Category: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

6 Proven Methods to Improve Your Memory as You Age

Posted on by Martin

Memory loss: it’s one of the things people fear the most about aging. While memory loss comes in a variety of shapes and forms, many people imagine themselves unable to remember a loved one’s phone number or forgetting special days. 

While these things are a reality for some seniors, memory loss doesn’t have to be an essential component of aging. In fact, people who take proactive steps to improve their memories with age can enjoy a lifetime of mental sharpness and clarity. Read on.

What is Memory Loss?

Memory loss is forgetfulness that exceeds normal levels. For example, a young person may forget the name of a performer for a moment, and then recall it in conversation several minutes later. This is not memory loss. Instead, it’s a standard spell of forgetfulness.

If a senior begins to forget things like whether the stove is turned on, where he or she lives, or whether a visitor is a daughter or a neighbor, this is considered memory loss.

According to Medline Plus, memory loss is caused by normal aging or by injuries to the brain, including brain tumors, concussions or head trauma, brain infections, or stroke. 

While most people experience bouts of forgetfulness throughout their lives, memory loss is a problem that is most prevalent in seniors. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of every eight seniors experiences memory loss as they age. Surprisingly, this memory loss affects young seniors the most prominently, with 44.7% of older persons between ages 60-64 reporting memory loss. 

While some level of memory loss is normal throughout our lives, excessive or ongoing memory loss can be signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia. As such, it is important for people who want to keep their minds healthy as they age to take proactive steps to preventing memory loss.  

6 Smart Ways to Improve Your Memory as You Get Older

If you’d like to stave off the effects of memory loss, follow these six tips:

1. Keep learning new things

Learning new things is by far one of the best actions you can take to protect your memory and keep your mind sharp. Harvard Health Publications reports that higher levels of education are associated with improved mental functionality in old age. This may be because of several reasons. 

On the one hand, learning new things keeps people in the habit of using their minds, and may translate into higher levels of mental challenge and development with age. On the other hand, learning new things has been shown to help promote neuro-generative activity in the brain, and improve the brain’s ability to make new connections and keep existing connections healthy.

Fortunately, learning new things is simple, and you have many options if you’re interested. Pick up a new hobby or audit a class on a platform like edX. Take a dance class at your local community center or learn a new language. 

You don’t have to do something as drastic as going back to school to learn something new. You simply have to dedicate yourself to using your brain and making lifelong learning the top of your to-do list.

 

2. Don’t buy into the myths about aging and memory loss

The mind-body connection is one that’s often underestimated in our society. When it comes to memory loss, people who believe that aging and memory loss go hand-in-hand may actually experience increased memory loss. In fact, Harvard Health Publications reports that seniors exposed to repeated, negative stereotypes about memory loss and aging do worse on memory tests than their counterparts who avoid the stereotypes. 

With this in mind, don’t buy into the myth that aging means an automatic loss of memory. Take proactive steps to keep yourself healthy, and don’t believe the hype.

 

3. Engage all your various senses

The mind is a “use it or lose it” thing, and engaging all your senses helps keep each of them stronger. Memory works best when all our senses are engaged, and, because of this, it’s typically recommended that seniors pick up new hobbies that engage the senses.

For example, consider cooking. When you make a pizza from scratch, you have the scent of the ingredients, the feel of the dough as you knead it out on the counter, and the sight of bubbling cheese to look forward to.

If pizza isn’t your top priority, you’re not limited to cooking. In fact, any tactile hobby, like pottery, will work beautifully.

 

4. Focus your memory to where it’s needed most

The mind takes in thousands of tiny bits of information each day and, with age, this can quickly become overwhelming. Because of this, professionals recommend that seniors learn to economize their brainpower. For example, instead of clogging your head up with the 15 things you need to do next Tuesday, write it down in a planner. 

By getting it out of your head and onto a sheet of paper, where it’s easy to remember, you free your brainpower up for more important things, like learning new skills, building new relationships, and more. 

