The cognitive

70% is the percentage of cells that are likely already destroyed when the symptoms of the disease are observed.

All the explanations that one might be tempted to give to the person affected to prove to them our reality are more than ineffective. Indeed, they increase anxiety, because they cannot be understood. You may have already tried to explain with evidence that it is night. What was the result? The person affected by dementia reacted badly; she may even have become angry with you despite your gentleness. In any case, your explanations and evidence were not understood.

Communication based on what remains.

Much of communication is based on non-verbal cues. What is it? Your non-verbal communication ?

You are very close to the client; you smile at them and approach them with your hand to take off their pants! What does he see? How can he interpret this gesture? «No, no, no,» and tries to move away or even hit you if you persist. Instead of words, use gestures to say that you are going to help them and show them how to use the toilet. Use his hand on yours when you take off their underwear; he will feel like he is doing it himself.

The problem of memory

The same question being asked over and over again: how do we keep control?

Don’t forget that it’s not you who have a problem; it’s the person with dementia. For them, this is the first time they’re experiencing it. You need to remember the incredible damage that’s happening to their brain and that it won’t get better. Then, take 3 deep breaths.

«What time is the mass?»

Ms. asks you this question in five minutes. First, take a deep breath if you feel impatient. Then, answer calmly and softly, «It’s tomorrow,» and then continue with «I have a song in my head,» then singing: «All the lovers of the world have blue eyes…» Ms. starts singing with you or follows the rhythm. The rhythm does not die; this part of the brain is spared.

«They stole my wallet»

Possible response from you: «I'm sorry that this happened; I'll make sure we keep a close eye on your belongings.» And that even though her wallet is in her office. She might not recognize it; it might not be what she's looking for. An explanation from you would be misunderstood.

The past and the present blend together

«I want to go back home.» What home is she talking about? The home where she grew up and the security of being with her father and mother? We don't know, but what we do know about the best way to calm the anxiety and stress experienced at that moment is to enter into their reality with love and compassion. We can try this: «Tell me about your mother,» then when you feel the anxiety subside, shift to another point of interest like singing, a snack, an activity in a quiet place.

Despite advances in this disease, we still know very little about it. There are different types of dementia and different stages. There would be several types of damage in AD and many variations in the stages. In short, the person is unique; your interventions and approach must be personalized, working with what remains rather than with what is definitively destroyed.

You are a change agent in your community. Your simple and adapted interventions in everyday life will be imitated by your colleagues. You will greatly help families by sharing your knowledge with them; they will then become your allies.

–

Suggestion website:
http://www.douglas.qc.ca/info/alzheimer
http://www.alzheimer.ca/fr

Video suggestion:
Teepa Snow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUgPm8RMa48&index=1&list=PLeu1xlHHkFCU_k85X1xBwjzayVIzNB12R
Philippe Voyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu4xkMOApUk&index=7&list=PLDeZyroxJyARWgFxiOKS3vJlPp72mu1qP

–