Dementia 101
True or false: People living with dementia can’t learn new things.
False: Learning still happens—especially with repetition, routine and supportive environments.
Smiling, being aware of body language and tone of voice.
What are fantastic communication skills when supporting a person living with dementia. AMAZING!
True or false: Medication is the best way to stop a responsive behaviour.
False: Behaviour can shift when the team tries to understand what is going on. Something could be triggering or influencing the resident. Start there.
Which letter in PIECES teaches us that pain, infection, medications and illness change a person’s behaviour?
What is P: Physical influences on behaviour.
Lifestyle, heart health, good sleep and socializing.
How do I take care of my brain and body -- and reduce the risk of dementia? BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!
Coat, shoes and keys at the door.
What are environmental cues that affect behaviour?
Allowing the person’s reality to guide the interaction rather than correcting or arguing.
What is validation.
OR
What is connect, don't correct.
Which letter in PIECES explains how noise, light, colour, walls and doors impact a resident's behaviour?
What is E: Environmental.
When dementia changes the experience of touch, temperature, taste, hearing and smell.
What are sensory changes. Think about cold bathrooms, loud running water and people touching bare skin.
Unexpected and sudden changes in activity and alertness. Can include paranoia and hallucinations.
What is delirium. Delirium is a medical emergency.
True or false: Dementia progresses differently for each person.
True: The type of dementia, health and lifestyle, medications and care all affect symptoms and progression.
True or false: It is helpful to correct a resident when they are in denial about their dementia.
False: This symptom is called anosognosia. It is the result of brain damage. You can't correct brain damage.
True or false: Wandering is an expected and normal part of dementia.
False: Not everyone has this symptom. Wandering is associated with pain, boredom, seeking help and searching for a less stressful environment.
True or false: Medication is the only thing that helps change behaviour.
False. Non-drug approaches are the first step in addressing behaviour changes. Understand what might be triggering or influencing the behaviour. You might be able to help that way.
Grief, loss, worry, mental and physical exhaustion.
What is caregiver fatigue and burnout.
When a person living with dementia has trouble determining what is close and what is far.
What are changes in depth-perception. A common dementia symptom. It's one reason why bathrooms and dining areas can be really challenging.
The most common dementia in people under age 60 in which language, social behaviour and judgement are severely impacted.
What is frontotemporal dementia (sometimes called FTD). The actor, Bruce Willis, is living with FTD.
When the brain misinterprets messages from the eyes.
What are visual mistakes. Often confused with changes in eyesight and hallucinations.
Following a schedule and engaging with the same caregivers as much as possible.
What is routine. What is continuity of care? Both are helpful for a resident living with dementia. ROUTINE ROCKS!
Providing personal support, dementia education, support groups to help with the transition to long-term care and guidance for anyone affected by dementia.
What is the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon.
We would love to hear from you!
The letter in PIECES describing why we need to learn about the resident’s life story, relationships, hobbies and spiritual practices.
What is S: Social and cultural.
A powerful way to unlock memories, communicate and connect with a person even in the late stages of dementia.
What is music. But make sure it is the right music! Not everyone likes opera!
Changes in food intake, holding or pulling the mouth, removing dentures and refusing mouth care.
What are symptoms of oral pain.
Which letter in PIECES explains the importance of understanding a person’s abilities and only helping when needed?
What is C: Capabilities.
True or false: Dementia is a normal part of aging.
False: The brain changes as we age, but the changes are not the same as dementia. Dementia is connected to brain damage and brain disease. Those are not normal parts of aging.