
My father has Alzheimer's Disease. I went to a Memory Clinic Family Appointment last week that was just between my mom, myself, and the Gerontologist. I learned some things about dementia that have helped me have more patience, give more empathy, and seriously calmed my emotions about the decisions we are making. Things I needed to know. What have you learned that might help others? I'll go first:
**Challenge: They think they took a shower yesterday even though it was two weeks ago.
**Benefit: A therapeutic fib such as “you can’t live at home while they replace the roof” can last for years.
AVOIDING SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: This is typical dementia behavior. They are struggling to participate so it is easier to just not go.
THEY LOSE THEIR HUNGER / THEY WON’T ASK FOR FOOD: When a dementia patient says things like “I’m not hungry” or “I don’t need anything”, it isn’t manipulation. Their brain really isn’t registering hunger. Most of the time, they will eat what is put in front of them.
THEIR TASTES CHANGE: Things don’t taste the same. Just because they liked it yesterday, doesn’t mean they will like it today.
TURN OFF THE NEWS AND VIOLENT MOVIES/TV: Many Dementia patients will internalize what they watch on television and think it is happening to them. They may even call the police. Instead put on happy shows and movies. Set up playlists of their favorite musicians, especially from their younger years.
THEIR BRAINS CREATE “PAIN” TO GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: Because their brains know something is wrong but can’t figure it out, they will have legitimate pain without a cause. They can have the same complaint over and over again with no resulting diagnosis after testing and examinations.
REDIRECT THEM SPECIFICALLY TO THINGS THEY KNOW OR LOVED: When redirected, take them to their past. Ask about their first car or their garden. Ask them about the things of their distant past.