Introduction
As the world’s population grows, the number of people in late adulthood inevitably increases. Moreover, their percentage of the whole of humanity is increasing as the quality of life and medicine improves. However, several life-complicating illnesses prevent seniors from enjoying their retirement years at their actual value. One such disease is incurable dementia, which is one of the most dreaded diagnoses when all possible complications and related problems are taken into account.
Summary of the Problem
Dementia appears due to brain damage caused by organic or inorganic causes. In addition to physical trauma, causes may include an adverse medical history in the form of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular problems, Parkinson’s disease, or Huntington’s disease (Russo-Netzer & Littman-Ovadia, 2019). Inorganic causes are generally considered to be exacerbating external factors that have affected the body over a long period of time: tobacco or alcohol abuse, poor diet, depression, and stress (Beyer & Lazzara, 2018). In a weakened human body in late adulthood, the consequences of such actions can become irreparable.
Not surprisingly, a great deal of research on the issue is being done by various organizations. In addition to treating the symptoms, methods are being attempted and developed to lessen or offset them (Russo-Netzer & Littman-Ovadia, 2019). Social organizations, the state, and the public, as well as relatives of patients, are interested, if not in curing the disease, then alleviating it as much as possible. It is why specific homes for the elderly have been developed and designed to make the mentally ill as stress-free as possible.
Reflection on the Major Points
It is hard to disagree with the findings that non-non-mental causes contributing to brain damage significantly impact the possibility of dementia. Beyer and Lazarra (2018) highlight depression as a cause. Statistics confirm that at least 10% of confirmed cases are due to depression or psychological problems (Beyer & Lazzara, 2018). From personal experience, it is possible to confirm that some of the older acquaintances have aggravated their mental health due to family problems and stress and have been diagnosed with dementia. In addition, few people give up the bad habits that have followed them throughout their lives. With more time at their disposal in retirement, some only make their health worse by using alcohol or tobacco.
Moreover, an essential condition directly related to dementia is delirium. This condition can also be called confusion, leading to unpredictable reactions (Beyer & Lazzara, 2018). Undoubtedly, creating the closest approximation to everyday life in nursing homes or hospitals is very important (van Amerongen, 2019). It reduces the degree of confusion in a sick person, and hospital rooms and staff in gowns can only frighten or anger the patient during the period of enlightenment. In the end, such content can only aggravate a person’s mental state.
Deferred retirement for financial reasons also becomes unavailable when dementia develops. The need to earn money, the unwillingness to stop socializing, or the refusal to feel old often cause people in late adulthood to continue working past retirement age (Beyer & Lazzara, 2018). This decision is understandable, logical, and only commendable (van Amerongen, 2019). However, in the case of progressive dementia, it becomes impossible, and financial problems can leave a person on the sidelines of life. The state should pay more attention to protecting such citizens and provide opportunities for people of all genders and ethnicities to grow old with dignity.
Conclusion
Memory lapses, lack of control over one’s actions, and decreased brain function do not let one underestimate the dangers of dementia. It prevents seniors from spending their retirement time with dignity, communicating with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and living life to the fullest. The specific care provided in nursing homes does not always benefit the sick, frightening or confusing them. Attitudes are worth reworking and reconsidering the degree of freedom each person needs, especially in such a severe condition.
References
Beyer, A., & Lazzara, J. (2018). Chapter 11: Late adulthood. In Psychology Through the Lifespan. Web.
Russo-Netzer, P., & Littman-Ovadia, H. (2019). “Something to live for”: Experiences, resources, and personal strengths in late adulthood. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2452. Web.
van Amerongen, Y. (2019). The “dementia village” that’s redefining elder care [Video]. TED. Web.