Gem States
In the Gem model, this "Gem" is characterized by the individual having the ability to manage most of their daily tasks independently, often with minimal assistance.
What is the “Diamond” Gem?
This region, located in the frontal lobe, is crucial for higher-level executive functions like planning, decision-making, and impulse control.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
This communication technique, which involves using simple language, maintaining eye contact, and giving ample time for responses, is essential when interacting with individuals with dementia.
What is "person-centered communication"?
This progressive neurodegenerative disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
To create a more effective care plan for a person with dementia, this strategy involves gathering input from family members and caregivers to understand the individual's preferences, routines, and needs.
What is "collaborative assessment"?
This "Gem" level indicates that an individual needs more help with daily activities and might have some difficulty with memory and decision-making.
What is the “Pearl” Gem?
When these lobes, particularly the hippocampus, are affected by dementia, individuals may experience significant memory loss and difficulty forming new memories.
What are the temporal lobes?
This skill involves using familiar routines, visual aids, and environmental cues to help individuals with dementia maintain independence and orientation.
What is "environmental modification"?
This type of dementia, often associated with changes in personality and behavior rather than memory loss, is characterized by degeneration in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
What is frontal lobe dementia?
This technique involves identifying triggers for challenging distress symptoms and implementing preventative measures or coping strategies to minimize their occurrence in individuals with dementia.
What is "behavioral analysis"?
This "Gem" represents a stage where an individual may require significant support for basic self-care and communication, and distress symptoms may become more challenging.
What is the “Emerald” Gem?
This type of brain damage might lead to a person exhibiting impulsive behavior, poor decision-making, and difficulty with social interactions.
What is damage to the frontal lobe?
This approach to dementia care focuses on understanding and validating the emotions of individuals with dementia rather than correcting their misconceptions or confusions.
What is "validation therapy"?
This type of dementia results from impaired blood flow to the brain due to stroke or small vessel disease, leading to symptoms such as difficulty with planning, problem-solving, and memory.
What is vascular dementia?
To address difficulties with daily activities, this approach includes breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and providing clear, simple instructions to enhance the individual's ability to complete them.
What is "task segmentation"?
This "Gem" level is associated with advanced stages of dementia, where individuals may have limited verbal communication and need extensive personal care.
What is the “Ruby” Gem?
If this lobe is compromised in dementia, individuals might have trouble with spatial awareness and may struggle with tasks such as dressing or navigating their environment.
What is the parietal lobe?
This technique involves guiding a person living with dementia through a task by physically placing your hand over theirs, which can help with motor tasks and provide reassurance during the activity.
What is the "hand-over-hand technique"?
This form of dementia is characterized by the presence of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, and often includes symptoms such as fluctuating cognitive function, visual hallucinations, and Parkinsonism.
What is Lewy Body Dementia?
This emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adapting to the cognitive and physical changes that occur in individuals with dementia, guiding caregivers to tailor their approach accordingly.
What is "Understanding the Disease"?
This stage in the Gem model is typically characterized by a person who has a high level of cognitive ability and can often engage in meaningful conversations and activities.
What is the “Diamond” Gem?
Damage to this part of the brain, which includes structures like the amygdala, can result in changes in emotional regulation, leading to increased aggression or emotional outbursts.
What is the limbic system?
Before speaking with a person living with dementia, it is important to do this to ensure they are focused and engaged, which helps in facilitating better understanding and response.
What is "gain eye contact"?
This condition occurs when an individual has more than one type of dementia simultaneously, such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, leading to a combination of symptoms from each type.
What is mixed dementia?
This focuses on the significance of creating a space that accommodates the needs and preferences of individuals with dementia, enhancing their overall quality of life.
What is "Creating a Supportive Environment"?