 

5. Reinforce your memories with repetition

Repetition is a powerful tool for solidifying memories and making short-term information long-term. With this in mind, use repetition in your daily life to boost your memory as you age. When you meet someone new at a gathering, repeat their name to yourself verbally. When you’re learning a new skill, repeat it several times until you feel like you have it down pat. We can’t expect our brains to perform well without the benefit of repetition, and the simple act of repeating something to ourselves can go a long way toward helping us remember it.

 

6. Take care of yourself physically

Good nutrition and adequate hydration make all the difference when it comes to protecting your memory. Simple things like inadequate hydration can have a devastating impact on memory, and studies have found that people who eat brain-boosting foods, such as fish, once each week have a massive 60% lower risk of developing dementia as they age. 

That said, fortify your diet with plenty of clean, fresh water, foods rich in omega-3s, and healthy fats.  Your brain will thank you for it!

Healthy Memories Start With Preventative Care

While conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia do affect some seniors, getting older doesn’t mean your memory must go out the window. With these six tips, it’s easy to take good care of your memory as you age, and enjoy a clear mind and sharp memory throughout your golden years. 

 

Telling The Difference Between Normal Forgetfulness and Dementia in Seniors

Posted on by Martin

As we age, it’s not uncommon for us to experience so-called “senior moments” – moments of temporary forgetfulness or absent-mindedness. In some cases, this is a normal side effect of aging and, in others, it’s a symptom of the beginnings of dementia. Many people, however, aren’t exactly sure how to tell the difference.

In some cases, dementia can begin to crop up as early as the 40s or 50s and in some cases it appears much later in life. Often, people wonder if forgetting where they placed their car keys or if they already returned that important call is a symptom they should be concerned about. While some symptoms may be dangerous, some instances of forgetfulness are simply the result of busy lives and too little “me time.”

So, how do you tell the difference between early signs of dementia and normal age-induced forgetfulness?

Read on to learn more.

Signs it’s just Forgetfulness

If the following things apply to you or a loved one, it’s likely that the scatterbrained behavior is the result of normal aging:

  1. You remember what you forgot later. If you forgot where you put your keys or were trying to remember the name of the street your daughter lives on but couldn’t, don’t worry. As long as you remember the information later (be it 5 minutes or two hours later) you’re probably fine. The ability to eventually recall information differentiates age-induced forgetfulness from dementia, which renders people unable to remember misplaced information at all.
  2. You can be reminded of forgotten information. Have you ever lost your train of thought during a conversation only to be reminded of what you were saying by a friend? This is an example of “normal” or age-induced forgetfulness. All people get forgetful at some point, but when simple reminders from friends or family can help you pick up where you left off, it’s likely that you’re simply experiencing normal forgetfulness.
  3. Tools help you remember. If you forget to take your medication unless you set a cell phone reminder or write yourself a note, the forgetfulness is likely nothing to worry about. People who use post-it notes or electronic reminders to trigger certain behaviors are likely experiencing “normal” forgetfulness. On the other hand, people who don’t remember what their reminders are there for may be displaying symptoms of dementia.
  4. Forgetting things occasionally. Did you just meet someone new and you’re having a tough time remembering their name? After you’ve been reminded once or twice, the information should be easier for you to retrieve. If it’s not, the forgetfulness may be a symptom of dementia. When people repeatedly forget the same thing despite being reminded of it time and time again, it’s likely that they are suffering from the early stages of dementia.
  5. Forgetfulness is associated with being busy. If you forgot to return a phone call or make your way to a meeting because you were having a busy day, it’s probably normal forgetfulness. When we’re excessively busy, we only have room for so much information in our minds and, naturally, some things get pushed out. If you’re usually on top of things but tend to get forgetful when you’ve got too many balls in the air, fear not. This is probably normal forgetfulness. This is especially true if you remember what you were supposed to be doing later.
  6. Being able to execute self-care. If you had a crazy day and forgot five things but can still settle into a nice bath or feed yourself well at the end of the day, you’re probably experiencing normal forgetfulness. Very poor hygiene or missing meals, on the other hand, is a sign of dementia and a warning sign for Alzheimer’s.

