Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, but it isn’t the only one. Dementia is a general term for progressive decline in memory and other cognitive abilities. This can include difficulties with language, problem-solving, and planning, as well as changes in personality and behavior.
Dementia is caused by dysfunction in the brain, not just a single disease or condition. It occurs when nerve cells stop functioning normally and start breaking down. As these cells break down, they release toxins that can damage nearby healthy cells as well as cause them to malfunction as well. The extent of dementia symptoms varies widely depending on what type you have (or whether you have more than one) and how advanced your condition has become—and there’s no way to predict exactly how far it will progress at any given time in any given person (this is why it’s important to take steps early).
What Is Dementia Wandering?
Wandering is when a person with dementia gets up and leaves their home or care facility. It’s usually triggered by the desire to go home, but sometimes it happens because the person is trying to find something. A person with Alzheimer’s disease can sometimes even be confused about which way home is, so they may wander for days before being found safe and sound in a park or at the mall.
Some people can wander safely on their own (with supervision), but as you can imagine, this isn’t always possible. If your loved one walks out on their own accord, you should do everything possible to keep them from going alone into dangerous situations like busy roads or large bodies of water.
What Causes Dementia Wandering?
Dementia is a disease of the brain, which is why it causes memory loss, confusion, and disorientation. Dementia can also cause wandering. Wandering is one of the most common symptoms of dementia because it’s an easy way for people with this condition to get lost and hurt themselves.
How Can Dementia Wandering Be Prevented?
Memory care is the best way to prevent dementia from wandering and can also help your loved one with their memory in general. Memory care communities usually provide each resident with a private room and activities and programs that encourage brain health. These programs are designed to stimulate the mind by challenging residents’ memories and encouraging them to use their memories more often throughout their day-to-day activities.
A regular activity schedule is one way to give your loved one a sense of normalcy. Still, there are other ways as well that can be incorporated into the routines at memory care communities, like group outings, field trips with other residents, or interaction with pets from local shelters. These kinds of experiences not only help keep your loved one mentally stimulated but also provide opportunities for socialization and connection with others who share common interests or hobbies—all things that help reduce feelings of isolation that could lead someone who has Alzheimer’s disease (or another form of dementia) out into unfamiliar territory in an attempt at self-rescue when they become confused about where they are or how they got there in the first place!
In addition to providing a safe and secure environment, memory care also provides support from the care team and volunteers. The staff can help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, as well as assist in directing residents who may have become confused about where they are or what time it is. In addition to the support provided by team members, many facilities also offer volunteer opportunities for family members to participate in helping out with various tasks at the community.
Conclusion
It can be scary to think that your loved one may wander off and get lost, but with the right preparation and tools, you can prevent this from happening. By learning more about dementia, you’ll be better able to understand the risks involved with wandering and take steps today to help protect your loved one.
