Understanding dementia: insights and tips from expert Heidi Teufel

Understanding dementia: insights and tips from expert Heidi Teufel

An informative lecture on the topic of dementia took place in the community center of the Sepp Stadler House in Schmiding. Heidi Teufel, head of day care at the Freyung-Grafenau district Caritas association, was the evening's speaker. The Schmidinger Women's Association, led by Manuela Ranzinger, invited people to this event. Over 20 interested people came to find out more about the often taboo topic.

Teufel first gave an overview of the diagnosis of dementia. She explained that dementia cannot be diagnosed until there is a condition that is worsening over a period of at least six months. At least three of nine different disorders must occur in everyday life. In addition to active and passive symptoms, a distinction is also made between primary and secondary dementia, which plays a crucial role for those affected and their relatives.

Stages of Alzheimer's dementia

A central point of the lecture was the understanding of Alzheimer's dementia, a most common form of primary dementia. Teufel explained the three stages of this disease. In the first stage, those affected notice the first loss of performance in mental and linguistic abilities. From the second stage onwards, there is considerable forgetfulness and difficulty with everyday tasks, while in the third stage patients are usually bedridden and can hardly perceive their surroundings. Especially in the first stage, patients often still feel a kind of consciousness, which can be very emotionally stressful for them.

The duration of a stage can be three to four years, with younger patients often experiencing longer phases. However, the relatives also suffer from the associated challenges, especially in the second phase, in which those affected become increasingly disoriented and no longer really notice what is happening.

Teufel emphasized that various risk factors play a role in the development of dementia. An unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, loneliness and mental illnesses such as depression increase the risk. It was mentioned that about 30 percent of dementia cases can be genetic. Additional risk factors include environmental influences and the advancing aging process.

Therapy options and emotional support

With regard to treatment, Teufel discussed the various therapeutic approaches. This included not only medications to treat comorbidities, but also measures to promote physical, mental and spiritual health. Memory training, maintaining communication skills and support in everyday routines are of great importance. Contact with pets or stuffed animals and taking biographies into account can also have positive effects. Speech therapy and physiotherapy are used if there are physical limitations.

What was particularly moving was the fact that despite the illness, those affected still have complex feelings. The ability to identify emotionally is of great importance for relatives. Immersing yourself in the world of the sick and accepting their reality is not always easy, but very enriching. An impressive film contribution gave the listeners an insight into the world of a person suffering from dementia and the challenges that this illness brings with it.

When asked about the mortality of people with dementia, Teufel explained that patients do not die directly from dementia, but from complications due to the disease. Lung diseases that can develop during long periods of bed rest are common causes of death. It is important for relatives to find support, be it in the form of short-term or day care offers.

Finally, chairwoman Manuela Ranzinger thanked the speaker for the insightful lecture, which conveyed both understanding for the sick and the challenges faced by their relatives. The cost of the event was donated to the day care center to support the valuable work.