Ice cream is a tasty food, particularly in the summer. Many elderly people enjoy eating ice cream. But, is ice cream good for dementia? For the solution, keep reading.
Ice cream brings people with dementia to happier, warmer times when the treat was shared with friends and loved ones at special, joyous occa- sions. At first bite, even just a spoonful, of ice cream has the ability to instantly induce feelings of calmness.
You can read more about how ice cream can benefit dementia sufferers below.
How Can Ice Cream Help People With Dementia?
The brain’s capacity to process information is hampered by dementia. Even if they were enjoyable prior to the development of the disease, simple daily tasks may be challenging for someone with dementia. As a result, planning an event for friends and family, cooking, getting ready for a weekend getaway, or going to the store with a list can all be difficult and upsetting for someone with dementia.
The capacity for sustained awakeness decreases as a result of daily routines.
Early brain exhaustion brought on by dementia makes it more challenging to process information at the end of the day. As a result, many people exhibit signs of exhaustion.
Alzheimer’s patients become more agitated by commonplace events. People who have this condition should be able to tell when they are getting frustrated rather than allowing it to build up. and after that engage in self-calming activities like pausing, meditating, or taking the initiative.
These emotions are harder to control and cope with as dementia worsens, though.
It gets harder for a person with dementia to effectively control how they react to frustration as their dementia worsens. Because they are having trouble managing and/or expressing their emotions verbally, they will manifest it in some way, and you might observe behavioral episodes.
We need to try to identify the root of the frustrations in our loved ones with dementia so that we can help them. Sadly, it becomes more challenging for people with dementia to take the initiative and grasp the bigger picture on their own.
Thus, to cope with their anxiety and worries, they rely on their caregivers. You must help the dementia patient become happier, calmer, and more at ease. The following advice might be useful.
Determine and Reduce Potential Stressors before Moving on to the Next Phase
By determining the issue, take control. People who feel comfortable are in a safe environment. Are they stressed out about anything in particular? Are they showing any nonverbal cues like crying if they may be in pain if they are unable to communicate this verbally?
Is your loved one startled by what they perceive to be there but isn’t? (hallucination) If so, we must make every effort to give them a sense of security. Even though we may be aware that this is not real, for them it certainly is.
Reassure Them
Make sure they know it’s alright by saying, “Assure them that everything is fine, that you are here with them, that you will help them, and that you love them with sincere words of comfort, “You are safe with me. When they see you smile at them, they will cling to you.
Reassurance from a loved one is a strong antidote for those with Alzheimer’s disease. From the world of dementia, where uncertainty, isolation, and disorientation are the norm, it is for them a welcome change. Dementia sufferers appreciate being reassured by others’ actions and words, despite their inability to comprehend what is happening rationally. They’ll feel better if they hear from you again and again.
The Final Step is Ice Cream!
Definitely ice cream, there is no question about that. There’s a lot of nostalgia in ice cream! Each of us probably has a flavor that is both calming and delicious that we particularly enjoy. Ice cream conjures up images of happier, warmer days spent with family and friends in the minds of people with dementia. The soul can be instantly calmed with just one spoonful of ice cream.
Every time you get a new scoop, it activates pleasure receptors in the brain, erasing all the unpleasant feelings brought on by frustration.
Ice cream conjures up pleasant memories that you can take with you when you return home. Use it to induce happiness and soothe a restless mind. It’s an excellent way for caregivers to refocus their loved ones on something else, perhaps something more uplifting.
When caring for a loved one who suffers from dementia, identify their preferred flavor of ice cream and make sure you never run out of it. Check out some of the brands that can be best suited for that person’s needs if your loved one has dietary restrictions. Diabetic-friendly products come in a huge variety.
Read about Is Coffee Good for Sore Throat?
FAQs
What Can Calm a Dementia Patient?
Use calming phrases such as: “You’re safe here;” “I’m sorry that you are upset;” and “I’ll be here until you’re feeling better.” Informing the person of your presence. Get the person involved in activities. To help the person become engaged and focus on something other than their anxiety, try using art, music, or other activities.
Does Icecream Help Alzheimer’s?
Thus, ice cream may be a simple solution for an Alzheimer’s patient who is unable to soothe themselves after a particularly difficult day. It can at the very least serve as a diversion from their frustrating circumstances and serve to uplift their mood. The role of the caregiver is to be the calm in the Alzheimer’s storm.
How Do You Keep Someone With Dementia Happy?
Do something unique.
- Massage the person’s hands with lotion.
- Hair-brushing is required.
- Give the person a manicure.
- Collage the subject’s photos using them.
- Encourage the individual to discuss their favorite topics more.
- Make a posterboard with a family tree.
The Bottom Line
Sundowning tends to occur at roughly the same time and location every day. If the behavior is new and seems to have developed suddenly, ask your doctor to examine you for infections (especially urinary tract infections) or dehydration.
Caregivers of dementia patients must be alert for any signs of pain, such as arthritis, constipation, or heartburn. In addition, patients with delirium may become agitated from chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and renal disease. In order to rule out any potential drug interactions that might exacerbate the signs of agitation, the doctor should also review patients’ current medications.