Signs of Dementia

Forgetfulness that is related to dementia is very different from “normal” forgetfulness and can be characterized by the following symptoms:

  1. Difficulty with simple tasks. If you or a loved one has a hard time remembering to pay bills, pick up spouses or children or carry out normal hygiene procedures like brushing teeth and bathing, it’s likely that this forgetfulness is a sign of dementia. This is also true for people who lose weight due to forgetting to eat or for people who gain weight because they eat many meals and forget about previous ones.
  2. Inability to remember previous memory loss episodes. Forgetting the name of the street you live on and then remembering that you’ve forgotten is one thing. Forgetting previous incidents where memory loss has been a problem, however, is an entirely different situation. If you notice that a friend or loved one is having difficulty remembering times when memory loss has been a problem, it’s likely that this is a sign of dementia.
  3. Difficulty in familiar settings. While it’s normal to get lost in new places, it’s not normal to get lost on your way home. If you notice that a friend or loved one is forgetting how to get home or to the store or cannot remember which room is the bedroom or which car belongs to him or her, these are signs of dementia.
  4. Frequently forgetting words. While it’s normal to grapple for the right word, it’s not normal to forget words altogether. If you notice that a friend or loved one cannot remember simple words, slurs words or forgets important information like a loved one’s name or birthday, it’s time to seek help. This is also true if a loved one garbles information, repeats the same words or phrases multiple times in a conversation or tells the same story over and over.
  5. Poor judgment. If forgetfulness has reached the level where the individual is making forgetful judgments that place health or safety at risk, like going out in the winter without a jacket or leaving the stove or gas on at home, there’s a high possibility that you’re dealing with dementia-like symptoms.
  6. Difficulty making decisions. If a person you love is having a hard time making simple decisions like what to eat or where to go or if they become frustrated over simple issues, it’s likely that this is dementia-related forgetfulness. Additionally, if a person you love seems to have “Forgotten” how to act in social situations or acts out in dangerous or inappropriate ways, it’s likely that these are signs of dementia.

What to do When Signs of Dementia Appear

If you’ve noticed that a loved one seems to be displaying signs of dementia, it’s important to enlist the help of a doctor. When memory loss becomes frequent or severe, it can place a person at serious risk of injury or death.

A doctor will assess the patient’s memory history and any present risk factors, such as family history of dementia and medications. Once a diagnosis has been made, the doctor will treat the person for memory loss symptoms and may be able to recommend some care measures that will help alleviate the symptoms of memory loss and make life safer and more enjoyable. Additionally, early diagnosis is important to get ahead of memory loss symptoms and ensure that proper care is received.

Although memory loss is a frightening prospect, there are many ways to determine the difference between normal forgetfulness and dangerous Alzheimer’s symptoms. If you notice any of the dementia symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seek medical care immediately in order to produce a positive outcome.

How to Help Prevent Memory Loss as You Age

Posted on by Martin

One of the most dreaded side-affects of aging is memory loss. People who have lived through seeing a loved one with Alzheimer’s or severe dementia know that memory loss can be heartbreaking both for the person affected and his or her family.

Fortunately, memory loss doesn’t have to be a reality of aging.

Symptoms of Memory Loss

As people age, their loved ones often joke about “senior moments.” These moments of forgetfulness – misplaced keys, forgotten grocery store items, etc. – are a normal part of the aging process, but there is a definitive line between routine forgetfulness and warning signs of memory loss.

As people age, a set of physiological changes begin that cause routine, short-lived glitches in brain function. With age, it may take longer to recall information and new topics may be more difficult to learn. The differentiating factor, however, is that the memory or attention does return. For example, a person may be giving directions to a home and suddenly forget a street name. Although that person may not be able to remember the name at that exact moment, it will most likely come back to him or her later that day.

Memory loss, on the other hand, manifests in more pronounced and startling ways. People may not recognize their loved ones or may forget the name of their spouse. They may get lost in familiar areas, routinely forget very simple words or garble their speech. They may act in socially inappropriate ways or make poor choices in respect to safety. Moreover, they may not remember previous incidences of memory loss and may deny altogether that their mental function is impaired.

