, Author at ReaDementia

Explaining Dementia to Children – Here’s How

When a loved one develops dementia, you may be tasked with the responsibility of explaining dementia to children.

While it may not be the easiest of tasks, it is important to let the young ones know what is happening in the lives of their grandparents, parents, or any other relative they are close to.

This is because the illness can bring about some challenges that may affect the kids.

If a child is not aware of what is going on, they can make a joke out of the disease, be frightened of their relative, or distance themselves thinking that the illness is contagious or their loved one does not want to spend quality time with them anymore.

Explaining Dementia to Children

It is, therefore, prudent that the little ones know about the illness as soon as possible.

If you are stuck on how to approach such a situation, you can use the practical tips below on how to talk about dementia to the youngsters.

Be Honest

Anyone who has the job of explaining dementia to children needs to understand that honesty is key.

You need to start having the conversation as soon as the ill person gets a positive dementia diagnosis.

Never lie to a kid that the person with dementia is just being silly or they are acting the way they are because of old age.

It is also crucial that you package this information in a way that the child will digest depending on their age.

If it is a grandmother who has the disease, sit them down and tell them that she has an illness that is hurting their memory and ability to do daily activities.

As you keep the conversation going, the child will most likely guide you on the direction to take.

Stick to age-appropriate and truthful answers as questions arise.

Talk about How They Can Get Involved

While talking about the illness, assure the young one that they can still have a relationship with the affected individual.

Let them know that the loved one is still a person despite their present condition.

Explain to them that while some things may change, they can still have some good times with the ill individual.

Have a list of things that they can still do with the person they love and how they can offer a hand.

Keep in mind that this needs to be an on-going conversation. This will allow you to make the necessary adjustments as the disease progresses.

Most importantly, the kids’ interactions with impaired individuals need to be supervised to make sure that everything stays in place.

Offer Guidance on Appropriate Behavior

As you go about the business of explaining dementia to children, you need to teach acceptance.

This is where you let the youngsters in on how to behave when they are around a person with dementia. This will generally be about practicing patience and acceptance.

Prepare the children for any angry outbursts that the persons with dementia may have from time to time.

Tell them not to take any mean comments or reactions to heart because it is the disease that makes their loved one act like that.

They should also know that if the affected person is always asking the same question, it is because the part of the brain that holds answers is not working well.

They should, therefore, not get tired of repeating themselves when need be.

Do not force the youngsters to spend time with the ill individual when they do not want to. Just continue talking about the illness in small doses.

Offering resources such as appropriate videos and books can also help them get a better understanding of the illness in a way that will make them change their mind.

Let The Children Know that The Disease is Not Contagious

Many people who have had a conversation about dementia with teens and younger kids report that most minors will not want to associate with the person with dementia because they are afraid they might catch it.

In such a case, you must emphasize that dementia is not a type of flu or any other infection that affected people pass around.

Tell them that it is okay to spend time with their loved one who has dementia at close range and they will not get the disease from being around the person.

If they are young they might be sad thinking that they did something to cause the disease. Comfort them and reassure them time and again that they are not to blame for what is going on.

Let the Young One’s Express Their Feelings

While you are explaining dementia to children, do not be the person who does all the talking. Allow the young one to express their feelings about the situation.

When you first have the conversation, they may not be as responsive as they soak in all the new information.

As time goes by, however, you can approach them to talk about their feelings and concerns.

You may also have to carefully observe the child because they can change their behavior after learning about their loved ones’ health condition.

Problems at home, school, or with friends may be a sign that they are upset.

When you feel like it is hard to reverse this errant behavior you can seek help from a social worker or a school counselor.

The professionals can help the kid to further understand the recent changes and teach them how to cope.

Stay connected (playing fun games)

Even though this may be a tough time for the child to comprehend the condition his loved one is going through, they can still stay connected.

And playing different games and activities is best for both.

Below, you can find some of the fun game ideas that a child can play with an older adult with dementia (and vice versa).

Painting and drawing
Gardening, planting or watering flowers
Watching cartoons or movies
Walking the dog
Pottery
Reading fairy tales and picture books
Singing songs, listening to music
Viewing old photos and albums (reminisce therapy)
Memory games, dominoes, puzzles, stacking lego cubes

Granny Mary Thinks Differently

As mentioned earlier, books are an excellent way of getting your children familiar with dementia.

To make it even easier, we released an exclusive educational children’s eBook, “Granny Mary Thinks Differently,” which will help you interact with the little ones conveniently.

The book introduces dementia through seven-year-old Anna’s curiosity, who is sensing the mysterious change in her grandmother.

Closing Remarks

Many people will agree that explaining dementia to children can be quite difficult.

This is, however, something that needs to be done so that the young ones are not locked out of what is happening.

You can use the tips above to help you when conversing about dementia to the little ones. Keep in mind that this is not something you will do in one sitting and do away with it.

The communication lines need to stay open so that you can handle any concerns as they arise.

You should also expect new challenges as the disease progresses; thus, be prepared to help the child deal with the on-going changes.

What Helps With Dementia Mood Swings?

Petra Boh Blog, Prevention, Signs April 9, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, mood swings

Since rapid mood swings are common symptoms of dementia, this guide will help you understand what helps with dementia mood swings and how to handle them.

Many persons with the progressive illness at some point will become moody, switching between various emotions fast for no reason.

On the other hand, some people with dementia will show less emotion than they used to in the past.

Handling Dementia Mood Swings

When it comes to expressing emotions, dementia may lower an individual’s inhibitions which can result in an increase in angry outbursts or crying.

Mood swings can start happening even in the early stages of the disease.

Some people with the illness will have mood swings because they are having trouble coping with losing their abilities as they try to understand their new terrifying and bewildering world.

Mood swings may also be happening because of the physical changes that are happening in the brain.

Sometimes, mood swings can be a result of pain, hunger, boredom, or feeling too hot or too cold.

Other possible causes of mood swings include:

Diet
Untreated psychiatric disorders
Caffeine
Clutter
Feeling rushed
Overstimulation
Too much noise

Coping with Mood Swings

Coping with mood swings can be hard for the person experiencing them as well as those around them.

Below are some of the tips that caregivers can use to help a person with the illness.

Trying to Understand the Affected Individual

One of the things to do when wondering what helps with dementia mood swings is to accept that the changes are caused by the illness and the affected person is not acting out on purpose.

It is important to identify a person’s likes and dislikes because this can help reduce the severity of the mood swings as well as their frequency.

Additionally, it may also help to know what makes the affected person feel relaxed, their favorite music, activities they like to participate in, things that upset them, or the times when the person mostly acts out.

