The Library of the Mind: Understanding Dementia

Dementia is a condition that affects the brain, making it harder for people to remember things, think clearly, decision-making, or taking care of themselves. Overtime, it can get worse and worse since it is an ongoing problem. It can usually affect older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging. Younger people can get dementia as well. It does not just affect the person who has it, but also their family and caregivers. “Estimates vary, but experts report more than 7 million people ages 65 or older had dementia in 2020. If current demographic and health trends continue, more than 9 million Americans could have dementia by 2030 and nearly 12 million by 2040,” (Population Reference Bureau, 2025). Taking care of someone with dementia can be difficult and an emotional process to go through. “When caregivers feel burdened, drained, and disconnected, they are likely to feel frustrated, which may result in critical remarks and hostile attitudes toward their family member with dementia, who may be perceived as the reason for their distress,” (Altamirano & Weisman de Mamani, 2021, p. 905).

Symptoms may include:

• Loss of memory (including short-term memory) 

• Having a hard time finding the right words or communicating 

• Confusion 

• Poor judgement or having a hard time to make decisions 

• Sudden changes in personality, mood, or behavior 

• Having a hard time perform tasks 

There is no cure for dementia but there are treatments used to help manage symptoms, slow the progression, and try to improve overall quality of life.

• Memantine
• Used for moderate to severe dementia. Helps calm down the chemical used to help brain cells send messages so that the brain cells do not get tired or damaged; thus helping people to remember better at times 
• ·      Cholinesterase inhibitors such as Rivastigmine (Exelon), Galantamine (Razadyne), or Donepezil (Aricept)
•       Improves memory, thinking, and communication for a while
• ·      Combination therapy, meaning using both cholinesterase inhibitor and memantine

Other Treatments:

• ·         A regular daily schedule to lower confusion
• ·         Activities to keep the brain active such as puzzles
• ·         Exercise
• ·         Music therapy
• ·         Creating a safer environment by simplifying items at home and making it easier to move around 

Pages of Comfort: Using Memories to Spark a Better Quality of Life 

Each person has a library with an endless number of unique stories of their days. For someone who has dementia, these pages may start to be harder to read or even find…the chapters may become blurry. This does not mean their story is finished. 

Family and caregivers can become dedicated libraries who help guide and support the previous stories of their loved ones. Together, there’s the special power of writing an even more meaningful chapter full of connection and comfort. 

Every story deserves care. Here’s how the pages can be turned towards a better quality of life. 

Create an environment that makes your loved ones living with dementia feel safe…even familiar and comfortable. People with confusion are at greater risk for falls or injuring themselves. 

Try to avoid loneliness and isolation. Encourage family and friends to meet them and promote connections with the community. 

Have a consistent schedule. Things can get stressful and cause anxiousness when there is not a routine. 

Let them do as much as they safely can by themselves. It is okay for them to have independence but also make sure that safety is prioritized too. 

Malnutrition can possibly make things worse with their confusion. Balanced meals and hydration should be encouraged. Try to let them eat food and drinks that they like within a healthy parameter. 

Activities such as taking a walk, chair exercises, and playing games to support their health both mentally and physically. 

Make sure to have regular check-ups, manage medications, and look out for any changes. 

Florida Resources for Dementia: 

• adrccares.org (Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center)

• elderaffairs.org

• dubincenter.com 

• eldercare.acl.gov (information about programs for transportation, housing, etc)

National Resources for Dementia: 

• alzheimers.gov 

• alz.org (Alzheimer’s & Dementia helpline and information) 

***Dementia often has connections with Alzheimer’s when mentioned. They are still two separate conditions and are not the same thing.

Dear readers,

You are not alone. Whether you are a caregiver, a family member, or someone living with dementia yourself, it is okay to taking things step by step, page by page. This is why this blog is created, to offer guidance, understanding, and support.

This blog is not just information alone, but also a space that allows for learning, listening, and to lift each other up. As a nurse myself, I as well as many other nurses and healthcare professionals walk alongside people and familied trying to navigate the multiple challenges of dementia and other conditions. It’s not easy for you guys at all. We are honored to be a part of you journey and am fully committed to help you find your spark. You deserve more pages, full of support, understanding, and encouragement. Your journey matters. Your story matters.

With care and compassion,

Samira Pierre, RN

 

References

Altamirano, O., & Weisman de Mamani, A. (2021). Risk and resiliency factors related to dementia caregiver mental health. Family Process, 60(3), 904–919. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12569

Fact sheet: U.S. dementia trends. PRB. (2021). https://www.prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-u-s-dementia-trends/ 

Touhy, T. A., & Jett, K. (2022). Toward healthy aging: Human needs and nursing response (11th ed.). Elsevier.