What You Need To Know About Dementia Counseling
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Family members can seek out dementia counseling to help them deal with their loved one’s memory loss or other related problems. It helps them to better understand their loved one’s condition and the feelings they’re experiencing. These counselors can also give them tools to cope with their feelings. They may use Cognitive behavioral Therapy,Activities,or Memantine.
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Mental health care
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Caregivers can benefit from mental health care for dementia counseling. It can help caregivers manage both their own needs and those loved one has. This therapy focuses on the caregivers’ needs and flips the typical pattern of attending to others. People who are caring for others may be reluctant to seek counseling or mental health care. It is important for them to seek help for their mental well-being.
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People with dementia may need counseling that is more creative because they are likely to experience emotional turmoil. Counselors need to be sensitive and understanding of the individual’s level in social capital. Social capital is essential for facilitating an open and honest exploration and sharing of emotions and experiences. One counselor noted that many clients with dementia felt burdened and unable to express their emotions because of the constant support they received from family members and caregivers.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a great treatment for those with dementia. It focuses on changing specific behaviors to improve overall wellbeing and confidence. The treatment can also help to delay cognitive decline or alleviate depression symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy for dementia counseling is effective,but it depends on the individual characteristics of the patient.
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This treatment involves many interventions for both caregiver and patient. These interventions include general guidance as well as problem-solving skills. The therapists employ techniques to help both the patients and caregivers manage dementia symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy does not cure dementia,but it is an effective way to help patients manage their symptoms. In addition,this therapy is helpful for people with other mental disorders,including anxiety and depression.
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The therapist will help the person to understand their emotions and change their behavior. A person might become phobic and avoid certain situations. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good option for such people.
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Memantine
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Researchers have shown memantine can be used to help dementia patients do daily activities more efficiently. A recent study has shown that memantine is not better than placebo for treating this condition. The results of the study show no statistical differences between the groups in terms of either the CIBIC–Plus (Cognitive and functional Assessment of Dementia In Dementia) or the ADCS–ADL scales.
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The authors of the study conducted post-hoc meta-analyses on data from two 24-week trials. In each trial,memantine was added to an existing cholinesterase inhibitor. The efficacy of the drug was evaluated using measures of global condition,cognition,and function. They also monitored treatment-emergent adverse incidents to assess safety.
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Activities
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Activities are a great way for dementia patients to be stimulated. People with dementia have a strong sense for rhythm and movement. Music,dancing,and contact from children can help them feel better. These activities can help them remember memories from earlier years. Start by identifying the interests of the person with dementia to plan an activity.
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Activities can help with dementia patients’ behavior problems and improve their quality of life. They can also reduce boredom or loneliness. Group activities have a significant effect on the engagement and mood. It is important to remember the importance of the content and not just the format.
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Support groups
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Clients dealing with dementia can use dementia counseling as a powerful tool. In a nonjudgmental setting,a counselor can help clients to process their feelings and come to terms with the changes induced by the disease. Counselors can also offer clients calming techniques,such as redirection of fear and reassurance.
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Many local Area Agencies on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association Chapters coordinate dementia support group. These groups are completely free and open to everyone. The groups usually meet once to twice per month. A facilitator guides the group,which usually lasts from one to two hours. The goal is to provide support,share experiences,and learn new strategies for caregiving.
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There are many ways to find dementia support groups,including online forums and in-person groups. Online support groups may have a forum where members can share their stories and ask questions.