Demi Moore spoke about Bruce Willis’s diagnosis of aphasia and dementia while promoting her TV show, saying he is doing well given the circumstances.
She advises caregivers of dementia patients to meet them where they are at and appreciate the present joy and love rather than who they used to be.
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, an umbrella term for rare disorders affecting personality, language and behavior areas of the brain.
Symptoms can include changes in behavior, personality, communication and movement. Willis was diagnosed with aphasia affecting his speech.
Caregivers experience emotional strain as patients’ moods and behaviors change. Maintaining intimacy requires open communication and understanding needs may change.
Routines, planning, and technology can help patients. Caregivers need self-care support from organizations like the Alzheimer’s Society.
Moore says daily rituals like walks and meals together are important for emotional and physical connection when possible.
The article provides advice on coping strategies if a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis.
Source: Yahoo style
