are often able to sense tensions in family dynamics arising from your loved one’s diagnosis of dementia and may be able to adjust better to these changes if they are informed.

It can be difficult and frightening to witness the cognitive decline and changing behaviours of a loved one. Helping children to understand your loved one’s dementia may help them feel less confused or hurt by these behavioral changes. It may help to plan the conversation ahead of time, and plan activities that children can do together with your loved one who has dementia. Ask your loved one with dementia if they would like to be included in the conversation. Here are some general tips to plan the conversation:

Name the condition and explain the symptoms using clear, direct language

You may want to go in-depth into the type of dementia for older children. You may need to repeat your explanations several times, and simplify the terms used depending on your child’s level of comprehension.

Acknowledge your feelings to your children

Share your emotions and ask children what worries they may have regarding the condition.

Anticipate questions and guilt

If your children have experienced episodes of your loved one forgetting them, emotional outbursts or accusations of misplacing/stealing things, they may internalise your loved one’s words and actions; feeling guilt or hurt over them. Explain that the disease makes it hard to remember, but that your loved one still cares for them. Remind them to play along instead of contradicting what your loved one says, even if it is inaccurate.

Be positive, but honest

It is likely that your loved one’s dementia will continue to deteriorate. Let children know that they can continue to talk to you about their feelings as things change.

Tell children it is still possible to live well with dementia

Talk about things that your loved one with dementia can still do, and what activities may need to be modified.

Depending on children’s age and development, you may want to involve them in caregiving

This helps them maintain a connection to your loved one with dementia and become more comfortable with their expressed symptoms.

Here are some books (arranged by recommended reading age), videos and web resources meant for children that help explain dementia and what they can expect.

Children's Books on Dementia

The titles listed below are either available for download or borrowing from the National Library (NLB).

Remembering for the Two of Us

by Serena Lim, illustrated by Elieth Sardinas (Ages 3-7)

This book seeks to help children make sense of the often bewildering mental, emotional and behavioural changes affecting those with dementia. Combined with workbooks and activities, young readers learn through Agnes’s story and discover how they can make a positive difference by helping persons with dementia live with dignity and purpose.

The Tide

by Clare Welsh, illustrated by Ashling Lindsay (Ages 3-7)

“Grandpa’s memories are like the tide,” Mommy explains. “Sometimes, they’re near and full of life. Other times, they’re distant and quiet.” This book naturally incorporates simple strategies the protagonist employs to cope with the changes in Grandpa’s mental state.

Finding Grandma’s Memories

by Jiyeon Pak (Ages 3-7)

Grandma loves teatime, so does her granddaughter – from picking out a special cup, to brewing the tea, to sharing stories at the table. But lately, Grandma seems forgetful. How one little girl helps her grandmother remember their special ritual makes for a heartwarming story that will strike a chord with any family coping with elderly relatives who suffer from memory loss.

Newspaper Hats

by Phil Cummings, illustrated by Owen Swan (Ages 4-7)

A little girl, Georgie, visits her grandfather in the nursing home where he is suffering from memory loss, and manages to reconnect with him when they make newspaper hats for everyone. This illustrated book portrays the difficulties and nuances of memory loss from a child’s perspective, with an uplifting ending leaves readers with hope.

The Remember Balloons

by Jamie Oliveros, illustrated by Dana Wolfekotte (Ages 4-7)

James’s Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. He has balloons showing Dad when he was young and Grandma when they were married. But when Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken. No matter how hard he runs, James can’t catch them. This tender, sensitive picture book gently explains the memory loss associated with ageing and diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and how children might maintain their connection to grandparents in reminiscence.

Phyllis & Grace

by Nigel Gray, illustrated by Bethan Welby (Ages 4-8)

Grace is a little girl, and Phyllis is the old lady next door. Phyllis lives alone and her memory is fading, but that does not stop Grace from liking her. They find that, despite the gap in their ages, they have much in common and a moving and enduring friendship is born. This book depicts the deeply touching story of how a little girl befriends her elderly neighbour who has dementia. The sensitive and engaging illustrations are beautifully observed.

Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs

by Tomie daPaola (Ages 4-8)

Tommy is four years old, and he loves visiting the home of his grandmother, Nana Downstairs, and his great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs. But one day Tommy’s mother tells him Nana Upstairs will not be there anymore, and Tommy must struggle with saying good-bye to someone he loves. Updated with new, full-colour illustrations, this true story gently introduces young readers to the topic of death and loss.

The Day Abuelo Got Lost

by Diane De Anda, illustrated by Alleanna Harris (Ages 5-9)

A touching story about a boy and his grandfather who enjoy a special bond until Abuelo starts to lose his memory. Luis now has to find new activities for them to do together and in the process Luis realises that they still love each other. This book was named Most Inspiring Children’s Pick Book in 2020 and won the Latino Book Award.

Forget Me Not

by Nancy Van Lean, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin (Ages 6-8)

Young readers are given an emotionally powerful yet accessible introduction to what it is like having a close family member with Alzheimer’s disease in this deeply resonant story about the relationship between a girl and her grandmother.

This book is helpful for explaining more difficult behaviour changes to young children.

Where’s Grandma?

by Edmund Lim, illustrated by Tan Zi Xi (Ages 5-9)

Luke is a little different from other boys his age. His best friend is his Grandma. They would do everything together – walking to school, strolling in the park, and playing in the playground. That was before Grandma’s fall. Everything changed after that. A poignant story of how one boy copes with losing his beloved Grandma to Alzheimer’s disease only to discover something more powerful. Tan Zi Xi’s sensitive illustrations capture the pathos brilliantly. This book was selected for the National Library Board’s READ! Singapore programme for 2012.

Available in English, Tamil, Malay and Mandarin.

My Book About Brains, Change and Dementia : What is Dementia and What Does It Do?

by Lynda Moore, illustrated by George Haddon (Ages 5-8)

What does dementia do to the brain? How can we help if someone we know, like a parent or a grandparent, has dementia? This book breaks down misconceptions about dementia and speaks directly to children aged under five about the realities of the disease, using age-appropriate language in an engaging and informative way.

This book broaches the subject of death, so parents may want to supervise reading with their children.

What’s happening to Grandpa?

by Maria Shriver, illustrated by Sandra Speidel (Ages 6-9)

Kate has always adored her grandpa’s storytelling, but lately he has been repeating the same stories again and again. One day, he even forgets Kate’s name. Her mother’s explanation opens Kate’s eyes to what so many of the elderly must confront: Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss. A little word-heavy, this book shows how children might talk about their grandparents’ dementia with other children.

What Happens When My Grandparent has Alzheimer’s Disease?

By Christine Honders (Ages 7-10)

Why doesn’t grandma remember my name? Why does grandpa have to move into a care home? This book will help young readers understand what Alzheimer’s disease is and provides them with healthy coping strategies.

Coffee, rabbit, snowdrop, lost

by Betina Birkjær, illustrated by Anna Margrethe Kjærgaard, translated from Danish by Sinéad Quirke Køngerskov (Ages 7-10)

Stump’s grandfather starts to lose his memory – and his words, which literally fall from him. Stump tries his best to keep the lost words safe, collecting them in a special box. But Grandpa seems to forget more and more everyday, and the situation comes to a head one snowy night when Stump wakes up to find Grandpa missing.

This book provides honest and sensitive insights into difficulties in relationships impacted by dementia. It includes an afterword to the parent/guardian about dementia and recollection, written by Ove Dahl, a historian and head of the Danish Center for Reminiscence.

All That Remains

by James Tan (Ages 9+)

Inspired by real-life experiences, All That Remains weaves the personal stories of families touched by dementia into a moving and richly illustrated graphic novel suitable for children and young adults. Part of the Forget Us Not initiative by Lien Foundation, Dementia Singapore (formerly Alzheimer’s Disease Association) and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

Talking to the Moon

by S. E. Durrant (Ages 9+)

Iris’s grandmother, Mimi, starts wearing her clothes inside out, serving jam on scrambled eggs and talking to the moon. As Mimi’s life becomes more muddled up and a mystery from the past surfaces, Iris and her friend Mason must search for answers. A moving story of a grandmother living with dementia, told from her granddaughter’s perspective.

