The 3 D's
This “D” refers to a sudden, reversible state of confusion often caused by illness or medication
What is delirium?
This “A” means difficulty with language and communication.
What is aphasia?
This is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of cases
What is Alzheimer's Disease
When communicating with a person with dementia, HCAs should use this type of sentence structure.
What are short, simple sentences?
This term describes walking around without a clear purpose, common in dementia
What is wandering
This “D” is a progressive, irreversible decline in cognitive function
What is dementia?
This “A” refers to the inability to recognize objects or people
What is agnosia?
This type of dementia is associated with abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies
What is Lewy Body dementia
This approach focuses on validating the person’s feelings rather than correcting their reality
What is validation therapy?
This symptom involves sudden aggression or agitation, often triggered by environmental stress
What is responsive behaviour
This “D” is a mood disorder that can mimic dementia symptoms.
What is depression.
This “A” is the inability to perform purposeful movements despite physical ability
What is apraxia?
This dementia primarily affects personality, behavior, and language, rather than memory
What is frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
HCAs should provide this type of cue to help with activities of daily living
What are verbal or visual cues?
This phenomenon occurs when symptoms worsen in the late afternoon or evening
What is sundowning
Among the 3 D’s, this one is most often reversible with proper treatment.
What is delirium?
This “A” refers to loss of memory, especially recent events
What is amnesia
This rare type of dementia is a variant of FTD and is named after a physician.
What is Pick's Disease
This technique involves redirecting attention to reduce agitation.
What is distraction or redirection?
This term refers to repetitive questioning or statements
What is perseveration
HCAs must differentiate these 3 conditions because one is reversible, one is treatable, and one is progressive.
What are delirium, depression, and dementia?
These four “A’s” are hallmark symptoms of dementia and affect communication, recognition, movement, and memory.
What are aphasia, agnosia, apraxia, and amnesia?
This dementia is often linked to chronic alcohol misuse and thiamine deficiency
What is Korsakoff's syndrome
HCAs should always prioritize this principle when providing dementia care
What is person-centered care
This symptom involves false beliefs, such as thinking someone is stealing from them.
What are delusions