Dementia

Is it dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of different conditions, with the most common types of dementia being Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia. The most well known symptom is memory loss, but depending on the type of dementia a person has, symptoms can include a range of changes in a person's thinking, behaviour and emotions. In addition, symptoms commonly associated with dementia can be caused by something else entirely, including depression and certain physical health problems. If you are worried about changes in yourself or someone close to you, it is helpful to explore this with an experienced professional who can offer advice and guidance. 

Life after diagnosis

If you or someone close to you have been diagnosed with dementia, there are many information and support services available, including Dementia Support Australia (dementia.com.au). Even with these valuable services available, many people find themselves needing more personalised and focused support. I offer therapy for people living with dementia, to provide support in coming to terms with their diagnosis, address concerns about their future, and identify helpful ways of maintaining quality of life throughout their journey. The person is, of course, so much more than their health condition, and therapy will be guided by the unique needs of the individual and the issues they want to explore.

Quality of life

Everyone has a range of physical, emotional and social needs that need to be met to have a good quality of life, and which are unique to the individual. When a person has developed dementia, identifying and meeting these needs remain essential. A person continues to require a sense of purpose, enjoyment and meaningful connection with others, however the symptoms of dementia - such as memory loss and difficulties with motivation - can pose significant challenges in meeting these needs. In therapy, I explore my client's identity, interests and values as a means of identifying their unique needs. We then work collaboratively and creatively to find ways to meet these needs, so that the person can continue to experience meaning and pleasure in their lives throughout their journey with dementia.

Responding to changes

As dementia progresses, a person can experience changes in their their ability to carry out essential daily tasks, their language and communication, behaviour, and how they express their emotions. These changes can be very difficult for the person to manage, and can be distressing and challenging for those close to them. At these later stages of dementia, the person is likely to require an increasing amount of support to manage day-to-day life - which, most often, is provided by their family members. I offer consultation and therapy to family members of a person with dementia, to provide support and guidance in understanding and responding to the challenges of providing care. I offer my expertise and insights to assist my clients in understanding the changes their family member is experiencing, with the aim of identifying effective and practical ways to reduce the impact of these changes.

Reducing distress

Dementia can bring about changes in how a person experiences their emotions, as well as their ability to manage feelings of distress. Not remembering what is happening around us can cause anxiety and fear, and losing our ability to do daily tasks can trigger frustration. What is vitally important to remember, is that expressions of emotional distress tell us that the person has an essential need that they require support to meet. For example, a person expressing anxiety may have an unmet need for safety and comfort, while someone expressing anger may have an unmet need for independence and control. I offer consultation to family members of a person with dementia to understand what is causing or underlying emotional distress, and provide guidance and support in identifying helpful ways of reducing distress and ensuring safety.