Gathering this type of information allows caregivers to predict when the problems with mood swings may occur to prevent them or know what to soothe them.

Other coping mechanisms that can work include:

Consulting a Doctor

The professional will assess the person with dementia to find out if they have depression or any other psychiatric issues.

The physicians can also prescribe medication in case the mood swings seem excessive or dangerous.

These can include anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and antipsychotics that can make the mood swings more manageable.

Creating a Calm Environment

Minimizing noise and distractions is another option available for people who are looking for what helps with dementia mood swings.

When a person has dementia loud noises including background noises from a TV or radio might be too much to handle.

An open space or glaring light may make an individual feel insecure or unsafe. Creating a peaceful environment might help to lessen mood swings that are primarily caused by overstimulation.

Putting on relaxing music or even building a sound machine can help promote a restful mood.

Ensure that the lighting around the living areas is soft and pleasant.

Assessing Physical Needs and Comfort

If a person who has dementia is uncomfortable and they cannot express it, it can trigger mood swings.

It is, therefore, important to ensure the individual is not too cold or hot by adjusting clothing and room temperatures as deemed necessary.

Check to see that the person is not hurt, hungry, thirsty, and is sleeping well.

Keeping track of the number of trips to the bathroom might also help in case a person wants to go and they do not even realize it.

Re-Direct Attention

If an individual becomes anxious and irritable, try and change the subject by gently introducing happy memories, asking about a loved one they are fond of, or playing an interesting song or home video.

Redirection can prove to be very helpful when it comes to ending an outburst.

It is, therefore, vital to have the tools and ideas ready so that they can be easily accessed when needed.

Practice Patience

Lots of patience is needed when exploring options carers need in regards to what helps with dementia mood swings.

Dementia may make a person argumentative and angry. At this point, avoid being confrontational, but try and acknowledge their frustrations.

Avoid correcting a person even when they are wrong.

Caregivers are supposed to support and recognize the emotions and the realities of the suffering person regardless of how “unrealistic” they may be.

Get Support

Taking care of a person who has dementia and is experiencing mood swings can be quite challenging and draining.

Caregivers need to take breaks and get all the support they need so that they can be energized to properly look after their loved ones.

There are plenty of local support groups one can join to interact with other people who are in similar situations.

Support groups are a great place to discuss what works when it comes to what helps with dementia mood swings.

Is Tripping a Sign of Dementia?

Petra Boh Blog, Signs April 5, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, tripping

It is common for people to ask, “is tripping a sign of dementia,” when looking after seniors or other individuals who are susceptible to developing the progressive illness.

While “healthy” individuals may trip now and then, a person with dementia may start to trip over their feet constantly which can lead to serious falls.

Research indicates that falling frequently could be one of the early warning signs for Alzheimer’s disease one of the most common causes of dementia.

The Risk of Falls Affects People with Dementia

A 2011 study in Age and Aging reported that hip fractures and the risk of falls affect people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) three times more than people without the illness.

Another study published in the journal Neurology in 2013, concluded that presumptive preclinical Alzheimer’s disease is a risk factor for falls in the elderly.

The study revealed that persons with AD dementia have an increased risk of falls. The study primarily observed the rate of falls of community-dwelling cognitively normal seniors.

Some of the participants of the study had preclinical AD that was detected through imaging biomarkers and CSF.

After 12 months, the researchers found out that older adults who had preclinical AD had more cumulative fall incidences when compared to the older adults who did not have preclinical Alzheimer’s.

Losing balance while walking or standing in the early stages or even before other dementia symptoms show up may be an indication of an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

It may also be a sign that a person is suffering from a different type of dementia other than Alzheimer’s like vascular dementia.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls body movement.

Illnesses that affect the cerebellum end up affecting an individual’s balance. Several types of dementia fit this bill.

An example is a vascular dementia that is caused by a lack of blood flow to the cerebellum.

What Causes People with Dementia to Trip and Fall?

Several factors have been associated with the risk of tripping and falling among persons with dementia and some of them include:

Poor Balance, Physical Weakness, and Changes in Gait

Some people will start developing mobility issues as soon as memory problems begin while others will remain in great physical shape during the early stages of the diseases.

As the illness progresses it causes a decline in strength, balance, and walking which might cause an individual to trip and fall frequently.

Side Effects from Medication

When asking if tripping is a sign of dementia it is critical to want to know what is causing the behavior.

Some drugs a person is taking can increase their risk of tripping.

An example is antipsychotic medications which can have an orthostatic hypotension side effect. This is where an individual experiences a sudden drop in blood pressure after standing up too quickly.

Other medications like the ones that facilitate sleep (hypnotics) can cause lingering drowsiness which can increase the chances of tripping.

Drugs that people take for blood pressure can cause light-headedness or dizziness which can lead to an increased risk of tripping.

Memory Impairment

It can be difficult to prevent a person who has dementia from tripping as the disease continues to progress.

One of the reasons for this is the cognitive decline that is associated with the illness.

For instance, a loved one might tell the person with dementia not to walk about without assistance but they forget and continually want to walk independently even when it is not safe.

Lack of Physical Exercise

A person with dementia may start to trip many times because they are not getting enough exercise.

Exercising can help improve balance by strengthening muscles in various body parts including the spine, legs, torso, and hip enabling a more upright and erect posture.

Maintaining an upright posture implies that an individual will be less likely to overcompensate for imbalances that occur when walking, bending, reaching, and turning.

Visual-Spatial Problems

Dementia is known to affect a person’s visuospatial abilities.

This means that an individual can misinterpret what they see or misjudge uneven terrains, steps, changes in floor color, and shiny spots on the floor.

Fatigue

Some people may end up tripping a lot in the evenings because they are simply too tired from the activities of the day; hence, cannot move about well.

Poor Judgement

At times, tripping may occur as a result of poor-decision skills which are common with persons who have dementia.

This can be anything from walking outside in the middle of winter on ice or walking down the steps without assistance.

Clutter

The home condition of a person with dementia might also increase their risk of tripping. For example, if there is too much clutter, it may be hard for them to navigate around without tripping on something.

Some people with dementia get into the habit of hoarding stuff which can put them at risk of tripping.

Tips for Preventing Falls for People with Dementia

When people with dementia trip and fall, they can end up fracturing their hips which can lead to immobility and surgery.

Death rates following hip fractures are also on the increase.

Thus, it is important to minimize the risk of falls among persons with dementia. Especially now, when we know that tripping can be a sign of dementia.