Hour of the Bees

by Lindsay Eagar (Ages 9-11)

Twelve-year-old Carol is spending her summer, helping her parents move Grandpa Serge into a home for people with dementia. Carol finds herself drawn to him, fascinated by the crazy stories he tells her about a healing tree, and the bees that will bring back the rain and end a hundred years of drought. This is a captivating novel about family, renewal, and discovering the wonders of the world.

Just Like Jackie

by Linsey Stoddard (Ages 9+)

For as long as Robinson Hart can remember, it has just been her and Grandpa. He teaches her about cars, baseball, and everything else worth knowing. But Grandpa’s memory has been getting bad — so bad that he sometimes cannot even remember Robbie’s name.

Curveball : The Year I Lost My Grip

by Jordan Sonnenblick (Ages 12+)

After an injury ends former star pitcher Peter Friedman’s athletic dreams, he concentrates on photography. This leads him to a girlfriend, new fame as a high school sports photographer, and a deeper relationship with the beloved grandfather who gives Pete all of his professional camera gear after realising he has dementia. A good book for teenagers navigating difficult changes and grandparents’ dementia.

Take Care, Son: The Story of My Dad and his Dementia

by Tony Husband (Ages 11+)

Hi Dad . . . can we have a chat about your dementia . . . Can you remember how it started?
When Ron Husband starts to forget things – dates, names, appointments . . . daft things, important things – it takes a while to realise that this is “a different form of forgetting.” But it is just the first sign of the illness that gradually takes him away from the family he loves. An emotional, personal account written from the perspective of an elderly father diagnosed with dementia, this book may aid children to empathise with a family member’s experience of dementia.

Special thanks to the National Library Board (NLB) for contributing to the book list.

Video Resources

Dementia-Friendly Kebun Baru:
Conversations with Dementia
Source: Our Kebun Baru, St. Luke’s Eldercare, Dementia Singapore

Dementia-friendly Kebun Baru is a series of four videos, featuring candid conversations between children and seniors with dementia living in the Kebun Baru Community. Despite dementia, conversations with the seniors do not have to be difficult for children.

Our Grandfather Story – Can Ask Meh?
Living with Dementia: Will You Ever Forget Me?
Source: Our Grandfather Story

Hear about persons living with dementia and their caregivers on this episode of ‘Can Ask Meh?’. This casual interview offers children a look into how family dynamics may be changed by dementia, and inspires hope for the family to remain connected.

#DementiaFriendlySG Exhibition
Sharing by Peter, Evon, Maia & Maesi
Source: Dementia-Friendly Singapore

Hear from Peter and Evon Estrop, and their granddaughters Maia and Maesi on how they support and care for each other through their journey with dementia.

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Pharmacological Management of Dementia

Admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 09:33:46 +0000

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Though non-drug measures are usually the first-line approach to address the symptoms of dementia, medications are still important in the treatment of dementia. Presently, there is no cure for dementia. Although slight improvements or stabilisation of symptoms can at times be seen, these ultimately do not cure or prevent the disease or restore mental health. There are, however, drugs that may help improve mental function, mood or behaviour and slow down the symptomatic progression of the disease.

It is important to note that not every medication or combination of medications works for everyone. Each person responds differently to different types of medications. Doctors and pharmacists may need to adjust the course of medication based on the response of the person living with dementia and the feedback from caregivers.

Common Medications Prescribed for Dementia

The following are some medications used to relieve some symptoms of dementia:

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

1. Helps maintain mental function
2. Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon*) and Galantamine (Reminyl)
3. Used primarily to treat mild to moderate stages of the disease although there is also evidence of effectiveness in advanced dementia
4. * Exelon is available in a patch form to be stuck onto the skin

N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists (which prevent cell damage from glutamate), such as Memantine

1. An alternative if patients cannot tolerate Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
2. Can be used on its own or in combination with Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Mood Stabilisers and Sedatives

1. Used to treat various challenging and disruptive symptoms such as anxiety, depression, aggression, agitation and sleep problems as a result of dementia

Side Effects

All medications have side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on what they are. Do not make adjustments to the medication routine of a person living with dementia without first seeking medical advice.

