Key watchouts in managing co-morbidities (diseases other than dementia)
1. Medication Management
Polypharmacy Risks: Be aware of the potential risks associated with taking multiple medications, including drug interactions, side effects, and increased cognitive impairment.
Adherence Challenges: Monitor your loved one’s ability to take medications as prescribed. Dementia can make it difficult for them to remember doses, leading to missed medications or overdoses.
Regular Review: Work with healthcare providers to regularly review all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to ensure they are necessary and not causing harm.
2. Communication with Healthcare Providers
Comprehensive Reporting: Ensure that all healthcare providers are aware of your loved one’s dementia diagnosis. This is crucial for understanding their behavior, managing symptoms, and prescribing appropriate treatments.
Advocacy: Be prepared to advocate for your loved one during medical appointments. They may not be able to fully explain their symptoms or needs, so your role is to communicate on their behalf.
Coordinated Care: Make sure that care is well-coordinated among different specialists, such as neurologists, cardiologists, and primary care physicians. This helps prevent conflicting treatments and ensures a holistic approach.
3. Monitoring for Changes in Symptoms
Behavioral Changes: Dementia can cause changes in behavior that may mask or exacerbate symptoms of other conditions. Keep a close eye on changes in mood, appetite, or sleep patterns that could indicate an underlying issue.
Cognitive Decline: Watch for any sudden or rapid changes in cognitive function, as these may be related to comorbid conditions like infections, dehydration, or medication side effects.
Pain Recognition: People with dementia may not be able to communicate pain effectively. Look for non-verbal signs of pain, such as restlessness, grimacing, or changes in behavior.
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