Some of the steps that can be taken towards this include:

Try and Understand why a Person Falls

Knowing what makes a person with dementia trip and fall can help anticipate their needs which will, in turn, decrease the falls.

For instance, the person with the illness may be restless because their body needs to be exercised and stretched out.

The individual may also be tired of sitting in one position for a long period; thus, want to get up and start moving around even when it is not safe.

To prevent tripping and falling from happening, it is important to ensure a person gets enough exercise and their positions are changed frequently enough so that they are always comfortable.

Pain, discomfort, thirst, hunger, boredom, and a need to use the bathroom may be other factors that cause a person to want to move around unsafely.

This is especially when the individual with dementia cannot communicate their needs well.

If a person is constantly tripping, check some of these factors and ensure their needs are well taken care of to prevent the risk of falls.

Make the Home Safer

To prevent tripping, the house where the individual with dementia lives can be made safer for navigation. We also have an entire guide on how to make a dementia-friendly home.

This can be done in a few steps such as:

Putting away obstacles on the floor like clothes or shoes that a person can trip over
Installing grab bars in bathroom by the tub or shower,and toilet
Ensuring a person has the items they need within reach so that they do not have to strain to get them
Ensuring the entire house is well lit at all times so that the affected person can see things clearly
Installing handrails on staircases
Avoiding shoes or slippers with deep treads. Where possible, it is best to invest in footwear that has thin non-slip soles

Getting rid of clutter outside can also be useful.

The area outside the house should be clear of objects like stones, rocks, and leaves, etc. The uneven ground on an elderly’s path and dips in walkways should also be avoided.

Use of Mobility Aids

Persons with dementia may find mobility aids like walkers and canes quite useful because they can use them to comfortably walk and stand.

It is best to consult a physical therapist or doctor before purchasing a mobility aid because some may increase the risk of tripping depending on the person who is using them.

An individual’s grip strength, gait, and balancing ability are some of the factors that are put into consideration before choosing the mobility aid to purchase.

After getting a walker a crane, it is best to monitor how the person is using them to make sure they are using it properly.

Lowering Noise Levels

Persons who have dementia may be sensitive to loud noises. It is therefore important to reduce loud sounds and white noise around them.

When the noise levels become unbearable to the affected individuals, it can cause anxiety and nervousness which can make the person unsteady on their feet.

Keep Help Close by

It is important for a person who is at risk of tripping to easily and fast call for help when need be.

An individual can invest in remote care technology to help with this.

It can be anything from an auto detector or fall alert bracelet that they can use in the event of an emergency.

Offer Visual Contrast

Using contrast in color is important to help define objects from the background. It is best to use solid colors that do not have any patterns to decrease confusion.

Avoid using black surfaces because they can be misconstrued for a black hole.

For instance, a person can place contrasting colored decals or rubber mats at the bottom of the tab.

If there are light-colored walls, darker handrails can be installed.

Do Dementia Patients Know What They Are Saying?

Petra Boh Blog, Signs April 1, 2021October 15, 2021dementia and communication

Communicating with a person who has dementia may be confusing and challenging at times leading to the question: do dementia patients know what they are saying?

Most of the time especially in the later stages of the disease, they may not know what they are saying.

This is because communication becomes more difficult for persons with dementia as the illness progresses.

After all, it affects sections of the brain that are responsible for controlling memory and language.

As dementia continues to destroy brain cells, most people experience a symptom referred to as aphasia.

This can be described as losing the ability to speak as well as understand speech.

Several factors may affect an individual’s ability to communicate “normally” such as:

Memory Loss: inability to remember events that have happened or topics to discuss
Challenges finding the right words or phrases to say
Difficulties understanding language
Sight or hearing impairment
Distractions; for instance, being distracted by the environment or finding it hard to concentrate on a single topic
Hallucinations

Coping with Communication Challenges

In regards to the query do patients with dementia know what they are saying, it is important to learn some communication strategies to adapt when communicating with individuals who seem not to know what they are saying.

This is because persons with dementia are bound to have communication hiccups which can lead to multiple misunderstandings.

For instance, a person can point to a computer and call it a picture or say that they want to eat worms referring to their favorite food only that they cannot voice out the proper words.

Some of the ways to deal with communication issues include:

Speaking the First Language

Many people with dementia usually go back to their first language as they lose their ability of speech.

If a person grew up speaking a certain language, get ready to speak the language at some point.

Minimize Distractions

When talking to a person with the progressive illness, try and create a calm and quiet environment.

It is best to sit face-to-face with the person you are talking to.

Minimize distractions like noise from the TV or radio or any sights that may be causing distractions.

Sing Along

Most individuals with dementia will remember songs because melodies and music are stored in the parts of the brain that the disease does not affect.

Singing, thus, is one of the ways to connect with the affected individuals. An alternative to singing is just relaxing and listening to the person’s favorite tunes.

The Right Approach

People with dementia generally do not like surprises. If they do not see other people coming, it might elicit aggression or anxiety.

It is, therefore, advisable to always approach them from the front which gives the affected person time to process an individual’s arrival.

It is also recommended that a person identifies themselves before engaging in conversation.

This is done to create awareness and attention reminding the affected person of who their loved ones are.

Have a Caring Attitude

when seeking answers to the query do patients with dementia know what they are saying it is vital to understand that individuals retain their emotions and feelings even when they do not understand what is being said.

For this reason, it is crucial to always maintain the self-esteem and dignity of persons with dementia when talking to them.

Allow plenty of time for responses and remain flexible. Avoid arguing or becoming controlling even when the person with the illness is in the wrong.

Communicating without Words

At times, words are not sufficient when communicating with a person who has dementia.

Body language, touch, hand gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions are other communication options available when words are not enough.

For instance, when asking a person what they want to eat, pointing to the refrigerator can help reinforce the message.

Nodding the head indicates a person agrees while shaking the head shows an individual is not in agreement.

A hug or warm smile can also convey the message you want to pass across strongly.

Remember to only use touch when it is appropriate to grab the person’s attention while communicating affection and warmth.

Understanding the Disease Makes People Say Harmful Things

It is common for persons with the disease to use hurtful words, make mean comments, or accuse their loved ones of terrible untrue things.

While it may be devastating to hear such things, it is important to remember that the affected individual is not saying these bad things on purpose but it is the disease that is causing them to say such things.

Closing Remarks

When a person with dementia loses their ability to communicate it can be hard and frustrating not only to the affected individual but their families, friends, and carers as well.

When this happens, it is important for loved ones are carers to change the way they communicate with the affected person.

Keep in mind that communication is made up of three parts:

1. 55% Body Language: This is the message that people send with their gestures, facial expression, and posture.
2. 38%: It represents the pitch and tone of the voice.
3. 7%: these are the words people use.

