Everything is fine and you are happy with life as it is. You can still do the things you have always done, but your children or partner are afraid that you are becoming increasingly forgetful. They feel that you need help. How to deal with these first symptoms of dementia. There are more than twenty types of dementia, but the most common are vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
How can I help as a counselor and mediator
People with a form of dementia tend to isolate themselves more and more. Especially in the beginning, they are well aware of what is going on, but they deny it because they do not want to be caught by those they love most. They are afraid of the enemy trying to take over their lives. Afraid of losing their home and being placed in a care facility. Afraid of losing their authority. They need someone who is not involved and wants nothing from them. As an experienced mediator, I work on building their trust in me so that I can represent them against ‘their enemy’.
Additionally, I can guide all parties on how to deal with the behavioral changes resulting from direct brain damage or declining brain function due to the disease. People may become more suspicious, aggressive, or conversely, very affectionate, or experience frequent mood swings. Some patients become more stubborn, and their will is law. They know exactly how things stand and tolerate no contradiction. How do you handle this? Should you go along with them, correct them, or reprimand them?
CVA or stroke
It is possible that post-stroke patients have an extra sense and are more sensitive and alert than before. Permanent or temporary changes in character and behavior may occur, during which one loses control over one’s own behavior. Changes in feelings also occur. Suddenly being unable to do what one was capable of, looking different than before, or being unable to see, hear, or speak is difficult to accept.
I have extensive experience with people with dementia and those who have had a stroke, as well as with aphasia. I have learned to understand and communicate with people in their fifties. If you can no longer find the words, cannot speak, or conversely say things you do not want to say, it is extremely frustrating. It requires a great deal of patience, love, understanding, and a special approach.
A stroke or CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident) occurs when there is no longer a blood supply to (a part of) the brain.