Causes of Memory Loss

When it comes to the causes of memory loss, there are reversible and irreversible causes. Irreversible causes include dementia and Alzheimer’s. While the symptoms of these conditions can be temporarily alleviated and treated through proper nutrition and mediation, they are not ultimately curable. Reversible causes, on the other hand, include the following:

B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an amazingly important nutrient. In addition to protecting the neurons in the human brain, it also supports normal, healthy brain function. Because of this, a B12 deficiency can lead to brain damage, impaired brain function and eventual memory loss. Fortunately, B12 deficiency can be reversed if it is detected early. People who smoke or drink in excess are at increased risk for B12 deficiency and may have to undergo monthly B12 injections to replenish their levels.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a prominent problem in aging adults and seniors. Severe dehydration can easily create symptoms, such as drowsiness, slurred words and memory loss, which look like dementia or confusion. Fortunately, by drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day, older adults can decrease their risk of severe dehydration and associated memory loss. Those who take diuretics or laxatives may need to drink more water to offset the affects of their medications.

Thyroid Issues

Because the thyroid controls metabolic function, it is directly related to memory. When a person’s metabolism is too slow, sluggishness and depression take hold. When a metabolism is too fast, however, people often feel confused. When thyroid problems are severe, they may lead to forgetfulness and an inability to concentrate. Fortunately, medication and proper treatment can often alleviate these symptoms.

Depression

Severe depression can easily create symptoms that closely resemble memory loss. People with depressive symptoms may find it difficult to concentrate, organize their lives or remember important things. Fortunately, the symptoms of severe depression and associated memory loss can often be reversed through proper medication, counseling and increased social activity.

Side Effects of Common Medications

People who take three or more drugs are at increased risk of impaired cognitive function. Because medications interact with one another in complex and often unpredictable ways, they can easily affect cognitive function and may result in memory loss. Because older adults absorb medication more slowly, these side effects are often more pronounced. Fortunately, removing certain medications or trading them out for medications that interact better with the other medications can often mitigate these symptoms.

 

Preventing Memory Loss

For people not affected by dementia, most memory loss is avoidable or reversible. Because memory loss is often the result of deficiencies in the body, the first line of defense is to keep the aging individual as healthy and active as possible. Follow these tips to safeguard against memory loss:

Exercise

Exercise is one of the most important factors in combatting memory loss. Regular physical activity encourages brain growth and lays the foundation for new brain cells. Additionally, routine exercise reduces the risk of other physical conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which may lead to memory loss. Finally, exercise also boosts endorphins, reduces stress and helps manage depressive symptoms, which can lead to a healthier, more resilient brain.

Be Social

People who withdraw from their social circles are at increased risk for memory loss. The reason behind this is that face-to-face interaction with friends and loved ones forms new memories, keeps the brain active and reduces stress. Visiting friends or taking part in community events is a great way to support healthy brain function and ensure that the brain stays sharp and active during the aging process.

Stop Smoking

Because smoking impairs the transport of nutrients to the brain, people who smoke are at very high risk of memory loss. Additionally, smoking increases the risk of vascular problems, which may impede the transfer of blood to the brain, thus resulting in memory loss and poor cognitive function.

Eat Well

Nutrition is a huge factor in preventing memory loss and seniors with healthy, well-rounded diets are much less likely to experience memory loss than their less-nutritious counterparts. Foods rich in antioxidants (Green tea and vegetables) are ideal for keeping the brain active and alert while omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, tuna, walnuts and flaxseed, support healthy memory and brain building.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is an absolute necessity for healthy brain function. Because the brain processes and solidifies new memories during sleep, people who don’t get enough quality, uninterrupted sleep are subject to higher rates of memory loss than those who do. For the best brain-boosting benefits, sleep at least 8 hours per night and sneak in a nap during the day if possible.

Keep the Brain Active

Simple activities like playing strategy games (chess, bridge, Scrabble, etc.), reading, learning a new language, musical instrument or skill or completing a craft project are wonderful for keeping the brain healthy and active. The brain is a “use it or lose it” organ and people who routinely give their brains a workout are less likely to experience age-related memory loss.

