Thread: I wonder if people with dementia are happy.

Robert, I did maintenance in my BiL's three nursing homes, all of which were secure. As patients transition from health to dementia, it can be confusing and scary. Once dementia has set in, patients seem relaxed and happy. It's a horrible condition for the affected, in the initial stages and for the loved ones once established.

Getting a little worried?
Don't we all.

I've had experience with two people with dementia. They both seemed happy enough. I took mum and her friend (who has dementia) to visit Sitec. The friend used to live around the area and reminisced as we drove. She was quite happy. Mind you, short term memory was non existent and she often forgets and gets confused. We just make sure she does what she wants to do, and if she forgets, no matter, move on.

When my brain goes like that, I'll be happy with my treasures.

My Father , and his two brothers were suffering from various stages of dementia when they passed away. In their late 80's, I must say. What I noticed was , first the short term memory goes. Not just the normal memory loss we all have , but sadly, in the worst case, not remembering family names, and incidents that happened in their recent past. Paradoxically, the long term memory seems to sharpen up for some. Neither Dad or his brothers died from dementia, but Dad's brothers had to be placed in care, because they just could not be looked after by loved ones.


With some dementia patients, aggression can set in. Possibly thru frustration. My Mother nursed Dad as long as she could , but we all knew She could not keep it up. It was a blessing, in a way ,as nasty as that sounds, when Dad had heart problems, & was placed in Hospital. His last words to me were, in a lucid moment, " the bastards wont keep me here, boy. " He died that night. My experience is it is family members who suffer most in these situations. Dementia patients, in my experience, can suffer frustration, & anger , and it tears the heart out of family members. It's a bitter truth, but truth all the same. This Dawn service will be for Dad. Bob

My dog has had dementia for two years - apparently the traits are very similar to people - repetitive actions, wandering etc.

If the disease is similar in humans then the stress and frustrations is more with the carers and family who suffer greatly rather than the patient who seems quite content.

Garry

I'm just watching my Father in Law in the early onset stages of Dementia.
It's pretty scary to see the changes he's going through.

I'm content, who are you?

Originally Posted by Hymie

I'm just watching my Father in Law in the early onset stages of Dementia.
It's pretty scary to see the changes he's going through.

Really sorry to hear that. What a scary thought for a life time of wonderful memories to just fade away

My MIL has Parkinsons which causes memory loss and it makes her very confused and anxious. She's gotten to the point where she won't leave home except to do a circuit of some shops she knows well. This means she's reluctant to go visit her family members, unless we take a great deal of care to keep her relaxed. It also means the FIL, who is fine, is basically trapped because he needs to keep an eye on her and she won't travel.
My wife has nursed dementia patients and has stories to tell. Some people lose the memory of their partners and become frightened and aggressive because they think a strange person is in the house. Others wander off for a walk and can't find their way home, which can have tragic consequences if they're not found quickly. Some people have to be locked in their homes to stop them wandering.
So no, I don't think people with dementia are happy at all, more like confused and anxious. Having a government talking about changing the aged pension isn't helping, even if the current elderly are unlikely to be affected, because it just gives them another reason to be fearful.