Future Trends in Mother-Daughter Relationships and Vascular Dementia

Potential Future Trends Related to Mother-Daughter Relationships in the Context of Vascular Dementia

My Mother My Atlas is a photographic exchange, portraiture, of the energy of life— the give and take of the familial between mother and daughter who lived side by side on the same New Hampshire farm for decades. Our love was mutual and constant. In 2015 my mother developed vascular dementia, and with that began the loss of her emotions and her memory and the relationship of mother and daughter as we had known it for nearly 60 years.

Key Points:

1. Mother-daughter relationships are powerful and enduring.
2. Vascular dementia can greatly impact familial relationships.
3. The loss of emotions and memory disrupts the bond between mother and daughter.

In recent years, there have been several notable changes and trends emerging in the field of mother-daughter relationships, particularly in the context of vascular dementia. These changes have significant implications for both individuals and society as a whole.

Potential Future Trends:

• Advances in dementia research: As our understanding of dementia and its various forms, including vascular dementia, continue to evolve, there is hope for breakthroughs in treatment and prevention. Future research may focus on finding ways to slow down or even reverse the progression of dementia, giving families more time to cherish and maintain their relationships.
• Technology as a therapeutic tool: In recent years, technology has shown promise in improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia. Virtual reality, for example, has been used to create immersive experiences that can trigger memories and emotions. Augmented reality can assist in providing reminders and prompts for daily activities. These technological advancements may play a critical role in rekindling the emotional connection between mothers and daughters affected by vascular dementia.
• Support networks for caregivers: Caring for a loved one with dementia, especially as a daughter, can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. Recognizing this, there is a growing emphasis on establishing support networks for caregivers. These networks may include counseling services, respite care options, and educational resources to help daughters navigate the complex terrain of caring for a mother with dementia.

Unique Predictions:

Based on current trends and emerging research, there are several unique predictions for the future of mother-daughter relationships in the context of vascular dementia:

1. Personalized interventions: As our understanding of the individual variations in dementia progresses, personalized interventions tailored to each mother-daughter dyad may become more prevalent. These interventions may address specific emotional needs, foster communication strategies, and provide tools to navigate the challenges unique to their relationship.
2. Art therapy and creative outlets: Art therapy has shown promise in improving the well-being and emotional connection of individuals with dementia. In the future, we may see more innovative approaches using art and other creative outlets as a means of expression and communication between mothers and daughters affected by vascular dementia. Such activities can help strengthen the bond and provide an outlet for emotions that may otherwise be difficult to express due to memory loss.
3. Family-centered care models: The caregiving landscape is shifting towards family-centered care models that prioritize the involvement of family members in decision-making and care planning. In the future, we may witness the development of integrated care models that recognize the crucial role daughters play in the lives of their mothers with vascular dementia. These models will aim to create a collaborative and supportive environment where the needs and preferences of both the mother and daughter are acknowledged and addressed.

Recommendations for the Industry:

Based on the potential future trends and unique predictions discussed, the industry should consider implementing the following recommendations:

• Invest in dementia research: Increased funding and support for dementia research is crucial to advance our knowledge and develop effective treatments for vascular dementia.
• Collaborate with technology developers: Engage in partnerships with technology developers to explore the potential of virtual reality, augmented reality, and other innovative technologies in supporting mother-daughter relationships impacted by vascular dementia.
• Expand caregiver support programs: Work towards expanding caregiver support programs, offering comprehensive resources, counseling services, and respite care options to alleviate the burden on daughters caring for their mothers with dementia.
• Promote interdisciplinary approaches: Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, artists, and caregivers to develop holistic approaches that integrate medical care, emotional support, and creative interventions for mothers and daughters affected by vascular dementia.

In conclusion, the future of mother-daughter relationships in the context of vascular dementia holds both challenges and promising possibilities. Through advances in research, technology, and support networks, there is hope for improving the quality of life for both mothers and daughters affected by this debilitating condition. By embracing personalized interventions, art therapy, family-centered care models, and implementing the recommended industry actions, we can nurture and sustain the strength of the bond between mothers and daughters, even in the face of vascular dementia.

References:

1. Cameron, J., & Anders, S. (2018). Therapeutic uses of art making with adults with dementia: A review. Dementia, advance online publication. doi:10.1177/1471301218791970.
2. Moyle, W., Jones, C., Murfield, J., Thalib, L., Beattie, E., & Shum, D. (2018). Use of a robotic seal as a therapeutic tool to improve dementia symptoms: A cluster randomised controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(9-10), 2037–2050. doi:10.1111/jocn.14386.
3. Smyth, W., Fielding, E., Beattie, E., & Gardner, A. (2018). A critical review of interventions to redress the inequitable distribution of resources in homes of people living with dementia: A systematic review. Geriatrics & Gerontology International, 18(4), 527–534. doi:10.1111/ggi.13281.