Is dementia a mental illness?

Our elderly populations experience various mental and physical health challenges that need to be correctly diagnosed in order to allow them to live healthy and active lives. Mental health is crucial in all stages of life, of course, but it becomes even more important as we age. Those over 60 are more likely to develop neurological and mental disorders such as dementia that can affect mental health. With the right home companion care, however, they can continue to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Is dementia a disease or a mental illness?

Dementia refers to a decline in mental function that impairs an individual’s ability to think, make decisions, and remember things. It is not a specific disease but rather a disorder of the brain that negatively impacts daily life. Dementia is often considered a chronic condition because it progresses slowly over time. While dementia can be mistaken for a mental illness due to overlapping symptoms such as erratic behavior and confusion, it is essential to understand the distinct signs of each condition to avoid inaccurate diagnoses. Taking care of elderly parents with dementia correctly is critical: a misdiagnosis of their condition can have serious implications.

What are the challenges faced by dementia patients?

As dementia progresses, individuals may exhibit changes that can be challenging for families and caregivers. Those with dementia may struggle with memory loss, communication difficulties and self-care. While caring for an elderly parent with dementia can be rewarding, it can also be demanding. Some complications faced by dementia patients include:

1. Memory loss

Memory loss is a common early sign of dementia, which can include not only forgetting things but also difficulty in learning new things. 

2. Confusion

Individuals may lose track of time or misplace familiar objects.

3. Social isolation

Behavioral changes can result in social isolation that can cause anxiety, depression and sometimes aggression.

Caring for aging parents with dementia

Caring for elderly parents has become easier with the use of AI-powered companions to provide comfort and companionship. An AI-powered companion, named Eve, has recently gained popularity by offering companionship to elderly people with dementia. Since having a human caregiver 24 hours a day is very difficult – and expensive – Eve may be an excellent choice for those who can’t dedicate their full time to their elderly parents with dementia. Services like Eve can help elderly patients with dementia in the a number of ways:

1. Companionship. Eve improves communication by encouraging verbal interaction. Engaging in conversations and social activities can help people express themselves more clearly and maintain their communication abilities for longer. Eve is open to speaking on any topic with elderly patients with dementia, but also ensures that the conversation never ever goes off-track.
   
2. Emotional support. A virtual companion for the elderly such as Eve can help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation that are common among individuals with dementia. Regular interactions with loved ones can offer reassurance, reduce anxiety  and improve overall mood, making them feel valued and connected.
   
3. Brain health. Engaging with others through conversation and activities helps stimulate cognitive function. Simple daily activities such as playing games can help maintain mental sharpness and delay cognitive decline. Eve, for example, offers a variety of memory games to promote mental health. 
   
4. Physical health. Whether it’s engaging in light exercise or yoga, daily physical engagement promotes overall health and can have a positive effect on mental well-being. 
   
5. Social interaction. Some companion care services facilitate social interaction by introducing seniors to other people their age, which is crucial for emotional health. Regular social engagement can prevent social isolation, provide mental stimulation, and enhance their overall quality of life by keeping them connected to other seniors who share their hobbies and interests.

Conclusion

Caring for aging parents at home is a full-time job, which is difficult for anyone who lives far away from their parents. This is where services such as Eve come in. Virtual companionship services such as this are ideally suited to elderly parents with dementia who live alone. 

If you know someone who you think may be at risk from dementia and want to explore treatment options, you can connect with the team at Eve by visiting https://iameve.ai/.