Nearly 7 million people live with dementia in America today…
…And this is expected to more than double by the year 2050 due to the increasing number of elderly people, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
There is no doubt that dementia is a brutal disease for the person affected, but also for those close to them. It is a chronic, incurable condition caused by various diseases or damage to the brain.
There are different types of dementia, but the common denominator is that it causes a cognitive impairment that often goes beyond the ability to function in daily life.
If the illness has first struck, it is incredibly important for both the person and relatives that those affected have a good and safe place to be, and that the person can live as normally as possible in society as far as possible.
In several places in the world, there are various symbols that you can wear to show those around you that you are affected by dementia. In the US, for example, there is a purple bow that can be attached to the jacket.
“Unfortunately, many people do not know the signs”
In other places, like Scandinavia for example, there are also symbols used, unfortunately many people do not know about them. Something Danish man Claus Skjoldborg Larsen has pointed out.
In a Facebook post, he raised an important topic: “We had my father-in-law and his wife for dinner. She has started dementia, she proudly displays her dementia symbol and says that unfortunately not many taxi drivers or others know about those signs. I must honestly admit that I am in the same boat.”
He continued: “Then I have promised to do some advertising for the Dementia symbol. And you are welcome to help a little with advertising.”
“The dementia symbol should make it safer for people with dementia – and thus their relatives – to move around in public spaces.”
“The dementia symbol is a tool you can use if you want to show that you have dementia – for example to meet greater understanding and patience out among other people, on the bus or in the supermarket.”
He also reminds us of three simple pieces of advice if you see the dementia symbol:
- Get in touch – smile and be welcoming;
- Speak clearly – Ask one question at a time; and
- Be patient – slow down a bit, and be happy to help along the way.
“I would have felt safer”
In the Facebook group, Alzheimer’s in young people, several people point out that they had felt safer with such a symbol.
“I thought it was reassuring to have a badge on my jacket that said I have Alzheimer’s. If I get lost or don’t remember where I’m going, I think people will be more understanding and helpful when they know you’re messing up a bit due to illness and not just because you’re a bit gloomy,” one person wrote.
They added: “Awareness and knowledge of the disease should be spread. It will be safer for those of us who have dementia to move out among people if we have a sign that we have an illness that may mean we need help.”
It’s important to know about the symbols that are out there that show that someone has Alzheimer’s. Feel free to share this article to spread the word so that more people can learn about this!
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