The statistics above show the importance of how carers and families should present themselves with people who have dementia.

It is easy for people with dementia to pick up negative body language like raised eyebrows and sighs.

Is Lack of Concentration A Sign of Dementia?

Petra Boh Blog, Signs March 28, 2021October 16, 2021concentration, dementia

If you suspect that a loved one has dementia, it is normal to ask several questions including is lack of concentration a sign of dementia?

According to Healthline, when a person cannot concentrate, it means that they cannot focus on a task, think clearly, or even maintain attention.

This normally affects a person’s performance at school or work.

Inability to concentrate can be caused by a variety of reasons including but not limited to:

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Concussions or head injuries
Alcohol use disorder
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Restless leg syndrome
Boredom
Insomnia
Cushing syndrome
Mental disorders like schizophrenia
Depressive disorder
Side effects from medication
Epilepsy
Stress
Dementia
Hunger

How to Tell a Person has been affected by Lack of Concentration

Not being able to concentrate affects individuals differently.

Some of the common signs a person may showcase include:

Having a hard time sitting still
Inability to remember something that has occurred a few moments ago
Lacking the mental or physical energy to concentrate
Losing things frequently
Lack of focus
Making careless mistakes
Inability to perform complicated tasks
Inability to make decisions

People with dementia may also struggle with a lack of concentration making it one of the warning signs of the progressive illness.

It mostly happens in the early stages of the illness through to the mild and moderate stages.

As the disease progresses, the attention a person gives to a conversation, topic, or goal-oriented task like counting money correctly or cleaning the kitchen decreases.

Initially, individuals with dementia may appear to be distracted when doing tasks they once handled with ease.

This can be anything from planning a family trip or completing their favorite puzzle.

As the disease continues to progress, affected individuals may find it challenging to complete simple day-to-day tasks like making breakfast or even dressing up properly.

When a person has difficulties concentrating, they can end up taking more time to complete normal activities.

Care Giving Tips for Concentration

To date, scientists have not yet discovered a cure for dementia.

However, it is possible to deal with some of the symptoms that people with dementia showcase to help them lead more quality lives. Homewatch CareGivers recommend a variety of cognitive exercises that can help individuals with their ability to concentrate.

This is helpful for everyone who is asking if lack of concentration a sign of dementia? Some of the exercises that can improve the concentration levels of a person who has dementia include:

Creating a Set of Opposite Cards

Carers can help persons with dementia by creating cards with images of opposites. For instance, one card can have an image of ice while the other can have one of fire.

Another set can have salt and sugar and so forth. Shuffle the cards and lay the images on a table ensuring that the person can see the opposites.

The individual with dementia should be asked to try and match the images with their opposites.

Caregivers can also create a set of shapes and heart cards. Set the cards on the table and let the individual with dementia study the location of the cards.

Turn them upside down and ask the person to find matches based on their memory of the location of the cards.

While engaging in these activities, caregivers need to monitor the amount of time their loved ones spend on the activities before something else distracts them.

The primary aim of the exercises is to improve if not maintain the concentration times. At times, caregivers may be forced to redirect the person with dementia to help them focus on a single task.

Remember to use persuasive language and a calm tone so that they do not feel like they are being pressurized to do something.

Caregivers can offer to explain the activity again for clarification or restate the previous directions.

How Doctors Diagnose Lack of Concentration

If a person is not too sure they are experiencing a lack of concentration a visit to the doctor can help with the diagnosis.

The professional can carry out a range of tests to find out if a person is indeed suffering from a lack of concentration and whether dementia is behind this.

Some of the tests physicians conduct include:

Blood tests
CT scans
EEG (electroencephalography): this measures the scalp’s electrical activity

Doctors normally start by gathering information about a person’s health history while discussing how they are feeling.

The physician may ask a couple of questions such as when the individual first noticed the changes in concentration levels and whether the concentration is becoming better or worse.

Doctors may also review any supplements, medications, and herbs that a person may be taking to determine if they are negatively affecting concentration.

If there are some drugs causing a lack of concentration the doctor may change them.

Keep in mind that diagnosing the inability to concentrate may require more evaluation and time.

Managing Agitation and Dementia

Petra Boh Blog, Causes March 25, 2021October 16, 2021agitation, dementia

When looking after a person who has dementia, carers may at some point have to deal with agitation and dementia.

Agitation is one of the behavioral symptoms that affect almost 90% of people who have dementia according to a post by Harvard Health Publishing.

Very well Health defines agitation as a general term that describes the excessive verbal activity and physical movement.

Most people will experience agitation in the middle stages of dementia. Agitation can include pacing, restlessness, combativeness, verbal aggression, wandering, calling out, and crying.

Below we will look into the causes of agitation, prevention strategies, and coping mechanisms.

Causes of Agitation in Persons with Dementia

People with dementia may experience agitation for various reasons such as:

Different medical conditions a person is suffering from in addition to dementia
Drug interactions
Not enough sleep or rest
Moving to a new living environment like a nursing home or assisted living facility
Pain
Changes to their current environment like the presence of house guests, too much noise, hospitalization, or travel
Boredom
Unfamiliar caregivers
Depression or stress
Soiled diapers or underwear
Fatigue or fear that may be as a result of trying to make sense of their new reality
Misperceived threats
Being forced to do something by others, for instance, to remember events or people
Loneliness or reduced social contact
A feeling of loss, for example, a person may be missing the freedom they had to move about

Coping with Agitation and Aggression

When taking care of a person who has agitation and dementia, it may be advisable to consult a doctor for a thorough medical check-up.

The professional will recommend treatment based on a careful diagnosis that helps them to determine possible causes. In some instances, the doctor may prescribe medication that will help reduce agitation.

Sadly, most medicines come with a wide range of side effects such as stroke, heart problems, risk of falls, or even death.

People can also try non-drug therapies to help manage agitation such as:

Touch therapy

Physical touch is important when it comes to diminishing agitation.

Music

Listening to music or singing has been known to reduce agitation in persons who have dementia.

Physical Activity

Working out can help decrease challenging behaviors such as agitation.

Address Unmet Needs

Meet the needs of someone who is bored, tired, hungry, lonely, or in pain.

Different Therapies

At times, caregivers must try and be creative when it comes to managing agitation. This includes experimenting with various therapies and activities.

Examples of therapies include aromatherapy and pet therapy amongst others. Activities that can help calm down an agitated person include folding and refolding laundry, dancing, and brushing hair.

Offering Distractions

Try and distract the person with the things they love. These can be activities, objects, or even food.

