| [ Summary ] |
The number of dementia patients is increasing because of an increase in the aged segment of the population. Almost all the dementing illness are slow in progression, but as yet irreversible. Care givers are disturbed by the emotional and psychological problemes as sociated with dementing illnesses or disabilities. Generally, dementing illnesses may be treated with medications. However, a combination of medications and appropriate care are both usually needed. Various resources could provide isolated care givers with relief from the burdens of daily care. In many experiences the fundamental principle of dementia care is the following phrase. "it is better to convince than to presuade". In the advanced stages, an emphasis should be put on care for associated diseases. Severly demented patients usually can not understand their own medical treatment. A majority of patients may be reluctant to accept treatment. Therefore, high level medical care is not always useful for the severly demented patients. |