The Dementia Caregiver's Toolbox

Dementia Environment Benefits From Neuroarchitecture

A new field of design called, "Neuroarchitecture" may hold some valuable answers to the question of how an environment can best serve a person with dementia.

Nurses As Dementia Caregivers

Long before we had clear information on dementia caregiving, nurses were caregiving for people with dementia in many health care settings.  Nurses Week is celebrated in May each year but we really need to acknowledge our nurses who care for those with dementia all year long.

Dementia Abuse Booklet Available

The Alzheimer's Society of the UK and the group Action With Elder Abuse have put together a new booklet that focuses on "possible abuse in the dementia care environment".

Dementia Impairs Thirst Signals

When we feel thirsty, we simply reach for a drink.  What happens when dementia impairs the sensory signals that control thirst?

Australian researchers have found that as people age, the part of the brain that controls thirst seems to send weaker input to the brain to let people know they should drink.  In addition, those with dementia have further complications with thirst alarms as parts of the brain have been damaged and functions like recognizing the triggers for rehydration are often lost.

Dementia caregivers must be aware of the need to keep the person with dementia fully hydrated as those thirst triggers where someone feels thirsty and can make the connection to obtain a drink; are significantly impaired.

Along with weight loss, monitoring proper hydration is a key to maintaining the functionality of the person with dementia.

Dementia Caregivers Should "Go With The Flow"

A while back the New York Times ran an article called "Zen And The Art of Coping With Alzheimer's Disease". 

I was intrigued by the article because it was trying to capture the attention of the baby boomers (it worked, hooked me!) and it also talked about the importance of validating the feelings and perceptions of those with dementia.  Hurrah!

Dementia Caregivers Use Past Roles To Stimulate

Sometimes the simple things are overlooked in dementia care.

Focusing in on triggers to past memories, life skills or roles that created satisfaction can be a simple yet effective way to engage someone with dementia.  A recent study from an agricultural equipment manufacturer brought this tip home for me.

Dementia Caregivers May Not See Pain Symptoms

A recent study by the University of North Carolina found that residents in long term care facilities who were cognitively impaired or had dementia were less likely to receive regular doses of pain medication or to get pain medication at all.

This comes as no surprise to many of us who work with dementia residents every day.

Model Home Helps With Dementia Independence

A new model home, specifically designed for use by persons with dementia, was recently established in Japan to showcase new technologies that support independence.

Dementia Caregivers Make Sacrifices

A recent study from the National Alliance For Caregiving gave some shocking statistics on the burdens of caregiving, including caregiving to those who have dementia.