Join a Support Group

Spending time with people who are going through a similar situation can help them learn more coping mechanisms.

This can also give caregivers an avenue where they can vent, relax, and re-energize.

Responding to Agitation in Persons with Dementia

It is important to know how to react when dealing with an individual experiencing agitation and dementia. Below we highlight some tips caregivers can work with to deal with the situation at hand.

1. Ask permission to speak while backing off. Remember to always use positive statements, a calm reassuring voice, and offer guided choices to try and limit stimulation.

Try and find common ground when communicating with an agitated person. Avoid restraining, arguing, ignoring, shouting, or criticizing the individual.

2. Ask the affected person how they want to be helped in a soft tone. Reassure the individual that they are safe and everything is under control.

Apologize even when there is nothing to be sorry for. Offer to stay with the individual until they feel better.

Carers can also say something like sorry you are upset or I know you are going through a challenging time because this can help calm them down.

3. Try and find out what may be causing the agitation by listening to the individual.

It is also important to remember that the individual is not acting out because they want to but it is the disease that is making them act out.

4. Find ways for the person to use up their energy. A person may be agitated because they have built-up energy.

This implies that carers should find something for them to do like going out for a drive or walk.

Prevention and Treatment Tips

Caregivers can take various steps to help prevent agitation for persons with dementia and these include

Creating a Calm Environment

If a carer suspects that an individual is at risk of experiencing agitation and dementia, they can prevent it by creating a calm environment for the suffering person.

Identify any stressors that may be in the environment and ensure that they are eliminated. This can be anything from background distractions, glare, and noise.

If a person’s current environment has too many triggers, it may be best to move them to a quieter or safer place.

Limiting the use of caffeine and exploring soothing rituals can also help.

Ensuring Personal Comfort

Agitation may be brought about when a person is not comfortable and they are not able to communicate what they are feeling.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of caregivers to monitor personal comfort. This is simply done by checking for signs of thirst, hunger, pain, full bladder, constipation, skin irritation, fatigue, or infections.

Make sure that the room where the person is staying has comfortable temperatures. It is also important to be sensitive to misperceived threats, frustrations, and fears.

Simplifying Chores

If a person who has dementia is still able to handle some tasks, ensure they only engage in tasks they can handle with ease.

It is also important to ensure that the person sticks to non-complicated routines that do not stress them out.

Help Individuals Engage in Physical Activity

Encourage the person with the illness to take part in fun and appropriate exercises. This does not have to be complicated.

Doing some gardening, going for short walks, group activities, and dancing are examples of some options to explore.

Closing Thoughts

Keep in mind that different people will react differently when experiencing agitation and dementia.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of the caregiver to experiment with different coping mechanisms to identify the ones that work well for the person they are looking after.

How Does Dementia Affect You Physically?

Petra Boh Blog March 18, 2021October 16, 2021body, dementia

After getting a positive dementia diagnosis, you may be wondering how does dementia affect you physically.

Dementia is a general term that describes the severe loss of memory and other mental abilities that can affect a person’s day to day life.

While the illness is mostly associated with memory and mental issues, the symptoms can physical as well.

How Can Dementia Affect you Physically?

Below we will discuss the physical symptoms of dementia. Research indicates that the disease usually has a significant impact on a person’s physical health in the later stages of the illness.

Let’s further research some of the most common physical challenges that people with dementia may face.

Immobility

One of the ways that dementia will affect you physically is through the gradual loss of the ability to stand, walk, or get up from your bed or chair.

It normally starts with slowed movement because of reduced muscle control.

This can make injuries due to falls more frequent because they are mostly caused by problems with coordination and balance.

You may also find yourself sitting in one position for extended periods with limited movement.

It implies that you may be at the risk of developing bedsores (pressure ulcers).

The problems can be caused by dementia, the medication you are taking, balance problems, other medication conditions like stroke, and the environment.

At times, you can suffer from involuntary jerking movements of the body, arms, or legs. This usually constitutes a single movement, hence, cannot be categorized as fits.

Try and move around more

As your mobility decreases, the risk of getting blood clots and infection increases. It is, therefore, important to try and move around as much as possible.

This can be done through chair-based exercises or caregivers can offer you the support you need to walk around.

Working with a professional physiotherapist or occupational therapist can help increase your mobility while minimizing chances of injury.

Home renovations are also helpful when it comes to creating a safe environment where you can move about with ease without risks of tripping and falling.

Problems with Swallowing

Difficulties with chewing and swallowing are common for persons who have dementia.

Moreover, dysphagia is a medical term that refers to problems with swallowing.

This is caused by multiple factors including damage to the sections of the brain that are responsible for controlling swallowing.

At some point, you may forget how to chew or even hold food in your mouth.

Other drinking and eating problems you may experience include:

Leaving most of your food
Repeatedly chewing without swallowing or challenges when chewing specific foods
Overfilling the mouth
Eating quickly
Believing that your food has been poisoned
Getting tired of eating hence giving up
Not recognizing that food is something that needs to be eaten
Spitting out food or lumps
Coughing when eating or drinking
Having a hard time swallowing tablets
Pocketing food in cheeks
Drooling saliva, fluid, or even food

This is dangerous because it increases the risk of inhaling food or choking.

Feeding yourself also becomes difficult because the brain forgets how to make muscles work properly.

It can lead to a loss of appetite where you do not feel like drinking or eating anything.

Consequently, you may end up losing weight and suffering from dehydration and malnutrition.

To ensure your nutrition is well taken care of, food can be cut into manageable sizes or even pureed.

It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid gum disease.

When you are feeling pain in your mouth, chewing can be difficult and uncomfortable.

If you have dentures, they should be properly fitted. Working with a speech and language therapist can help you deal with swallowing issues.

Vision Changes

Dementia can affect how your eyes see making it another way dementia affects you physically.

Your field of vision may narrow down to about 12 inches when you have the disease.

Experts compare this to wearing binoculars which can be a difficult change to deal with. As the illness progresses, you can end up seeing with only one eye.

This indicates that you will lose depth perception; thus, not be able to tell if something is 2 or 3 dimensional.

This mostly happens when the brain finds that information coming from both eyes is too overwhelming.

You may also start to experience blurring where you see images less sharply.

Common objects and faces become more challenging to recognize. This can make it hard to find objects and it can also affect your ability to write and read.

It is also possible that your pupils may start reacting a bit slower to light.

This will make it difficult for you to move from a light to a dark space.

It may be overwhelming to stay outside on a sunny day because the light will appear too bright until your pupils react.

