The loss of cognitive abilities, such as thinking, memory, and reasoning, which affects a person’s day-to-day functioning, is known as dementia. Some affected people encounter emotional instability and personality changes. The intensity of the disease varies from the least severe phase, when it starts to interfere with a person’s ability to function, to the most painful stage, when the individual depends on others for fundamental daily activities.
As people age, this disease becomes more prevalent (approximately one-third of all adults over the age of 85 may have symptoms), yet it is not a specific aspect of ageing. There is currently no dementia cure; however, with the proper care and therapy, an affected person can live as long as possible. A mix of pharmacological and non-drug treatments can assist people with dementia disease in continuing to accomplish activities for themselves.
Badges for Dementia
Following some misconceptions about what various blue flower badges signify, we address several prevalent fallacies about their significance, who might wear blue flower badges, and why.
1. Blue flower badge
The forget-me-not flower symbolises memory and has long been connected with the disease. Loss of memory, among other symptoms, is common in affected people. As a result, the forget-me-not is the ideal flower to symbolise the cause. The blue flower badge represents anybody who wants to fight against the disease, promote awareness, and help those afflicted.
2. Forget-me-not pin badge
Anyone may express their support for Alzheimer’s Society by wearing the blue forget-me-not pin badge. Many charities use flowers, ribbons, and other motifs to symbolize their work toward its awareness. A person may wear a forget-me-not badge because a close relative or loved one has the disease or because they wish to promote awareness. It’s advisable to avoid making conclusions about why someone is wearing the pin.
Common myth: The common myth says that people with this disease are the ones wearing a blue flower badge. However, that’s not true. Anyone can wear the forget-me-not badge to demonstrate their support for affected people.
3. Forget Me Not Appeal badge
Alzheimer’s Society launched the Forget Me Not Appeal badge in 2021. This annual campaign encourages people to wear a Forget Me Not flower badge for the entire month to spread awareness and raise funds for people affected by it. Wearing the Forget Me Not Appeal badge does not imply dementia. Participants of the Forget Me Not Appeal wear their badges not just to raise awareness of it, but also to remember or honour a loved one who has the disease.
4. Dementia Friend badge
Dementia Friends is a social movement that alters people’s perceptions about this condition. This friend is someone who learns about this condition to aid others in their community. They may opt to wear the friends badge to indicate their support for the cause or to assist others in need.
5. Help cards
Help cards are a simple and discrete method for affected people to obtain support or assistance when they are out. Personal information may also be written on the cards, allowing affected people to get help most appropriately and only from those they feel secure.
Additionally, install the Emoha app to receive support while dealing with someone with this condition. Emoha app includes information on how to receive help from your Physician, healthcare and social specialists, and respite care for seniors. We provide a secure, easy, and joyful ageing for seniors. We’re a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by old age. So, look no further for a fulfilled and less fearful life, free from stigma and inequality. Install the Emoha app and enjoy flexible support services and a multi-faceted approach to improving lives. Download from the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
Conclusion
Dementia can strike senior citizens, and identifying its signs may be particularly challenging. It is significant to consider a person’s present capacities and watch for changes over the years that could indicate this disease.
It is a prevalent misperception that the badges are intended to help affected people identify themselves in public. If someone is unaware, it may be beneficial to inform them. Affected people may encounter stigma and exploitation, leading to an increased risk when out in public. If it is widely assumed that only those with this condition wear this emblem, they may be more susceptible. The badges therefore are a sole way of showing our support to the people fighting this disease.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Various Dementia symptoms are:
- Changes in cognition and perception:
- Memory loss
- Difficulties communicating, particularly finding the correct words
- Reduced capacity to plan, reason, and solve issues
- Difficulty with difficult tasks
- Perplexity and disorientation
- Synchronisation and motor function problems
- Visual perception loss
- Reduced sense of smell
- Agnosia or the inability to recognise items or people.
Psychological shifts:
- Personality and behavioural changes
- Depression
- Anxiety and Hallucinations
- Swings in mood
- Apathy – a loss of enthusiasm or feelings
What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Dementia is a broad term that refers to a decrease in a person’s intellectual capacity that is likely to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a particular condition among the most prevalent causes of dementia, with memory loss & confusion as the main symptoms.
What is Sundowning behaviour?
Sundowning is a condition of disorientation that occurs mid-evening and lasts into the night. Sundowning can result in various behaviours, including bewilderment, anxiety, anger, and disregarding directions.
Are jigsaw puzzles good for dementia?
Yes, Jigsaw puzzles are a common exercise and beneficial for improving the memory and thought processes of those affected with this disease.
How do you make a dementia patient happy?
A positive dementia diagnosis can strain a person, so caregivers must find methods to keep affected individuals happy.
- Include them in Social Activities
- Maintain Strong Relations with them
- Maximise their Comfort
- Make them Physically Active
- Use Effective Communication
- Indulge in Solving Puzzles, Creating photos books and, incorporating memory games
- Involve in Reading sessions with them
- Conduct humour-based activities
- Involve them in housework activities
- Involve pets
Do dementia patients like being alone?
Most people with this condition may live alone, securely, and independently in the early stages. A person requires help with daily tasks such as cooking, bathing, grooming, and clothing as the condition progresses or in the later stages of the sickness.
How does music affect the brain in dementia?
According to the researchers, music help reactivate the brain regions connected with memory, logic, communication, and emotion.
How can you help someone with dementia to communicate?
Ways to improve your communication with someone who has this condition are as follows:
- Obtain the individual’s attention. Try to use their first name.
- Try and keep a straightforward and transparent conversation. Make efforts to utilise short, basic language. Keep the sentences brief. Speak carefully and use intelligible language.
- Keep an eye out for the person’s body language. When speaking, keep your body steady, which will help them stay focused. Smile and make as many facial expressions as possible.
- When communicating with someone who has this disease, pay attention. Show enthusiasm for being discussed and try not to contradict what they say.
- Avoid phrases like “you’re mistaken.” Accept whatever the other person says. Even if what they are expressing occasionally makes no sense.
How does art help dementia?
Art therapy has been shown in studies to improve speech, cognitive function, and social engagement in affected individuals. Indeed, visual art may reawaken repressed memories and feelings, sparking talks among individuals who otherwise struggle to communicate themselves.