It’s easy to assume – and greatly fear – that a loved one’s apparent memory loss is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. But that’s not necessarily so. Yes, dementia can be associated with the aging process, but there are other causes too, including stroke, medication, nutritional deficiencies or an undiagnosed illness.

Just what is dementia? MedlinePlus – a service of the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine – explains it this way:

“Dementia is a word for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating.
“They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not there.

“Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia. However, memory loss by itself does not mean you have dementia. People with dementia have serious problems with two or more brain functions, such as memory and language.” (You can read more here: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dementia.html.)

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s behavior, a first step is to get a professional evaluation because, again quoting MedlinePlus, “many different diseases can cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. Drugs are available to treat some of these diseases. While these drugs cannot cure dementia or repair brain damage, they may improve symptoms or slow down the disease.”

What can you do if you’re providing care for a loved one who has dementia? A few basic suggestions:

• Learn more about the specifics affecting him or her. Yes, it can be frightening to read up on what the future may hold, but that knowledge can help you prepare.

• Keep in mind that there are resources to help you. Being a caregiver for someone with dementia is complicated. Often, it can be overwhelming. Resources could include finding respite care (giving you a much-needed break from your duties); being part of a support group (there are others who know what you’re going through and what you’re likely to face) and asking for help from family members, friends and fellow parishioners. (When people offer help, take them up on it! Others may want to assist you but aren’t sure how to do that.)

• Admit that what you’re doing is hard. It’s hard to remain patient with your loved one. It’s hard to keep going, day after day, night after night. It’s hard dealing with other family members. It’s hard considering what the future may hold. And, perhaps toughest of all, it’s hard to witness your loved one “slipping away” from you long before he or she dies.

On the Web: “The Basics of Catholic Caregiving”

If you’re a caregiver, please be assured you and your loved one are being prayed for by members of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. (That’s the international Catholic organization the two of us work for.) Among its programs is YourAgingParent.com which has “The Basics of Catholic Caregiving” at www.youragingparent.com/caregiving_basics.pdf. If you would like a free copy of “The Stations of the Cross for Caregivers,” send a self-addressed stamped envelope to FSJC, P.O. Box 320, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043.

Bill and Monica Dodds are the founders of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver and editors of My Daily Visitor magazine. Their website is www.FSJC.org. Contact them at MonicaDodds@YourAgingParent.com.