Although memory loss is a frightening prospect, it doesn’t have to be a reality for everyone. By knowing the causes of memory loss and being proactive about preventing it, seniors can stay healthy and mentally sharp throughout their later years.

The Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Martin

Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of families every year. According to recent estimations, 5.3 million Americans are currently living with the disease, 5.1 million of whom are aged 65 or older.

Because Alzheimer’s is so common, it benefits family members to be aware of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early detection can lead to better care and treatment as the disease progresses.

1) Memory Loss

Memory loss is one of the most common and most easily recognized symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Most people in the early stages of the disease will begin to forget information they have recently learned and may begin to forget important dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries or holidays.

Affected people may also forget important life events and may not remember, for example, that their daughter recently had a baby. Some affected people may ask the same question time and time again or tell the same story in a loop-like fashion. As the memory loss progresses, many individuals begin to use memory devices like notes, to-do lists or electronic reminders in an attempt to cope with their symptoms.

2) Confusion Regarding Time and Place

If you notice that a loved one has begun to confuse times or locations and has exhibited behavior like switching meals (dinner for breakfast, etc.), it may be time to call a doctor. Many patients in the early stages of Alzheimer’s have difficulty with the concept of time and will also struggle to understand that something will happen in the future but is not happening now. The confusion of time often goes hand-in-hand with a confusion regarding locations and people exhibiting these symptoms often forget where they are or how they have gotten there.

3) Difficulty With Familiar Tasks

If you notice that a loved one is having a hard time remembering how to do basic tasks like watering plants or driving to an old friend’s house, pay some extra attention. People suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s often experience difficulty with familiar tasks and may slowly lose their ability to execute simple chores without help.

4) Difficulty With Problem Solving

For many people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, problem solving can quickly become an issue. Many individuals find it difficult to manage a budget, follow directions, read a recipe or keep track of mail. Additionally, these people may have a difficult time navigating daily frustrations like lost items or scheduling conflicts. Often, difficulty concentrating and frustration accompany these symptoms.

5) Difficulty Interpreting Pictures

If you notice that your loved on is having a tough time understanding photographs or judging distances, it is likely that this is an early indication of Alzheimer’s. Often, people who are beginning to exhibit symptoms of the disease will have difficulty interpreting color and contrast and may be unable to drive due to dangerous and disorienting issues with depth perception.

6) Trouble Speaking

Does your loved one have new or worsening speech problems? If you notice that somebody you know has begun stopping mid-sentence, stumbling over words, confusing phrases or repeating themselves often, it’s time for a medical evaluation.

One of the most surprising symptoms of Alzheimer’s is that people often begin to forget simple phrases. For example, these people may call an oven a “cooking box.” Problems with speech, vocabulary and forming sentences are common symptoms of this troubling disease and deserve immediate attention.

7) Misplacing Things

If your loved one begins to misplace things around the house and cannot remember where they’ve been in order to retrace their steps and find the lost items, it’s time to take notice. Confusion and lack of short-term memory are both early signs of the disease and can quickly transition into full-blown dementia. Often, these symptoms are accompanied by anger and those afflicted may accuse loved ones of stealing, playing trick on them or hiding things.

8) Notable Changes in Mood

Alzheimer’s symptoms often cause people to become moody, depressed, paranoid, fearful, anxious or angry. People in the early stages of the disease often get agitated easily and may respond to the confusion, discomfort and distress they often feel by sobbing, becoming angry or lashing out.

In addition to getting these individuals medical help, family and friends need to know that this behavior, while it can be emotionally devastating, is not personal. Alzheimer’s is a complicated disease and it often causes people to change dramatically in a short period of time. Trust that the best thing you as a friend or family member can do is get the affected person medical assistance and provide support and love throughout the treatment process.

