The Reddit Threads That Reveal Dementia’s Hidden Struggles
### The Hidden Struggles of Dementia: Insights from Online Communities
Dementia is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many are aware of the common symptoms like memory loss and confusion, there are many hidden struggles that people with dementia face. These struggles can be revealed through personal stories and experiences shared in online communities.
#### Forgetting Important Dates
One of the early signs of dementia is forgetting important dates like birthdays and anniversaries. This might seem like a minor issue, but it can be a significant problem for those who value these events. Caroline Scates, deputy director of Admiral Nurse Development at Dementia UK, explains that mild problems with short-term memory and recall of recent events are common in the early stages of dementia. Family and friends often notice these changes first, as they spend more time with the person and see the repetition of questions or the forgetting of recent events[2].
#### Sundowning: The Evening Struggle
As the day turns into night, some people with dementia experience a growing sense of agitation or anxiety. This phenomenon is known as “sundowning.” It can cause feelings of being in the wrong place, leading to behaviors like shouting, arguing, pacing, or confusion. Caroline Scates notes that hunger, thirst, and physical pain can worsen at this time, contributing to these feelings[2].
#### Hallucinations and Anxiety
Dementia can cause the brain to misinterpret information, leading to hallucinations. Some people experience auditory hallucinations, hearing voices that aren’t there, while others see things that aren’t real. Visual hallucinations are more common in people with Lewy body dementia, a progressive condition that accounts for 10-15% of all dementia cases. Additionally, people with dementia may become more anxious or frightened over things that never used to bother them. This change in behavior is especially common if there’s damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain[2].
#### Avoiding Communication
Dementia can also affect language and speech, leading to difficulties in finding the right words or completing a story. This condition, known as aphasia, can cause people to avoid talking to others, including on the phone. Handwriting might also become more difficult to decipher. Caroline Scates emphasizes that these changes can lead to an avoidance of communication, making it harder for people with dementia to connect with others[2].
#### Struggling to Stay Focused
Over time, dementia will cause a general decline in social and life skills. This can include struggling to maintain focus on single tasks. People with dementia might find it hard to complete tasks or meet deadlines, and they could experience problems with literacy, numeracy, and other basic skills. An ability to plan ahead might be affected, and driving skills could deteriorate[2].
#### Managing Finances
People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias may start having trouble managing their finances several years before their diagnosis. A study from Johns Hopkins University found that people with dementia had more missed credit card payments as early as six years before their diagnosis, and they were more likely to have lower than average credit scores two and a half years before their diagnosis[2].
### Preserving Independence
While dementia can significantly impact daily life, it’s crucial to preserve the independence of those affected. Caregivers can help by involving their loved ones in daily activities, such as helping with the grocery list, picking out their own clothes, or doing chores like putting away groceries and taking out the trash. By doing so, caregivers can support the person’s brain in remembering how to do these tasks, which helps maintain their sense of independence[4].
### Conclusion
The hidden struggles of dementia are multifaceted and often go unnoticed by those who don’t live with the condition. By understanding these struggles, we can better support those affected and their families. Whether it’s remembering important dates, managing sundowning, avoiding communication, staying focused, or managing finances, each challenge
