Dementia

Definition
Dementia is an organic disorder that causes memory impairment, loss off other intellectual abilities, judgment, language, and sometimes personality changes.

Cause
Dementia may be caused by disease, such as Parkinson’s, thyroid disease, stroke, brain tumor, drug reactions, head injury or alcoholism.

Caregiver Tips

1. Individuals with dementia rely on their caregivers for all their needs.



2. Caregivers should have the ability and the willingness to provide care for the individual with dementia.



3. Keeping the home safe by making sure there are no small objects on the floor, stools, or scatter rugs that might cause the individual to fall is important.



4. Individuals with dementia often pace for long periods of time. They should be allowed to do so but be closely monitored for signs of tiring.
   
   
5. Offer a comfortable chair and a snack to encourage rest periods and minimize weight loss



6. Individuals should have a patient identification bracelet in the event they wander out of the house.



7. Doors to the outside should have locks high enough so that the individual cannot open the door.



8. A sign on the door “This is your home” and the address sometimes help to remind the individual not to go out the door.
   
   
9. Doorknob covers can be purchased to mask handles and prevent wandering outside.



10. Make a poster of pictures of the individual and their family and friends Pictures should be made for both past and present for reorientation to person place and time.



11. A sign with the date, what the weather is like, the temperature and what activity the individual is going to do that day is also helpful. Such as: Today is Jan 1st and it’s snowing today. The temperature is 32 degrees. Your friend Margaret is coming to have lunch with you at 1pm. You remember , she is Rosemarie’s mother.



12. Having the TV on with old sitcoms such as [Hogan’s Hero’s, Beverly Hillbillies, and Green Acres] are just a few they might like to see during the day.
    
    
13. Old musicals are also very soothing. There are many to choose from such as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Singing in the Rain, Anna and the King of Siam. After a very active day and the individual is ready for bed consider playing one of these movies.
    
    
14. While giving complete care to the individual it is important to see if the skin is intact. This can be done during a shower or bath.



15. Look at all the boney areas such as the shoulders, elbows, back, hips, knees, and ankles. All these areas should be massaged with lotion and any reddened or open areas must be reported to the doctor.



16. If the individual smokes they must be supervised. Very often the individual forgets they smoked in the past.



17. Have a list of all medications, dosage and times they are to be given. Read all the information sheets sent by the pharmacy with the medications for possible adverse effects. This list should be updated frequently with any changes in dosage or new medication ordered. Any allergies the individual might have should also be put on this list. This should be taken with you when the individual has to go to the hospital or the doctor’s.



18. Eating and drinking in sufficient amounts is very important for individuals with dementia. Often they will be pacing and not want to sit down and eat.



19. Make the meals as simply as possible an egg sandwich in the morning, peanut butter and jelly, lunchmeat sandwiches at lunch, chicken tenders or pork chop for dinner – as the dementia progresses finger foods are often best.  Juice boxes and cups with covers and straws are helpful in getting the individual to take fluids. These can be found at the grocery store.



20. Plans should be made for you as a caregiver to be able to have a vacation or just some free time. Being with an individual with dementia full time can take a toll on you both physically and mentally.



21. A list of emergency phone numbers and emergency contacts should be completed and updated frequently in case you are in need of help or relief. Remember anyone you choose to relieve you should have the ability and willingness to provide care to the individuals with dementia.