9) Decreased Social Activity

If you notice that your loved one has recently withdrawn and has stopped seeing old friends or participating in volunteer work, family events or community engagements, it may be time for a medical check-up. Alzheimer’s symptoms, specifically confusion and the disorientation, can cause people to become depressed and withdraw from friends and family in an attempt to hide their symptoms from friends and loved ones. Often these people will try to downplay their withdrawal and it is up to friends and family members to investigate further. Although they may insist against it, individuals that are decreasing their social activity are at a heightened risk of depressive symptoms and need help and support immediately.

10) Poor Judgment or a Lack of Risk Assessment

People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may exhibit poor judgment with money, safety or personal belongings. For example, affected individuals may make large infomercial purchases or go outside in frigid weather without a coat. They may also leave stoves on, leave candles burning when nobody is home, leave a car running in the driveway or abandon personal hygiene. These are all alarming symptoms that require family members to take notice.

What to Do When a Loved One Has Alzheimer’s
In the early stages of the disease, individuals tend to be very independent and many affected people still drive, maintain social lives, conduct volunteer work and keep in touch with family. During this stage, the most important role loved ones can play during this time is to be a force of support and friendship while also assisting in planning for future care.

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, people often undergo noticeable changes in their ability to speak, function independently, drive and eat. Typically, these changes occur slowly and it is not uncommon for affected individuals to maintain some level of independence for years. During this time, the best thing that friends and family members can do is act as an advocate for the affected person and helping him or her do routine things, such as making appointments, remembering important dates or events, paying monthly bills, taking medications on time, dressing, and cleaning the house. Although these tasks may seem small and inconsequential, they will be great help to the affected person.

As the disease progresses, friends and family members often feel as if there is nothing they can do and that is when love and support is most needed. In addition to loving the person affected by the disease, friends and family members should also reach out to their community for support and assistance. Although Alzheimer’s is a difficult disease, it is much easier for patients and their families to cope when they are surrounded by ample love and support.

Caring for People Suffering from Dementia

Posted on by Martin

Dementia is a mental disorder in which a person gradually suffers from loss of mental function as a result of certain brain diseases. Almost 50 million people suffer from dementia from all over the world while health organizations claim that the number will triple by 2050. The most common type of dementia in the world is Alzheimer. In United States, more than 60% of people (More than 5 and a half million) become victim of dementia because of Alzheimer. Other most common types of dementia are vascular dementia and lewy body dementia.

In all cases and types, the end result is often similar like loss of memory, judgment and loss of reasoning. It also causes anxiety, anger, behavioral changes, sadness and loss of muscle and weight. As loss of memory and resulting aggression is a common symptom, taking care of people suffering with dementia is often a very challenging task.

Even though, a small proportion of young people also suffers from dementia but most of the people get affected while growing old. In fact, the number of people suffering from dementia doubles with every 5 years of age bracket.

Understanding Dementia

To provide better care for dementia patients, it is necessary to understand the disease which helps counter gradual changes in the behavior of patients. Even when there is no present cure of dementia conditions like Alzheimer, there are reported cases in which good care and help from families significantly delayed the more severe conditions of dementia.

Once dementia is diagnosed, it follows a downward trajectory that usually consists of three steps.

  • Mild Dementia

    In the initial stage, which is also known as mild dementia, people begin to show difficulty in learning new things, remembering names and often fails to perform more complex tasks like operating a smart phone or driving. They also begin experiencing sadness, stress, anxiety and loss of interest in healthy activities and entertainment.

 

  • Moderate Dementia

    The second stage is moderate dementia in which senses are affected. The affected person suffers from loss of physical function, loss of judgment and more severe memory loss. At this stage, person also loss interest in proper diet, begins to wander and often uses inappropriate language and sentences that does not make any sense. At this time, challenges for care givers begin as they need to invest more time and energy.

 

  • Severe Dementia

    In the third and last stage, person suffers from complete memory loss, difficulty in eating with no control over bowl and bladder. The mobility also becomes limited. At this stage, round-the-clock care is required that is why many people seek professional care givers to help them cope with the growing needs of patients. At this time, most patients also stop recognizing family members making it easier to introduce professional caregivers.

 

Caring for Dementia Patients

When taking care of people suffering with mild dementia is easy, the real challenge starts with moderate to severe dementia stages. At this time, care givers may have to deal with aggressive and in some cases, violent behavior of patients which is result of growing confusion, fear, sadness and anxiety.

