12 Things About Dementia People Wish They'd Known Earlier

Perhaps you've heard the phrases, "What you don't know can't hurt you" or "Ignorance is bliss." While that may be true some of the time, it's often not accurate when coping with dementia. Having worked with thousands of people impacted byAlzheimer's or another type of dementia, I can testify to the fact that there are definitely things that, as caregivers, they wish they would have known earlier about dementia.

Here they are:

1. Arguing With Someone Who Has Dementia Isn't Worth It

It's so easy to become frustrated and angry with someone who has dementia, and then begin to argue with him to convince him of how he's wrong. This tendency is especially common when this person is a family member or close friend.

Instead, remember that dementia actually changes brain function, structure, and ability. You will rarely win an argument in dementia; rather, you will almost always increase the frustration levels of both of you. Spending time being angry and arguing in dementia is just not worth it. 

2. Ignoring the Symptoms Won't Make Them Go Away

It's not uncommon to spend valuable time in the early stages and symptoms of dementia hoping that the symptoms will just go away, or trying to convince yourself that it is just a phase or that you're overreacting. This attempt to cope by denial of the problem may make things better for you in the short term of today, but it can delay the diagnosis of other conditions that look like dementia but are treatable, as well as delay diagnosis and treatment of true dementia.

Instead, remember that while it can be anxiety-provoking to schedule that appointment with the doctor, it can also be helpful to know what you're facing. Even having your worries confirmed by getting a diagnosis of dementia can actually be a good thing, since there are many benefits to early detection, including medications that are often more effective in the early stages.

3. Too Many Medications Can Make People Feel and Act More Confused

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