Articles

Visits to Dementia Sufferers Helps Well-Being

04/01/2016

A charity has recently urged people to visit people that they might know who are suffering with dementia despite the fact that they might not be recognised.

The Alzheimer’s society responded to a poll which suggested that many people felt it was pointless visiting a loved one if the person was unaware of who they were. In contrast, dementia sufferers usually feel happier when visited, regardless of who the visitor is.

The Daily Telegraph reported that over 40% of those asked believed that dementia patients who failed to recognise visitors would not benefit much from the visit.

However, the charity said people kept an “emotional memory” regardless of the disease and that seeing loved ones could “stimulate feelings of familiarity, happiness, comfort and security”.

Despite the high figure of respondents who were skeptical about the benefits of visiting a loved one with dementia, over 70% nevertheless said that they would visit in any case.

Nevertheless, the charity said: “Despite these good intentions, the lack of awareness of how important emotional memory is may mean that in their busy lives, people don’t always follow up on their intentions and over half of those living with dementia are left feeling isolated.”

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said the New Year could be “a bleak and lonely time” for dementia patients and their carers.

“It’s so important for people with dementia to feel connected throughout the year,” he said.

“Spending time with loved ones and taking part in meaningful activities can have a powerful and positive impact, even if they don’t remember the event itself. We’re urging people to get in touch with us and find out how we can help you stay connected.”

Social interaction has been proven to cut the risk of Alzheimer’s in scientific studies, and research is beginning to indicate that even if the disease is contracted that a sufferer’s well-being ultimately depends on continued communal effort.

Sufferer’s misery is often compounded after their diagnosis as a result of their social seclusion.

Lynda Hughes, programme manager for dementia at SEQOL said: “It doesn’t surprise me at all that people feel isolated after their diagnosis. We see this all the time. A diagnosis can be emotionally shattering and resultant withdrawal, anxiety and depression are common. It can be a very lonely and frightening experience.”

She said: “As the illness gets worse it’s even more important that we support people to experience life in the most enjoyable and positive way, both for quality of life and in maintaining support and develop brain function.

“Memory is only a small part of who we are. It is not the whole story. We can still experience joy, grow, learn, develop new friendships and relationships and enjoy life “When moments are enjoyed together we can connect with our past and our emotions, helping both to feel valued and enriched.

“Supporting people to continue to experience these things, even if we feel someone doesn’t recognise us can be a wonderful and enriching experience for all involved and continuing to be part of someone’s life can be invaluable.”

Ms. Hughes urged carers and relatives to show support over the difficult New Year period.

She said: “It is vital that family members and friends continue to spend time with loved ones who suffer from dementia, especially in the New Year which can be particularly isolating.”

Written By:

Daniel James
www.danieljamesbio.com
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