Alz Basics
T/F The Alzheimer's Association has a 24/7 helpline
TRUE
800-272-3900
T/F - Automatic social chit-chat remains throughout the early stages of dementia
TRUE - they can often fool neighbors, doctors and family
T/F the caregiver can sometimes create the behavior in the PWD
TRUE - when the caregiver does not understand the disease and has not learned effective strategies, they can cause an upsetting behavior by the way they interact with the PWD
T/F - Anosognosia - means the PWD has no insight into their deficits
TRUE - because they think they are not having problems they continue to do things that are not safe (cook, drive, pay bills)
T/F - Three in person support groups are offered in Chippewa & Dunn counties combined.
TRUE - Chippewa Falls, Colfax and Menomonie
T/F Someone can live with Alzheimer's type dementia for 2-20 years
TRUE - it depends on their overall health and how far in the disease process they were diagnosed. Alz is a slow progressing dementia
T/F - Reflection is a strategy you can use when talking to a PWD
TRUE
Example "I need to get out of here!"
You need to get out of here? Tell me more? Where do you need to go? Are you looking for someone?
T/F - Arguing with a PWD is the best way for them to understand the true reality
FALSE - avoid arguing whenever possible. Given their brain changes, you have different realities
T/F - vision is affected by dementia
TRUE - peripheral vision is lost first, depth perception is also affected. this can create hazards navigating the home
T/F - There are SEVEN virtual support groups offered by DCSs throughout the month (including evenings for working caregivers)
TRUE - contact Carla for more information
Alzheimer's disease can be detected with a blood test
FALSE - although this is in trial studies right now. increased amyloid and tau proteins can be detected in blood work, it is not a standard test yet.
T/F - Redirect/Distract is an effective strategy to use with a PWD
True
Example: "someone stole my wallet!"
"oh no, let's look for it first. I think I saw it in the kitchen (once in the kitchen offer a snack)
T/F - It's best to ask a PWD questions and give them lots of choices
FALSE - making statement like "lunch is ready" is much more effective than "are you hungry for lunch? do you want a ham or turkey sandwich? I got that mustard you like, do you want that on your sandwich too?"
T/F - only a doctor can take away a PWD driver's license
FALSE - doctor and DMV can
Law Enforcement & family can fill out a MV3141 conditions report when driving becomes unsafe, after that they may need to do a driving test to continue driving.
T/F - In 2025, the Chippewa Valley Dementia Coalition will be offering a Dementia Conference for professionals and caregivers
TRUE - save the date May 20, 2025 at Florian Gardens
T/F - People living with Alzheimer's dementia do not have hallucinations
FALSE - visual and auditory hallucinations can occur in any type of dementia.
T/F - PWD in the early and middle stages are often "lazy" and "stubborn"
FALSE - the PWD has often lost the ability to initiate and pre-plan tasks which often looks like "lazy" or "stubborn" A LOT of time is spent educating caregivers on this.
T/F - When a PWD is upset apologizing is a good strategy to try
TRUE - apologizing can often de-escalate the situation
"I'm sorry, I was trying to help" "I'm sorry, I upset you" "I'm sorry that happened" "I'm sorry this is hard"
T/F - a bedrail should be used for a PWD that is prone to wandering, to keep them safe
FALSE - they will likely attempt to crawl OVER the bedrail, and may fall and injure themselves
T/F - caregivers receive custom information related specifically to their situation at support groups
TRUE - PLEASE refer all caregivers to a support group!
A type of fibbing that allows you to communicate with a PWD without upsetting them, and entering their reality is called
Therapeutic Fibbing
T/F - In the early stage of dementia a person can miss 1 out of every 4 words in a conversation
TRUE! - limit background noise, make eye contact, use body language to communicate
T/F - you should always tell a PWD in advance about upcoming doctors appointments, or other appointments
FALSE - often the PWD has lost the concept of time, but will also be concerned they are going to miss the appointment
T/F - A ring (ring.com) high tech doorbell is a strategy that can be used to alert the caregiver if the PWD wanders out of the house
TRUE - Also, if they live alone and wander away, you have a timestamp of when they left and what they were wearing. You can also see if door-to-door sales or scams are happening.
TRUE - Topics covered:
Home Safety,
Stages
Communication
Sundowning