5 Physical Effects on the Health in Patients with Dementia

Dementia is the rapid decline of the mind in primarily elderly people. It can be highly distressing for the person going through it, and many feelings of fear can come up for the affected person and their family. One of the scary parts of this illness is the physical health effects. 

Below, we’ll look at five of the most common physical health effects in patients with dementia, so you can get a head start on care and enhance the life of a senior going through this condition.  

1. Losing Mobility

More common in the later stages of dementia, many patients begin to lose mobility, eventually being confined to a bed. This loss of mobility can be scary for the person going through it. 

An excellent way to prolong mobility is light exercise. Water exercise is a great choice for those in the early stages of dementia. The more active the mind and body, the more you can work to prolong the scarier effects of the disease. 

2. Sleep Problems

Dementia can cause sleep issues, as it is a degenerative disease. Your loved one may wake up often in the night or sleep often, depending on the circumstances. It’s a good idea to have someone nearby to help calm the person if they wake up during the night or become confused. 

3. Memory Loss

Memory loss is one of the staples of dementia. It occurs in every patient at some point. Be patient with your loved one and understand if they can’t remember things right away. 

One tactic for helping boost memory is music and photos. Bring along pictures of their earlier life and play their favorite songs. Music is known to improve cognitive function in the brain of patients with dementia. 

4. Tremors or Jerky Movements

As mobility becomes more of an issue in the later stages of dementia, you may see your loved one experiencing tremors or jerky movements. This response is expected. Having a mobility aid like a walker or wheelchair can help. 

5. Loss of Appetite

Finally, a loss of appetite becomes common in any stage of dementia. For those who refuse to eat, medical intervention will be needed. However, most patients with dementia can work with a caregiver or family member to remember when to eat and continue to take care of their bodies. 

Conclusion

Dementia can be terrifying for the person going through it and the family involved. However, there are many ways to improve physical health and prolong more severe health concerns in those who have it. 

If you’d like to learn more about dementia and the way it affects the body and mind, check out BetterHelp’s advice section on the condition here: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/dementia/. 

Remember to be patient with your loved one and consider music therapy and physical therapy as options to help reduce the stress caused by the disease and the eventual physical decline. Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone. 

If you’re a caregiver looking for emotional support, there are thousands of therapists online or in-person ready and willing to help you through your feelings about this.