Dementia is often more complicated than it first appears. It doesn’t just affect a person’s memory—it’s linked to challenges with thinking, behavior, personality, and more. When mixed dementia is involved, this condition becomes even more complex.
Mixed dementia occurs when 2 or more types of dementia develop simultaneously. This creates a unique blend of new symptoms that make independence and wellness more challenging.
Fortunately, with the appropriate type of care, you can support your loved one and preserve their everyday quality of life.
What Is Dementia, Exactly?
Dementia isn’t a specific condition. It’s the term used to describe when cognitive abilities decline enough to affect a person’s everyday life. It includes a range of symptoms altering brain function caused by specific underlying conditions.
Dementia causes:
- Memory loss, often of recent events or familiar places
- Confusion about time or place and disorientation
- Difficulty with language, communication, and following instructions
- Mood changes, including anxiety, depression, and aggression
- Impaired judgment and decision-making abilities
As the underlying condition progresses, these symptoms become more noticeable.
Are There Different Types of Dementia?
Several types of dementia exist, each with unique characteristics. The most common include:
- Alzheimer’s disease develops when specific proteins create plaques and tangles in the brain
- Vascular dementia develops when blood flow to the brain is impaired, often due to strokes or other vascular issues
- Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, impacting attention and alertness
- Frontotemporal dementia affects the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, impacting behavior and language
These types can occur individually or alongside one another. The unique way each develops and presents is why a professional diagnosis is crucial. By learning exactly what’s causing your loved one’s symptoms, you can work towards getting them the care they deserve.
What Is Mixed Dementia?
Mixed dementia is a complicated form of cognitive decline. It develops when 2 or more types of dementia develop at the same time. While the most common mix is Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, almost any combination can exist.
When mixed dementia develops, symptoms can overlap. A person may quickly develop problems with staying independent. And without the appropriate type of care, mixed dementia can lead to all kinds of everyday safety risks.
How Is Mixed Dementia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing mixed dementia requires a thorough medical evaluation. Its symptoms overlap with other types of dementia, so it’s easy to mistake it for regular age-related cognitive decline.
During a checkup for mixed dementia, a doctor will likely use:
- Cognitive tests to assess memory, thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Brain imaging, such as MRIs or CT scans, to detect changes in the brain
- Medical history review to identify risk factors and symptoms over time
- Physical exams and blood tests to rule out other possible conditions
An accurate diagnosis is essential for creating a tailored care plan. By learning the cause of your loved one’s symptoms, you’re taking the first step towards giving them professional care.
Caring for a Loved One with Mixed Dementia
Caring for someone with mixed dementia requires patience, understanding, and a tailored approach. However, it’s not impossible to manage. It simply takes time.
Creating a Supportive Environment
A safe, predictable environment can reduce confusion and agitation for a person with mixed dementia. It helps to:
- Eliminate potential hazards, such as clutter, tripping hazards, or poor lighting
- Set up clear routines to help your loved one feel grounded and less anxious
- Use calming colors and quiet spaces to help reduce agitation and confusion
These simple tips help lower the risk of severe behavioral changes or outbursts.
Communicating Effectively
Clear and compassionate communication is essential for individuals with mixed dementia. You’ll need to shift your communication strategy slightly. Try to:
- Use simple, clear language and avoid complex sentences or asking open-ended questions
- Maintain eye contact, keep the space clear of potential distractions, and give your loved one plenty of time to respond
- Support verbal communication with gestures and nonverbal cues, such as touch or facial expressions
These help you maintain your connection with your loved one, even if their condition affects their ability to communicate.
Providing Sensory Stimulation
Sensory stimulation makes a significant difference for older adults living with dementia. You or your loved one’s caregiver can work these simple activities into your loved one’s routine. Try encouraging:
- Listening to soothing music or familiar songs to evoke positive emotions and the recall of meaningful moments
- Using textured objects, like soft fabrics, bubble wrap, or stress balls, to provide tactile stimulation
- Engaging in activities that involve pleasant scents, such as smelling flowers or using fragrant oils
- Watching calming visuals, like nature videos or photo albums, to promote relaxation and recollection
Any material, sound, scent, or visual that nurtures a meaningful connection can engage the senses and the mind. It helps to get creative!
Managing Behavioral Changes
Mixed dementia often causes behavioral changes. These are entirely natural, but if you’re not prepared, they can easily affect your loved one’s quality of life. So, it helps to:
- Create a daily routine to establish structure and reduce confusion
- Practice patience and avoid confrontation during moments of agitation
- Provide reassurance and a calm presence to help ease anxiety
- Encourage participation in meaningful activities to engage and uplift their mood
It also helps to watch for signs your loved one is struggling at home. If they can no longer live independently, it’s time to consider a move to professional care.
Prioritizing Caregiver Self-Care
It’s entirely natural to want to take on all the responsibilities of caregiving. However, you’re only human. When caring for a loved one, you need to remember to focus on yourself, too. Prioritizing your own wellness is essential to prevent caregiver burnout.
As a caregiver, you should regularly:
- Take regular breaks to recharge, even if it’s just for a short walk or a quiet moment to yourself
- Seek support from friends, family, or caregiver support groups to share your experiences and challenges
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise
- Get enough sleep so you’re well-rested and able to handle daily caregiving responsibilities effectively
- Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to other family members or hire professional assistance when possible
- Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to manage overwhelming emotions
It’s easy to overlook these steps, but they’re essential for taking care of yourself.
When to Look Into Memory Care for Someone with Mixed Dementia
As mixed dementia progresses, caregiving needs often increase. If your family needs some support, don’t try to take on more yourself. Instead, it’s time to consider the many benefits of memory care.
Memory care offers a chance to give your loved one professional support in an environment designed to meet their needs every day. It’s about helping your loved one maintain their quality of life and dignity, even when conditions like dementia progress.
Here at Kingston of Dupont, we’re ready to step in and support your loved one. It’s what they deserve, and we know how to help. Schedule a tour with us today to learn more about how we can give your family the support you all deserve.