Loss of peripheral vision

Individuals with dementia may also experience loss of peripheral vision. It is where you will not be able to see things objects that are directly in front of you.

Generally, you will be seeing things out of the corner of your eye.

This means that you may not be able to see objects around you which can lead to increased tripping over chairs, bumping into door frames, and falls.

With the loss of peripheral vision, you may not be able to see someone if they come up to you from the side or behind.

Carers need to understand that dementia can cause a variety of vision problems.

They can assist you by standing in front of you when communicating. The use of contrasting colors and large pictures can help you see and find common things.

Giving you enough time to adjust to different light levels can be helpful when your pupils are slowly reacting to light.

Incontinence

Having problems using the toilet is yet another way dementia affects you physically.

There are 2 types of incontinence that you can suffer from. One is urinary incontinence where you may experience a small leak of trickling after passing urine.

After a while, you may no longer have control of your bladder.

While there are different types of urinary incontinence the most common is where you will feel an intense and sudden need to go as well as frequent urination.

Fecal incontinence is the 2nd type of incontinence which is not too common.

It can range from passing small amounts of feces when you are breaking wind or having no control over your bowels at all.

This may happen because messages between the bowel or bladder and the brain are distorted.

As a result, you may not recognize when you have a full bladder or bowel or even have the control you need to empty them.

Incontinence normally develops in the last dementia stages.

It can be a challenging time for you as well as the people looking after you.

To manage incontinence, you can talk to your doctor to get medication that can help calm an overactive bladder.

Managing incontinence in dementia

Caregivers can also offer support to you in several ways like:

Ensuring your diet has enough fiber to help avoid constipation
Making sure you avoid acidic or spicy foods that irritate the urinary tract
Limiting the liquids you take before bed
Avoid caffeine or carbonation
Regular appropriate exercises
Taking enough fluids to keep the bladder and bowel healthy
Ensuring you have absorbent products like adult liners or pads where necessary
Closing Remarks

Final words

The physical symptoms you may have for dementia may not be similar for everyone with the illness. Knowing what to expect in terms of how dementia will affect you physically is crucial to help you get in the right frame of mind to tackle the issues ahead.

It also allows you to get the support you need to enjoy a quality life even with the challenges that come with the disease.

The Role of Inflammation in Dementia

Petra Boh Blog March 17, 2021October 16, 2021

New research reveals that the role of inflammation in dementia is something worth pursuing in regards to the cause, prevention, and treatment of the progressive illness.

Inflammation such as swelling and redness can be described as the body’s response to stress, infection, or injury.

Neuroinflammation, on the other hand, is inflammation in the brain and it has been linked to multiple disorders such as psychosis, depression, and multiple sclerosis amongst others.

Inflammation, Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Additionally, inflammation has also been tied to Alzheimer’s disease one of the most common causes of dementia.

Several studies have been conducted to look into the relationship between dementia and inflammation.

Below we will discuss two major studies that have been done to explain the role of inflammation in dementia.

Study on Increased Inflammation and the Risk of Dementia

A study from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland uncovered that people who have an increase in inflammation especially during midlife have bigger abnormalities in the brain’s white matter which affects cognitive function and possibly leads to the development of dementia.

Find out more about this study and how it contributes to dementia prevention and research.

Details of the Study

The study from Johns Hopkins analyzed data from 1633 participants for an average of 24 years.

The researchers tracked levels of C-reactive proteins which is a blood biomarker of inflammation. The primary aim of doing this was to look into the relationship this biomarker has with dementia.

During the study period, the participants visited the researchers 5 times for an average of three years. After the first visit, researchers collected blood samples from the participants to measure inflammation levels as shown by C-reactive protein.

The professionals also conducted an MRI scan during the last visit to view the white matter damage in the brain.

The participants also went through various memory tests at the end of the study period.

Results of the Study

Researchers discovered that 90 participants who suffered chronic inflammation had the most white matter damage in the brain.

White matter carries information between nerve cells. When the white matter is damaged it can cause cognitive decline which may lead to dementia.

Interpretation of the Study Results

When looking into the role of inflammation in dementia, the researchers believed that the study suggests a causal relationship between the development of dementia and chronic inflammation.

Several factors can lead to chronic inflammation including:

Diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Heart failure
Hypertension
Cancer
Infectious illnesses like HIV and hepatitis C.

Researchers, however, state that this study is observational; hence, more research needs to be done to establish the specific relationship between dementia and inflammation.

The senior author of the study Dr. Rebecca Gottesman stated that the research the team did was important because there are currently limited treatment options for neurodegenerative illnesses.

She continued to say that inflammation is one of the reversible factors that can prevent or prolong the onset of the disease.

Gottesman tasked researchers with coming up with ways to reduce inflammation to reduce neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.

Relationship between Inflammation and Multiple Dementia Types

Another study found that there is a link between inflammation in the brain and several dementia forms.

This research observed persons who had frontotemporal dementia (FTD) which is normally caused by a build-up of “junk” proteins in the brain.

FTD is a general term that refers to various dementia types that affect the temporal or frontal lobes of the brain. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge and published in the journal Brain.

Scientists conducted the study to investigate whether neuroinflammation occurs in different forms of dementia. Take a closer look into the details of the research.

Participants of the Study

Researchers observed 31 patients all of who had different types of frontotemporal dementia. FTD can be described as a family of various conditions that result from the accumulation of abnormal “junk” proteins in the brain.

The professionals performed brain scans on all the participants to detect junk proteins and inflammation. This was done through 2 PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans.

Each of these used an injection with a chemical dye that lights up special molecules that help to reveal the brains’ junk proteins or inflammatory cells.

10 of the participants had a behavioral variant of the condition, ten had the nonfluent variant, and the rest had the semantic variant.

The researchers compared results they got from the participants with those of another group that comprised healthy control participants.

This is a move they made to help them pinpoint characteristics specific to persons with a type of FTD.

Results of the Study

The researchers noted that in all 3 types of frontotemporal dementia, inflammation was linked to the build-up of harmful abnormal proteins in different parts of the brain.

Even though the diseases are different from each other, the role of inflammation in dementia was apparent.

This implies that inflammation is a part of many neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

The results offer hope that immune-based treatments may help prevent or even slow down the conditions. Scientists, however, acknowledge that more research still needs to be done to convert this knowledge of inflammation in dementia into treatments that can be tested.

Inflammation in Dementia Closing Thoughts

Researchers continue to pay close attention to the role of inflammation in dementia.

The ties between inflammation and dementia could lead to the development of new treatments that can help people with neurodegenerative diseases.