Learning Basics of Care Giving 

Listed are some basics of taking care of dementia patients.

No Aggression: First thing that care givers need to learn and understand is that whatever the dementia patients do, they are not doing it on purpose. Reacting with anger or aggression can only result in more violent behavior of patients in future.

No Argument: There is no point in explaining things to patients especially in the last stage. In simple words, no one can reason with dementia patients and can make them understand as they have lost their ability of learning and judgment. In fact, trying to reason with patients can result in adding confusion and triggering aggression.

Dos and Don’ts while Dealing with Aggressive Behavior

In many cases, a simple refusal of doing a routine task grows into violent speech or actions. While dealing with such situations, you need to understand that the violence committed by the patient is not on purpose.

Don’t: As aggression by patients often caused by fear, responding in harsh way can only worsen their condition. Don’t force the issue that is discomforting the patient or engage into an argument. Until you have no other option left, use of force can make the situation worse.

Dos: Instead, make sure to look for the cause of fear and try to provide them with the comfort zone that usually keeps them calm. Communicate in a reassuring but calm manner diverting their focus to something else.

Dos and Don’ts while Dealing with Confused Questions

Dementia patients often get confused about the time and place. They often want to be in a place or time when they were in more control or felt safest in their life.

Don’t: Long answers, reasons and explanations are not going to help. Instead, they will add to confusion and more questions. In some cases, lengthy reasons and arguments trigger violent behavior in patients.

Dos: Provide simple answers in reassuring and helping tone. Use photos and other reminders in the house. If the questions are insisting, it is better to redirect their attention to something else instead of trying to answer the questions again and again.

Dos and Don’ts while Dealing with Poor Judgment

Family members may have to face accusations from patients or actions that are result of cognitive problems and thinking errors. Alzheimer can cause people to have untrue beliefs, delusions and poor judgment.

Don’t: No matter how ugly it looks, never question the accusation or patient’s ability to handle particular situation. Letting him believe that he is in control can help otherwise the confusion can result in aggression or anger.

Dos: Help patients in keeping their stuff organized. Even when it looks difficult, accept the accusation and let him/her believe she is right and in control.

Tips that Can Help

Few simple tasks and small adjustments to your daily life can make life much easier of the care giver. Some helpful tips are listed below.

  • Graded Assistance to Encourage independence. There are reported cases in which dementia patients maintained functional independence for a long period of time when independence is encouraged. The technique “Graded Assistance” is used to help patients accomplish their work without providing extensive help. Instead, verbal instructions, physical demonstrations and other means are used keeping least amount of physical assistance.
  • Make Your Daily Routine more Smooth. Make things simpler for dementia patients by maintaining simple to follow routine in your home. Simple daily routine can help dementia patients to adapt quickly providing them independence to work alone.
  • Simple and Direct Communication. Use of simple sentences, reassuring tone and loving gestures can make things simpler for you and patients.
  • Limit Distractions. Make sure the patient is not distracted while eating or doing routine work. Provide calm and quiet environment that can help patient concentrate on eating or other similar tasks. Limit the number of baths as physical activity required for shower may make some patients aggressive or uncomfortable.
  • Ensure Family Activities. Plan comfortable routine activities with patients that attract their interest. Engaging patients in healthy activities can help delay downward behavior trend. Just don’t push any activity in which the patient is not interested.
  • Follow Consistent Bedtime. Make sure to keep the bed time consistent to develop the internal clock that works on its own. Provide peaceful environment with no noise.

Taking help from Professional Caregivers

In many cases, family members taking care of dementia patients often begin suffering with anxiety, stress and growing depression. As care givers have to sacrifice their social interactions, put more time and effort along with compounding grief of seeing loved ones in poor mental condition, they develop their own mental problems like depression.

This is why taking help from professional caregivers is often very important as they not only take good care of the patients but also conduct sessions with family members which help them understand their feelings. With professional advice, family members can develop strategies to deal with the growing stress while taking better care of loved ones.