Mental health is something that most people take for granted. After all, you don’t really give it much thought until there’s a problem.
Anyone with a loved one suffering from dementia can tell you how heartbreaking this condition is. When a friend or family member begins to forget things about themselves and others, it can be a disorienting experience.
Have you ever wondered “what does dementia feel like ?” If so, you’ve come to the right place for the answers you’re seeking. This article takes a look at what patients experience at the beginning of dementia so that you can have greater empathy.
Keep reading to discover insight into what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Your Personality Will Change
The first thing to understand about living with dementia is the fact that your personality will begin to change. This can be shocking to those around you. In fact, these personality changes will be very painful to watch.
This is a result of extreme swelling of the brain. As the brain swells, the way you speak, act, and perceive the world will shift. You might literally behave like a totally different person.
This is one of the most noticeable changes in a dementia patient, and will likely cause confusion both in the patient and for those around you. A quiet person might suddenly become loud and aggressive, or an outgoing person could withdraw and have wild mood swings.
In short, as the brain changes physically, changes in personality will inevitably follow.
You Will Experience Confusion
It’s no secret that confusion is a significant symptom of dementia. This will typically take the form of visual hallucinations. You might imagine that you are seeing things that aren’t really there or hearing sounds from imaginary sources such as voices from the past.
You might also forget to get dressed before going outside or get lost while taking a walk in your own neighborhood. Familiar places will become distorted, causing you to forget faces and names, as well as mistaking loved ones for total strangers.
It’s natural for this experience of confusion to quickly transform into irrational fear of everything around you.
Your Sense of Awareness Will Diminish
You will also experience a tremendous loss of awareness. It will likely feel as if you are going on with life as normal while everything else changes around you. This will obviously elevate your confusion and fear.
Others might panic at your behavior while you remain calm, believing that their fussing and anxiety is unwarranted. Obviously, this loss of self-awareness will ultimately lead to your loved ones fearing for your safety.
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, Memory Care is there to help.
Your Bodily Needs Will Change
Next, you will eventually lose the ability to anticipate the needs of your own body. For example, your mind might not be able to register physical signals such as fatigue, hunger, or even the need to use the restroom. This will result in lots of unpleasantness in your most intimate relationships
A Guide to Understand What Does Dementia Feel Like
Watching someone deal with mental diseases like Alsheimer’s can be stressful and heartbreaking. That’s why it’s important to understand “what does dementia feel like?” That you can provide the right kind of support for those in need of love and encouragement.
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