Dementia is a complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. From Alzheimer’s to Lewy’s dementia, it’s also a disease that has big toll on carers, as eventually patients can not be left alone, for their own safety.
Dementia is an umbrella term for several conditions. The main one of Alzheimer’s is when plaques form on the brain, eventually the patient dies. But often (apart from sometimes music), patients can’t remember anyone or anything. Vascular dementia often occurs after a stroke, and frontotemporal dementia can cause big personality changes.
All patients with dementia find it difficult to perform daily tasks, and also struggle to communicate. Many have mood changes and some even get scared of running tap water.
It’s believed a lot of dementia is due to clogged arteries (just like heart disease). A plant-based diet can help. There is no hard evidence yet that aluminium causes dementia, though you may wish to avoid cheap saucepans (where it rubs off). If there is a link, it’s likely more due to aluminium in tap water and polluted air.
Also see the post on how to look after your brain.
Simple Tips to Live Better with dementia
- Keeping to a routine is important, for patients to feel less confused.
- Invest in bright sustainable dinnerware.
- Make use of disability benefits, to open up way for other free help too.
- Droplet is a lightweight mug that monitors fluid levels with measuring lines. Used on the NHS, relatives and carers can record personal messages, to remind people to drink.
- Use sustainable alternatives for bladder incontinence. Also order a cheap Radar key that lets patients and carers into accessible toilets.
- StairSteady is a good (expensive but more affordable) alternative to bulky stair lifts. Invented as a GSCE project, this reputable company uses engineers to fit quality handrails with sliding support that lock in place, to prevent falls down stairs. You can fold the handle away, when not in use, and there are solutions for split stairs. Full information on site.
Switch Donations to Humane Medical Research
International Anti-Vivisection Congress, 1913
If you ask ‘the establishment’, they will all say the same thing: give lots of money to the major dementia charities, until a cure is found. There are huge issues with this. But research using animals is not just cruel and expensive, but massively outdated.
There are vested interests in keeping the status quo due to huge donations. Yet humane research charities (that use modern cheaper quicker models instead of live animals) do brilliant work and have boffins who are just as clever. Yet get a tiny percentage of charity donations and no government grants. So only donate to humane research charities, and it’s likely we’ll find cures for dementia and other serious diseases much sooner.