What to do about smoking
It's common knowledge that
smoking is bad for us, and when a person has memory loss smoking not only
damages their health, it can also mean an increased fire risk.
Some people with dementia have
been known to simply forget about smoking if cigarettes and ashtrays are
removed from sight. Some people seek to stop their loved ones with dementia
from smoking.
However, if the person stops
smoking, they may become tense and irritable. There are also ethical
considerations around the person's right to continue to enjoy something that
they have enjoyed in the past, even if it is bad for them.
This is something that should be
discussed with the person with dementia, if possible, or with friends and
family before a final decision is made.
If someone with dementia does
smoke, those around them should try to make it as safe as possible - for
example, by replacing matches with disposable lighters.
For those wanting to quit
smoking, there is plenty of support available from the GP.
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