Dementia 101
True or false:
People with dementia
cannot learn new things.
False: Some learning can still happen. For example, a resident may learn to find the dining room.
What is a colleague who smiles at a resident and uses a gentle tone of voice?
A great communicator! AMAZING!
True or false:
Medication is the best way to change a resident’s behaviour.
False: Behaviour changes are often a response to a trigger. It’s important to understand possible causes of the behaviour before issuing medication.
What might your resident think when they
see a coat, shoes and purse at the door?
It’s time to leave.
What impact does exercise, good sleep hygiene, socializing and managing your blood pressure have on your brain?
They all have a positive impact!
These activities can reduce your risk of dementia.
True or false:
Dementia is caused by many different diseases.
True: These diseases change different areas of the brain, at different paces. Symptoms of dementia are unique to each person.
Is it helpful to correct a resident who insists they do not have dementia?
No. This lack of awareness is called anosognosia and is the result of brain damage. Trying to force awareness may result in frustration.
What is a sign of mouth pain in residents
living with dementia?
Refusing to eat, holding or pulling the mouth,
disturbed sleep, removing dentures,
increased vocalization and refusing mouth care.
Name some possible side effects of antipsychotic medications.
Dizziness and increased falls.
Drowsiness.
Dry mouth, nausea, constipation.
High blood sugar and cholesterol.
How can family care partners get support
with grief, loss and caregiver fatigue?
They can call the First Link® Dementia Helpline usingthe phone number found on Alzheimer Society of BCand Yukon First Link® resources.
Which of the senses are
affected by dementia?
All of them: sight, touch, taste,
smell and hearing.
Could pausing between sentences and
slowing down the conversation be helpful?
Yes! This is a great strategy to allow the brain
of someone living with dementia to process language and respond.
Which letter in PIECES teaches us that pain, infection, medication and illness change a person’s behaviour?
The letter P!
P = Physical influences on behaviour.
Which letter in PIECES explains how noise, light, colour, walls and doors impact a resident’s behaviour?
The letter E!
E = Environment
What is a delusion
and how can you respond?
A false belief. Delusions can be a symptom of dementia. It is important to offer emotional support and comfort if a delusion is upsetting.
A sudden change in a person’s mental state.
Symptoms include reduced focus and alertness, increased confusion, delusions and hallucinations.
Delirium requires urgent medical attention.
What is delirium?
Share one simple tip you use to communicate with a resident who has dementia.
It’s important to share your knowledge.
Your success stories help others.
What is a responsive behaviour?
A behaviour that occurs in response to an unmet need.
For example: The resident refuses to eat because
the dining room is too noisy.
A quieter environment is needed.
Share one way that you help a resident with dementia feel safe in your care.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge
and expertise with others.
Teamwork is dreamwork!
Share an example of how you honour residents’ interests, traditions and relationships.
When you help residents maintain their abilities and interests you are providing
AWESOME person-centred care!