Medication takes time to take effect, and so it is important to follow the prescription even if effects are not seen for some time and if side effects are present. In addition, effects differ from person to person, so even if other persons respond differently, caregivers and the person taking it should not independently decide to change their dosage.

Generally, the medications listed above are well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

1. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists (which prevent cell damage from glutamate), such as Memantine

1. Dizziness, headaches, fatigue, hallucinations, confusion

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics must be used with caution and usually not for prolonged periods because they can:

1. Increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke or heart attack
2. Cause excessive drowsiness and impair alertness and communication
3. Cause slowness, rigidity, unsteady gait and falls

Hydration

Certain medications can interfere with feelings of hydration and/or thirst. Dehydration can be a serious health problem in older adults as it can be associated with other illnesses. It can be prevented by providing the person living with dementia with adequate fluids throughout the day.

Tips to increase fluid intake:

Offer water frequently throughout the day and at mealtimes.
Offer help to those who cannot drink independently.
Offer barley, milk, soy milk, tea, coffee, juice, juicy fruits and soups for variety.

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Treatments for Dementia

Admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 09:33:06 +0000

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Caring for a person living with dementia involves many things. These include the use of both medications and psychosocial interventions (such as engagement and environmental changes to suit the person). Care plans should integrate both these kinds of treatments when addressing the factors that affect the condition of a person living with dementia. These include biological, psychological, and social factors.

Though non-drug measures are usually the first-line approach to address the symptoms of dementia, medications are still important in the treatment of dementia.

Treatment Beyond Medication
Source: ForgetUsNot Project by LIEN Foundation

In the following video, Dr. Chen Shiling of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital shares about why there is more to dementia treatment than just drugs. She raises three aspects of treatment and shares her past experiences that helped her understand how to care for a loved one living with dementia.

Presently, there is no cure for dementia. Although slight improvements or stabilisation of symptoms can at times be seen, these ultimately do not cure or prevent the disease or restore mental health. There are, however, drugs that may help improve mental function, mood or behaviour and slow down the symptomatic progression of the disease.

It is important to note that not every medication or combination of medications works for everyone. Each person responds differently to different types of medications. Doctors and pharmacists may need to adjust the course of medication based on the response of the person living with dementia and the feedback of caregivers.

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Benefits of Getting a Dementia Diagnosis

Admin — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 08:50:01 +0000

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Have you or your loved one been living with memory loss for some time? Have you been concerned about whether you or your loved one has dementia? A diagnosis may help address these concerns and reduce any anxiety you may have regarding these symptoms your loved one is experiencing.

Gain access to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options
Begin seeking out support services and financial schemes that are suitable for your loved one living with dementia and yourself
Help your loved one make the necessary lifestyle adjustments that will enable them to live well with their dementia
Plan for the future of both your loved one and yourself
Loved ones will be better able to support the person living with dementia

Facing Dementia: Do I Have Dementia? (Ep 1)

Source: Channel News Asia

Documentary tracks individuals who have noticed differences and changes to their minds and want to find out why, and shows the process of undergoing tests for dementia.

Getting a diagnosis is an important first step for both your loved one living with dementia and yourself. It not only provides an explanation to the symptoms your loved one has been experiencing, but can accelerate the process of treatment, seeking professional support and care, and planning for the future.

Gain access to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options

While there are no available treatments that can reverse the cognitive decline that comes with dementia, there are still a variety of medications and psychosocial interventions that can help slow down the decline and help your loved one maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.

Research has also shown that treatments tend to be most effective in the early stages of dementia.1

Begin seeking out support services and financial schemes that are suitable for your loved one living with dementia and yourself

There are a variety of programmes available for both persons living with dementia as well as caregivers:

A Network of Care and Support
Community Outreach Teams (CREST – Community Resource Engagement and Support Team)
Community Intervention Teams (COMIT)
Day Care Services
Nursing Homes
Respite Care

Find out more.

