It is paramount that the caregivers who are taking care of patients suffering from dementia are calm, composed, well-educated and rational persons as well as people of a stable and strong character.
Caregivers (usually family members) can be under a significant amount of stress caused by concern for the patient, their frustration, exhaustion, anger or bitterness because this type of care takes a lot of toll on their personal life.
In order for the caregiver to remain calm and composed even in the most difficult moments, martial arts training can actually be of great help. By practicing tai chi, karate, tae kwon do, boxing, wrestling, kung fu, aikido, judo, ju jitsu or even MMA, the caregiver will free himself/herself from a lot of accumulated frustration and will regain his/her stability.
By practicing martial arts, he/she will reestablish their inner strength and return to their necessary calmness and stability which is crucial when working with patients.
Stability and focus of the caregiver are especially important when the patient doesn't want to eat or drink anymore, when they are starting to lose weight and degenerate or become paralysed and their bodies are starting to die out.
The medication that is currently available for Alzheimer's disease as well as adequate nutrition and exercize can slow down its progression, but there is still no chance to cure it.
This is why it is very important for the caregiver to think rationally and accept the process of dying and to understand that, while it is extremely difficult, that it is inevitable. Taking on martial arts, knowing how to properly make use of meditation as well as certain religious beliefs can be of great help.
The patient's stay in his/her home is the best option recommended by doctors. However, this type of care won't be sufficient until the very end because of the disease's progress. When taking the patient to an adequate medical facility, one should consider the time which is necessary for the person in order to adapt to his/her new surrounding so this transition isn't too stressful and in order not to aggravate his/her condition and behavior.
The caregivers (members of the family, physiotherapists, martial arts professionals, medical staff) as well as the patient's surroundings need to adapt to the disease and their consequences and, therefore, must maintain the patient's dignity.