Dementia Care Demystified

Dementia, at its core, is simply a decline in mental ability that is severe enough to impede everyday life. One of its most common symptoms is memory loss, but other symptoms might include impairment to:

• Communication and language
• Ability to focus and pay attention
• Reasoning and judgment, or
• Visual perception.

Dementia can be caused by injury, but is more commonly associated with Alzheimer’s or stroke—which in combination accounts for more than 80 percent of cases. While certain types of dementia can be reversed, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders—most cannot, and are instead progressive. Due to the ongoing nature of dementia, adopting a cohesive caregiving approach is key for the success of healthcare providers, patients, and their families.

While dementia can feel frightening to those experiencing it and their caregivers, there is reassurance. At PFH, we have observed countless people with dementia, scoured over research, and developed effective measurement-based tools to help caregivers better communicate with and engage in dementia care.

Engage us in a conversation today about how we can help you to help others.