Conclusion. It is not a viable option for people with dementia to watch television on their own, but they may enjoy watching television while sharing this activity with a person close to them. This may even provide quality time.
Playing music, having objects to touch and interact with, and hand massage can all help people with dementia in the later stages. Playlist for Life is a music and dementia charity. It promotes how music with personal meaning can help people with dementia.
As the disease progresses, individuals with dementia become more dependent on others for assistance with daily activities. Ultimately, in advanced dementia, people with the disease need assistance with basic tasks, such as eating.
A movie, whether watched at home or in a theater, is popular form of entertainment, and there are many others. We all have our favorite pastimes. It is what makes individuals individual. People who have dementia are individuals too; they will likely enjoy the types of entertainment they have always enjoyed.
Avoid asking too many open-ended questions about the past, as it could be stressful for a person with dementia if they can't remember the answer. While it might seem polite to ask somebody about their day, it's better to focus on what's happening in the present.
In the earlier stages, memory loss and confusion may be mild. The person with dementia may be aware of — and frustrated by — the changes taking place, such as difficulty recalling recent events, making decisions or processing what was said by others.
People in the early stages of dementia may understand their diagnosis and its implications. However, it is important to note that dementia affects every person differently and that symptoms vary between people. In the later stages of dementia, individuals may not be aware of their condition.
Color preferences for individuals with dementia are red, blue and green. For instance, blue is a restful color with a calming effect. Research shows that using blue in the physical environment can actually lower blood pressure, and that blue rooms are seemingly cooler than rooms painted in shades of red or orange.
Administration: The examiner reads a list of 5 words at a rate of one per second, giving the following instructions: “This is a memory test. I am going to read a list of words that you will have to remember now and later on. Listen carefully. When I am through, tell me as many words as you can remember.
Boredom in Alzheimer's is linked to several other concerns, including depression, anxiety, apathy, wandering, agitation and more. Anecdotal evidence would indicate that the prevalence of boredom for people who have dementia is quite high, although there are few studies that specifically measure boredom.
Relate To Them
It's always good to end the train of thought on a positive note. One that we like to use is, “but you're still here, and I'm thankful for that every day.” Ending an empathetic statement with a positive like “and we're lucky to have you!” can help bring their self-esteem up.
A lot of places run activity groups that bring people with dementia together. Popular groups can include singing (for example, Singing for the Brain), making music, or art classes. Other activities include drama, dance, reading, writing or poetry.
People with dementia begin to feel lost, confused, and insecure. Attention-seeking behavior displayed by needy elderly people with dementia is their way of asking for help.
Alzheimer's disease does not change a person's need for love and affection, but it changes many aspects of a relationship. You may lose the companionship of someone who has been close and important to you. You'll need to find different ways to express your feelings.
I'm going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don't tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don't argue with them, 3) Don't ask if they remember something, 4) Don't remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don't bring up topics that may upset them.
SPECAL sense begins with three Golden Rules: Don't ask direct questions. Listen to the expert – the person with dementia – and learn from them. Don't contradict.
The average life expectancy figures for the most common types of dementia are as follows: Alzheimer's disease – around eight to 10 years. Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years.
Individuals with dementia often have anxiety which can make them feel nervous, worried, or cause them to not want to be left alone or out of sight of their caregivers.