Dementia Care

Q&A Care In Dementia

Generally, an interview with a doctor is required to assess the changes in the cognitive function and the interference it has caused to a person’s day-to-day life.
A thorough physical examination is usually performed along with laboratory investigations to rule out other illnesses, which may cause cognitive impairment, such as thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, brain infection, etc.
The doctor may recommend brain imaging such as CT or MRI scan as part of the assessment.
In addition, specialised tests to assess memory and cognitive function will be performed.

Yes, there are 10 warning signs and symptoms:
  1. Memory loss that affects day-to-day function
  2. Difficulty in planning or solving problems
  3. Problems communicating
  4. Confusion to time and place
  5. Poor or decreased judgement
  6. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
  7. Misplacing things
  8. Changes in mood or behaviour and personality
  9. Challenges in understanding visual information
  10. Withdrawal from work or social activities
Source: from the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/10signs
Dementia causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. It is important to know that a person need not have all the above signs to be diagnosed with dementia. Individuals who have several of these symptoms should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.

In general, you can see a doctor who specialises in neurology, psychiatry or geriatrics. There are specialised memory clinics which assess individuals with cognitive impairment.
If you are unsure, you should consult your primary care doctor who will be able to direct you to the right doctor.
It is important to be diagnosed early, as beneficial treatments may be available.

A close family member or relative should be in accompaniment for the first review as they may be able to provide further information regarding the cognitive changes observed over time.
It is recommended for a family member/caregiver who will accompany the person suspected to have dementia to summarize on a piece of paper or in a pocketbook, information about the person suspected to have dementia, in advance. This information can be helpful for making a diagnosis of dementia and determine the pattern of its progression, and provide clues as to the cause.
Past Medical History
List any medical illnesses
Please list any drug allergies
Please list any operations
Description of Medications
Name of medication Strengths of medication Taken how many times in a day Currently taking? (YES / NO)
1
2
3
4
5
Click here to print

It is very difficult to take a person to hospital without their consent. Even if they are aware of their own cognitive changes, it may be more comforting for them to deny that there is a problem.

However, if left unattended, the condition could continue to progress. So, how can you get them to see a doctor without hurting their feelings?

  • Create a reason for seeing the doctor
If you say “let us go to the hospital” when the person feels they are not sick, they may refuse to go. The better method is to say, “I am not worried about you now, but I want you to continue to stay healthy. So, would you like to visit this clinic with me to learn about good habits to keep the brain healthy”? This may allow you to take the person to the hospital more smoothly, while being considerate, by creating a reason (“for future prevention”) to visit the hospital.
Other than that, it is important to note that dementia is not the only cause of memory loss and confusion. Perhaps there is a vitamin B-12 deficiency or a urinary tract infection. Explaining these to the patient can help persuade them to see a doctor.
  • Contact the hospital in advance.
Some elderly people are worried or scared of seeing a doctor. It is quite possible that the person will say, “I want to go home” after arriving at the hospital. Therefore, it is recommended for you to contact the hospital in advance to request their help to allow the person to consult the physician as smoothly as possible.
  • Never force the person to see a doctor
There may be situations in which the person completely refuses to see the doctor. Pushing too hard will get you nowhere and you will instead run the risk of making this a sore subject for the person, which will put you at a disadvantage in future conversations. In such cases, it may be more appropriate to delay the consultation.
If the person is unable to clearly tell the doctor about their daily life during the consultation, it would be difficult for the physician to make a proper diagnosis. Therefore, it is recommended that the person visit the hospital with someone who usually lives with them when they are willing to see a doctor.

Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM)
ADFM Dementia Helpline: +603-7931 5850
Website: www.adfm.org.my
Email: office.adfm@gmail.com
ADFM provides advice, support, education and training relating to care skills, awareness and community services for the person with dementia, caregivers, healthcare professionals and the public.
Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society

Website: http://healthyageing.org/

MHAS is dedicated to educating physicians, scientists and members of the public on numerous healthy ageing issues.

Elderly daycare facilities are centers that provide supervision and assistance for the elderly during the day while offering a variety of activities to keep them occupied.
Main purpose of an elderly daycare facility:
  • To provide a safe and secure environment for the person with dementia
  • To promote social interaction, physical and cognitive stimulation for the person with dementia
  • To provide carers an opportunity to continue with their daily tasks or work, or to get their much-needed rest to avoid burnout
Click here to read advices for elderlies refusing to daycare services
Click here for the support map

There are many choices of nursing home available around Malaysia. However, there are no nursing homes that specifically caters for persons with dementia.

Our support map serves as a guide to help you locate the nearest nursing homes around your area.

Click here for the support map

You can refer to our caregiving and guide on symptoms management section for tips along with explanation on how to care for persons with dementia.
Alternatively, you can discuss this with your doctor, nursing staff or other healthcare professionals for more information.

To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors
– Tia Walker –

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