Additionally, caring for persons living with dementia may incur significant medical care costs. Fortunately, there are several financial schemes you may look into to help ease the financial burden and aid you in your financial planning:

Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF)
Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE)
ElderShield
CareShield Life
Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the
Elderly (IDAPE)
ElderFund
MediSave Care
Caregiving Training Grant (CTG)

Find out more about financial schemes here.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for these services and subsidies often include being formally diagnosed, amongst other factors. This is to ensure that these aids are provided to those who are in need of them. It is also ideal to include your loved one in making these decisions when they still have the capacity to make informed decisions.

Help your loved one make the necessary lifestyle adjustments that will enable them to live well with their dementia

If your loved one is still working, they may have to think about potentially reducing their work hours, reviewing their current responsibilities, or speaking with their employer about making other reasonable adjustments at the workplace. In some cases, major career adjustments, such as changing jobs or stopping work completely, may have to be made.

The both of you can also discuss potential safety issues, such as driving or wandering, ahead of time.

Plan for the future of both your loved one and yourself

Following the diagnosis, it is important to review current legal, financial, and care plans, among other important matters while your loved one still has the capacity to make decisions for themselves. It is important to empower your loved one to, through discussions with family and care professionals, determine what arrangements they would prefer during each stage of their dementia. Doing this will also give both you and your loved one peace of mind and prevent future disagreements within the family.

Learn more about advance care planning here.

Loved ones will be better able to support the person living with dementia

Before a clear diagnosis is made, it is likely that you and your loved one may find it difficult to make sense of instances of memory lapses, communication problems and personality changes, which had not been common occurrences before. This lack of understanding often results in frustration and confusion, as both parties may not know how to deal with these changes.

However, a clear diagnosis allows for the realisation that these incidents are, in fact, symptoms of dementia. This makes it easier for your loved one, friends and family, to better understand your loved one’s condition as well as the challenges that come with it.

Learn more about the needs of persons living with dementia here.

Additional Resources

Ask the Expert: Do I Have Dementia? Where to Seek Support?

In this video by the Agency of Integrated Care, watch Emily Ong, Dementia Advocate, share her story on the motivations of getting a diagnosis.

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Accepting My Diagnosis Archives - DementiaHub.SG

Books for Your Journey with Dementia

Book Recommendations for Persons living with Dementia

Non-Fiction: Memoirs written by Persons Living with Dementia

Non-Fiction: Guides on Living Well with Dementia

Fiction: Stories about Dementia

Special thanks to the National Library Board (NLB) for contributing to the book list.

Additional Resources

Spark Conversations: A Journal of Shared Memories Source: Agency for Integrated Care

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How is Dementia Diagnosed?

In this Article

Overview of the diagnostic process

On visits to the doctor, bring a trusted person along

The diagnostic process may include these procedures

1. Interviews

2. Tests for other existing medical conditions

3. Cognitive screening and assessments

4. Blood tests

5. Brain imaging

Where to get more information and support

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Talking to Children about Dementia

Name the condition and explain the symptoms using clear, direct language

Acknowledge your feelings to your children

Anticipate questions and guilt

Be positive, but honest

Tell children it is still possible to live well with dementia

Depending on children’s age and development, you may want to involve them in caregiving

Here are some books (arranged by recommended reading age), videos and web resources meant for children that help explain dementia and what they can expect.

Children's Books on Dementia

Special thanks to the National Library Board (NLB) for contributing to the book list.

Video Resources

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Pharmacological Management of Dementia

Common Medications Prescribed for Dementia

Side Effects

Hydration

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Treatments for Dementia

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Benefits of Getting a Dementia Diagnosis

In this Article

Gain access to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options

Begin seeking out support services and financial schemes that are suitable for your loved one living with dementia and yourself

Help your loved one make the necessary lifestyle adjustments that will enable them to live well with their dementia

Plan for the future of both your loved one and yourself

Loved ones will be better able to support the person living with dementia

Additional Resources

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Spark Conversations: A Journal of Shared Memories
Source: Agency for Integrated Care