Dementia is a syndrome – usually of a chronic or progressive nature –in which there is deterioration in cognitive function. It affects memory, language, orientation, comprehension, calculation, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Consciousness is not affected. The impairment in cognitive function is commonly accompanied and occasionally preceded, by deterioration in emotional control, social behavior, or motivation.
The most common types of dementia are:
Dementia affects each person in a different way, depending upon the impact of the disease and the person's personality before becoming ill.
Treatment of dementia depends on the underlying cause. Although age is the strongest risk for dementia, it is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Neurodegenerative dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, has no cure, though there are medications that can help protect your brain or manage symptoms such as anxiety or behavior changes.
Studies show that we can reduce the risk of dementia by leading a healthy lifestyle.
Including:
Additional risk factors include depression, social isolation, and cognitive inactivity.
What to do If a loved one is suspicious of having dementia?
I think it might.
Don’t we all enjoy the opportunity to slip off our shoes and simply kick back for some ‘me’ time? We know how much better we feel after we have had that time to simply relax – to withdraw into our own world where we can be at one with our thoughts. When people are first diagnosed with dementia it can cause stress, anxiety, or depression worrying about the future for themselves and their families. The loss of their cognitive control and changes in personality can be frightening. And this is where hypnotherapy comes. There are studies that have been done to prove that brain function can be altered in people using hypnotherapy for dementia.
Some people truly believe in hypnosis and there are others, who are skeptical. It is said that hypnosis gained a bad rap. Mostly because entertainers claim to use it to make people act out in strange ways, at parties and shows. However, if we look at the serious side of hypnosis as therapy, we might be surprised at the power it has for healing.
The studies show that hypnotherapy for dementia can improve quality of life by giving clarity of thought, better capacity to concentrate for longer periods of time, and learning to control emotions. It can also boost our desire to socialize, interact and be with others reducing the loneliness and isolation many suffer from dementia face.
Hypnotherapy for dementia can also bring great benefit to family members or caregivers of those with dementia, helping them to be more patient and understanding with a relaxed approach. It empowers them to feel calmer and not to let their worrying thoughts take over so they are in a better position to deal with the needs of their loved ones.
Relaxation and ‘me time’ are good for all of us. However, for people living with dementia, it can have that little extra, therapeutic benefit.
So, if you or a loved one is struggling to deal with dementia or the impact of caring for someone don’t hesitate to contact me.
