The change of scenery can highlight a beginning of dementia in some people, often without them realizing it.
A moment of rupture which can bring out the first symptoms
Traveling is generally beneficial for well-being. But in some cases, it can also be the revealing of a beginning of dementia. The link? The brutal change in benchmarks that moves as pleasant, as pleasant as it is.
“”There are early signs and symptoms of dementia“explains Hollie Wynde, expert in Alzheimer’s association in the United Kingdom, in an article for Surrey Live.
During a stay, the simple fact of no longer evolving in a familiar setting can be destabilizing for a person still not diagnosed. Get out of your routine, lose your habits, find yourself in an unknown environment … So many factors likely to cause a first disorientation, as you can no longer know where you are or waste the concept of time.
“”People often start to forget more things as you get older, but for a person with dementia, changes will be different, more serious and will affect them more“, Specifies Hollie Wynde.
A little -known sign: the loss of smell
Among early symptoms, other manifestations can also alert. Less known to the general public, the loss of smell is one of them. A discreet sign, often underestimated, but nevertheless significant.
Dr. Gibbs, himself touched by Alzheimer’s disease, shared his testimony in a work that we had already told you about: it all started for him with the disappearance of smell in 2006. He was only 55 years old.
An observation also shared by the neurologist Wilfrid Pouton, based in Aix-en-Provence: “This is indeed the case. It sometimes happens so gradually that patients do not always realize at the start“.
Adopt an active lifestyle to slow down progress
Faced with the lack of curative treatment, some gestures can nevertheless help slow the evolution of the disease. Dr. Sauton insists on the importance of remaining active:
“”In Alzheimer’s disease, it is not enough to make crosswords while we sit on your sofa all day, to counter the disease“He says.
And to conclude with a prevention message:
“”It is important not to remain sedentary, to eat well, to similarly yourself if necessary to stay in interaction and exchanges with others, to go out … These are all means to slow down this dementia, which has no treatment for the time being“.
Traveling despite the disease: some tips for leaving serene
Being suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, or another form of dementia, does not necessarily mean renouncing your travel projects. According to Alzheimer’s Association, a departure can remain a source of pleasure, provided you are well prepared.
One of the key points is the choice of destination. Better to favor known and reassuring places.
“”Environmental changes can trigger wandering or confusion“, Note Hollie Wynde.”It may be useful to stick to what is familiar to you. Travel to known destinations that involve as few changes as possible in the daily routine“.
The mode of transport is also important.
“”Evaluate the options for the best mode of travel. Depending on your needs, your capacities, your safety and your preferences, decide what would give you the most comfort and the least anxiety“, she recommends.
Finally, the last point to anticipate: access to care on site.
“”When you choose destinations, take into account those that offer easy access to emergency health services and pharmacies“Concludes the expert.