You should make it
a point to speak slowly, calmly and gently. You should also make it a
point of telling the Alzheimer’s patient in simple steps exactly what
you are doing and why. Always let him/her be a part of deciding as
many things as possible. You should always avoid talking about
him/her in front of them to others and ask others to avoid this also.
(8) Have an ID
necklace or bracelet made for the confused person.
You should include on the bracelet, the nature of the disease (e.g.
memory impaired) and your telephone number. This is probably one of
the most important things you can do for an individual with
Alzheimer's disease who gets confused. Many confused people wander
away or get lost at one time or another and an ID bracelet can save
you from hours of frantic worry.
(9) Keep the
impaired person active and then try not to upset them.
Families of Alzheimer's patients often ask if retraining, reality
orientation, or keeping active will slow down or stop the course of
the disease process. Some individuals with dementing illnesses like
Alzheimer’s disease become listless, apathetic or depressed. Families
often wonder whether encouraging them to do things will help the
Alzheimer's individual to function better.
At the present
time however, the relationship between activity and its effect on
Alzheimer's is not clear. Researchers continue to assess this issue.
It is known that activity is beneficial in effecting and preventing
other conditions and illnesses and helps the person with this
dementing illness to continue to feel like they are involved in the
family and that their life has meaning.
It is also well-known that individuals with
Alzheimer's cannot learn as well because the brain is damaged or parts
of it had been destroyed. It would be unrealistic to expect these
individuals to learn new skills. However, some individuals can learn
simple tasks if they are repeated often enough and if the dementia is
in the earlier stages.
On the other hand, it is important to understand
that too much stimulation or activity or pressure to learn may
actually upset the confused person and accomplished little to
nothing. The most important fact is that you should maintain balance:
- You should accept
that the lost skills are gone forever (woman who has lost the
ability to cook will not be able to do so). You should also know
that by gently giving information that is within the person's
abilities, it may help them to function more comfortably (an
individual going into a new health care setting may be able to learn
where they are with frequent reminders).
- Always remember
that even small amounts of excitement such as visitors, laughter and
other changes can upset the confused person. However, you should
always remember to make things interesting and stimulating within
their capabilities such as walking or visiting an old friend.
- Look for ways to
simplify activities so that the individual can continue to be
involved within the limits of their capabilities (a woman who can no
longer cook may still be able to peel the potatoes).
- Focus on the
things that they can still do. An individual's intellectual
abilities are not all lost at once. They will benefit by careful
assessment of their abilities in an attempt to keep them involved as
much as possible.
- You may consider
having a trained person come into your home to visit the Alzheimer's
patient, or try a group program such as a day care program. Day
care programs often offer the ideal level of stimulation for some
individuals with Alzheimer's disease as well is giving you some time
off.
Also, See Alzheimer's Care: 9
Ideas that really work. Page 1
(7) Remember to
talk to the patient with Alzheimer’s disease.