Improve Memory: Blueberries and Dementia

Petra Boh Blog, Prevention March 15, 2021October 16, 2021blueberries, dementia, dementia prevention

There has been a lot of interest in the topic of blueberries and dementia when looking into the foods that can help improve memory.

For years, researchers have been looking into whether consumption of blueberries can help prevent the onset of dementia or perhaps slow down its progression.

This is because blueberries have been known to keep blood vessels clear of plaque, fight off the harmful effects of free radicals, and give people a boost from plant-based chemicals.

Blueberries and Dementia Prevention Benefits

The little blue fruits have also gained a reputation for being brain food that can improve memory and cognitive function.

Several studies have been done to identify the link between berries and this progressive illness.

Below we explore a couple of studies that investigated the link between dementia and blueberries.

Blueberries can Help Slow Cognitive Decline

Research published in Annals of Neurology reported that consuming flavonoids and berries slows down the rate of cognitive decline in women who are 70 years and older.

The study utilized data from a Nurse’s Health Study with over 120,000 registered nurses.

The researchers conducted the assessments on 16,010 participants all of whom were women. The Nurses Health Study commenced in 1976.

After four years, the participants were mostly asked questions about their eating habits. Over 16, 000 ladies also underwent memory testing between 1995 and 2001.

Researchers from different institutions including Harvard Medical School, Brigham Women’s Hospital, and German Centre for Neurodegenerative Disease uncovered that greater ingestion of strawberries and blueberries correlated with slower cognitive decline rates for up to two and a half years.

The ladies who showed the most improvement were taking two or more servings of berries weekly.

The authors of the study acknowledged that smaller trials of berry supplementation have also showcased positive results. They also stated that the study was only observational seeing that it primarily relied on dietary reporting from the nurses.

Furthermore, they also reported that it was not clear if the results would also apply to men because all the participants were ladies.

The authors encouraged males to take part in future studies to come up with more conclusive results. They also encouraged seniors to consume more berries as they can help delay memory decline.

Blueberries can Boost Brain Function

Some studies also confirm that blueberries do not only improve memory, but they can also maintain brain functionc.

Animal studies investigating ties between blueberries and dementia reveal that blueberries contain tons of phytochemicals that have a wealth of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Additionally, anthocyanins and polyphenols present in blueberries can boost signaling in the brain centers that are associated with memory.

They also help to eliminate glucose which also helps to slow down memory decline.

Human studies on the same have also yielded promising results. In one of these studies, 12 seniors who had mild cognitive impairment took blueberry juice daily.

Blueberries can Improve Working Memory

They experienced improvements in functions of the brain and there was also evidence of improvements in working memory. This research is from the University of Exeter.

The researchers looked into the effects of the consumption of wild blueberry juice on memory decline in 12 adults who were aged 65-77. All the participants were experiencing memory decline related to aging showcasing symptoms like memory lapses.

The participants took 2 1/2 cups of blueberry juice for 12 weeks. This juice was made from commercially available frozen wild blueberries.

A comparison group of 14 adults was drinking a similar amount of placebo non-juice beverage for twelve weeks.

Researchers conducted several memory tests such as list learning, recall, and word association tasks before and after the study. The professionals also used an MRI scanner to monitor the brain function of the participants.

They also measured resting blood flow. The results indicated that the older adults who drank blueberry juice showed improvements in memory and learning tests when compared to the placebo group.

Researchers also said that they observed trends that suggested lower glucose levels and reduced depression symptoms among the participants who were drinking wild blueberry juice.

It is important to note that this study on blueberries and dementia excluded people who consumed more than 5 portions of vegetables and fruit daily.

The participants were told to stick to their normal diet throughout the entire study. Based on the results, more research needs to be done to confirm these results.

Blueberries May Lower the Risk of Dementia

Blueberries are categorized among the superfoods linked to a lower risk of dementia.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition observed 2,801 women and men who were over 50 years. At the beginning of the study, all the participants did not have dementia.

Over at least 20 years of follow-up, the professionals collected diet information at 5 periodic health examinations. 193 participants during this time developed Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.

Lowered dementia risk was associated with intake of one type of flavonoid, anthocyanins abundant in red wine, strawberries, and blueberries.

Other foods that also contributed include oranges, pears, apples, tea, and bananas. The study controlled for numerous behavioral and health characteristics.

Additionally, subjects adhered to the government’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans which in addition to vegetables and fruits also emphasizes lean meats, whole grains, and other heart-healthy foods.

Paul F. Jacques the senior author of the study who is a scientist with Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Centre on Aging at Tufts University stated that consumption by the individuals who benefited was not huge.

The monthly average was about 71/2 cup serving of blueberries or strawberries, 17 cups of tea, and 8 apples or pears.

He explained that it did not take much and all it took was a couple of servings of berries weekly and maybe an apple or two.

Closing Thoughts

Health providers continue to be faced with multiple questions about recommendations for enhancing or maintaining cognitive function especially for people who have dementia.

Currently, several studies have been done to try and find out if there is a connection between the consumption of blueberries and dementia prevention.

Although many experts agree that taking blueberries is beneficial for the brain, further research is still necessary to confirm if they can help persons with dementia.

Wandering and Dementia (Comprehensive Guide)

Petra Boh Blog, Causes, Signs March 13, 2021September 6, 2023dementia, wandering

Many people with dementia may at one time have to deal with wandering and dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 6 in 10 people who have dementia will wander. This normally happens in the early stages of the illness.

Studies also show that the risk of wandering is usually higher for men than women.

Read on to find out more details about wandering including symptoms, causes, management & prevention strategies, caregiver goals, and planning for emergencies.

Warning Signs for Wandering in Dementia

There are several symptoms loved ones or caregivers can look out for to know if a person with dementia is at risk of wandering and some of them include:

Forgetting how to get to familiar places
Taking longer periods to get back home from regular drives or walks
Wanting or trying to “go home” even when a person is at home already
Talking about fulfilling former obligations like going to the office
Pacing, making repetitive movements, or being restless often
Asking about the whereabouts of past relatives or friends
Having a hard time accessing familiar places in the house like the dining room, bathroom, or bedroom
Acting anxious or nervous in public places with crowds such as restaurants or malls
Acting as if a person is engaging in a chore or hobby but they are not getting anything done. For instance, a person may be in the kitchen with a pot but they are not cooking anything

Reasons People with Dementia May Wander

The exact causes of wandering are not yet fully understood.

However, there are certain triggers associated with wandering and dementia and some of them include but are not limited to:

Fear or Stress

Individuals with dementia may start to wander as a reaction to feeling nervous in their current environment.

