Dementia and Compassion

Dementia is a general term for decline in memory and cognitive ability. It can interfere with daily life.

While memory loss is a telltale symptom of dementia, there are other warning signs. Communication issues, language problems, inability to focus and pay attention, difficulty with reason and judgment, and visual perception problems may be present.

A contributing factor may be our lifespans. We live longer than people did 100 years ago. This means we’re taking more prescriptions drugs to live without pain and address symptoms of aging. Not all medications play nicely together. Speak to a gerontologist to make sure there are no negative interactions.

At present, there is no cure for dementia. We have to work to be supportive of these folks. Consider what would give you comfort in the event of cognitive decline. Advocate for and assist elders to find that comfort.

Listen as Dr. Tia Powell joins Dr. Susanne Bennett to discuss dementia.