New Environments

People with dementia may feel disoriented or uncertain when they have to adapt to a changed environment like a new home or care center.

Many people may also want to escape from busy or noisy spaces. Wandering may stop once a person gets used to the chances.

Unmet Basic Needs

A person may wander off as they go looking for water, food, or the bathroom. Some people may also want to explore the outdoors and forget the way back home.

Loss of Short-Term Memory

Wandering may be caused by loss of memory. An individual may set off to go visit a friend or go to the shops and then forget where they are going or why.

A person may also forget that their loved one was going out and set off to look for them.

Searching

Affected individuals may get lost while looking for something or someone like a long-lost friend.

Excessive Energy

An individual may also start wandering as a way of using excess energy, which is one of the reasons why patients with dementia walk so much. It may be an indication that the individual needs to exercise more.

Visual-Spatial Issues

Individuals with dementia may get lost even in familiar places because the illness affects the areas of the brain that are responsible for navigation and guidance, even vision.

Expressing Boredom and Loneliness

People with dementia find it more challenging to concentrate on one thing as the illness progresses. Wandering can be one of the ways they keep occupied.

Following Past Routines

Some people will wander off as they try to go back to their former workplaces or grocery stores.

Devices to assist caregivers with monitoring wandering

	Product	Features
	Bed Alarm for Elderly Dementia Patients	Motion sensor Portable pager Fall prevention Easy to install Wireless
	Caregiver Pager, Wireless Panic Buttons Elderly Monitoring Assistance	Intercom Waterproof Durable 58 loud chimes Easy to install 500ft wireless
	4pc Security Home Camera	24/7 full HD recording Enhanced night vision Video alarm system AI identification Home app for family
	Smart Caregiver Corporation Cordless Bed Exit Monitoring System Alarm with Bed Pressure Sensing Pad	Prevent falls & wandering Wireless portable (300ft) Pressure pad and monitor
	Elderly Cellular Medical Alert Device\| Wearable Panic Button Necklace \| Medical Alert Systems for Seniors	Fall detection 2-way communication Waterproof 5 emergency contacts Lifetime warranty
	Elderly Cellular Medical Alert Device \| Medical Alert Smartwatch	Fall detector 2-way communication Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen monitor Lifetime warranty

Strategies for Preventing and Managing Wandering

While chances of wandering are pretty high, there are various prevention and management tips that caregivers can use to help reduce the chances such as:

Visiting a Doctor

When a person with dementia starts to wander, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will conduct a physical check-up.

This helps to identify whether discomfort, pain, or an existing illness is triggering wandering. It may help to discuss any side-effects of medication that the person is taking.

It is best to avoid medication that increases confusion or causes drowsiness and incontinence

Creating Daily Routines

When looking after a person who is battling both wandering and dementia, it is advisable to create a routine the person with the illness follows every day.

This helps to offer structure so that the affected individual is “busy” all day lowering the chances of wandering. Where possible, identify the times of the day or night where the individual is most likely to wander.

This is the best time to plan fun activities or appropriate exercise for the person. It can help reduce agitation, restlessness, and anxiety.

Offer Reassurance

If a person with dementia is feeling abandoned, disoriented, or lost; caregivers should communicate in a reassuring manner.

Focus mostly on validation and exploration. For example, if a person insists that they need to go “home” or to “work” caregivers can tell them something like “It is okay, we will be staying here tonight where we will be safe and can go home or to work in the morning.”

Do not try and correct the person because it can lead to more confusion and agitation.

Meet Basic Needs

Some people with dementia will wander because their basic needs have not been fulfilled. It is; therefore, the responsibility of carers to ensure they meet all their basic needs on time.

This includes making sure they eat well, hydrate, and go to the bathroom when need be.

Avoid Busy Places

This can be anywhere from grocery stores, shopping malls, and other busy avenues. These places can be confusing causing disorientation.

Remove Access to Car Keys

If the person is no longer driving; ensure that car keys are not in sight. This is because persons with dementia do not only wander on foot.

It is easy for individuals to forget that they can no longer drive. If a person can safely drive, it may be best to use a GPS device so that if they get lost, they can be found easily.

Additionally, it is also advisable to keep shoes, hats, coats, and other items that are associated with leaving home out of sight.

Offer Supervision

When taking care of a person with dementia, keep an eye on them especially when visiting new environments so that they do not get lost.

Do not lock the affected individual in a car or house alone.

Beef up Security

There are several options to explore when it comes to this.

For instance, installing door locks that are either high or low so that they are out of the line of sight and not easily accessible by individuals with the illness.

Camouflaging doors by placing removable curtains over doors or painting them a color that matches the surrounding walls can also help.

Investing in devices that signal when windows or doors open can also be helpful. This can be a sophisticated electronic home alarm system or a simple bell placed above the door and window.

This alerts caregivers when people with dementia are attempting to leave the house.

Identification Card

It is also important for the person with dementia to have an identification card on them at all times.

Additionally, they can also wear medical bracelets, or put on clothes that have labels with their information.

Planning For Emergencies

When it comes to looking after a person experiencing wandering and dementia, it is important to have a plan in place for emergency situations.

This is because wandering can pose various safety issues particularly in very cold or hot temperatures. Some of the plans that can be put in place include:

Having a list of people to contact for help- Store phone numbers where they are easily accessible.
Request neighbors, family, and friends to call if they see the person with dementia staying alone.
Take close-up photos of affected individuals regularly and have updated medical information that can be given to the police.
Create a List of Places an Individual may Wander- These can include places such as former homes, past job locations, former schools, favorite restaurants, and places of worship.
Study the Neighbourhood Well- this helps to note down potentially dangerous spots near the house such as open stairwells, water bodies, tunnels, dense foliage, bus stops, and roads with heavy traffic.
To be on the safe side, it is best to consider enrolling an individual with a wandering response service.

If a person happens to wander try and stay calm as you begin the start the search and rescue efforts as soon as possible.

In most cases, persons who wander are usually found within one and a half miles of where they disappeared. If the person is not found within the fifteen minutes, file a missing person’s report by immediately calling 911.

Do not forget to let the authorities know that the individual has dementia.

Wandering and Dementia Caregiver Goals

When responding to wandering from persons who have dementia, care goals can be categorized into:

1. Encouraging, maintaining, and supporting choice and mobility enabling the person to move around independently and safely.

2. Assessing and managing the causes of wandering paying close attention to meeting basic needs.

3. Prevent unsafe wandering.

There is still limited research when it comes to wandering and dementia.

However, caregivers can still respond to the new development appropriately to ensure the person with dementia remains safe and happy.