Bloggers Meet and Greet-May***Dementia and Family

There may be a time in your life when you know of a friend, co-worker, or family member that has Dementia. Possibly you are a caregiver for a Dementia or Alzheimer’s patient. Just know that there are resources and help for Dementia.

                                     Music for Dementia Patients

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First of all what is Dementia? How does it differ from Alzheimer’s. Alzinfo.org describes Dementia as a syndrome that describes a wide range of symptoms that make it hard to remember, think clearly, make decision, or even control your emotions, whereas Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological brain disorder, which causes problems with memory and is named after a German physician, Alois Alzheimer. They further add that Alzheimer first described it in 1906.

1. Two Minute Activities for Dementia

Did you know that there are two-minute activities you can do with a Dementia patient such as greeting the client/person by name and making eye contact, evoke pleasant memories such as “tell me about your family’s farm,” let's  blow bubbles together, and much more. That is according to goldencarrers.com.

2. Repetitive Questions

If you are a family member or caregiver you may find yourself hearing repetitive questions. How do you deal with this? According to visitingthegrayplanet.com try initiating the conversation by you asking the question which lets them be in charge of the conversation, look beyond the question possibly she/he is anxious about being ready on time, repeat their words so they feel heard, using their name will sometimes help dementia patients when they seemed trapped in their mind, and write it down. I really like repeating the words so they seem heard and writing it down. These are communication skills that can be used with almost anyone in everyday life.

3. Memory Box

Alzheimer’s.net suggests a memory box which could contain a baseball or cards, artwork by children or grandchildren, family photos, post cards, or vacation souvenirs. They further add the memory box can inspire exercise of the touch and other senses, fond memories of a seniors history, or even conversation.

4. How to Talk to Someone with Dementia

I recall my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I was talking to her one day and my daughter pulled me aside and told me I was not talking to her in the right way.

Say what? I thought I was having normal conversation. I also recalled showing my mother-in-law some family pictures. She snatched them out of my hand and smacked me lightly on the forehead. She said, “Now you would not go that fast when showing someone else these pictures; slow down.” She was serious. When talking with someone with Dementia always agree, never argue because arguing causes animosity and backlash,  always ask as oppose to commanding, and always repeat never saying, “I already told you that.” That is according to abridgebetwenthegap.com. They further add it is important to distract and never shame them by pointing out the weird or surprising things they do in front of others or making a big deal of accidents and things they can no longer control.

5. Music and Dementia

Do you like music? Well Dementia Patients also like music and it can be very beneficial to them. I recall one Christmas our church choir went to a Nursing home for Christmas and sung Christmas Carols with the Seniors. To my surprise many of the seniors had beautiful awesome voices and even led some of the carols that we sang. According to aplaceformom.com “Music is a universal language that touches our souls, enlivens our bodies, and connects us to others.” They further add that music enhances memory, lowers stress levels, reduces symptoms of depression, improves sleeps, reduces agitation and anxiety, and suggests finding songs with personal meaning, including stimulating music from their youth. I could see a personalized playlist for Dementia patients that is personalized just for him/her.

6. Dancing and Dementia

Do you like to dance? I love to dance. I recall many instances where my grandchildren and I are constantly on the dance floor dancing. In fact as a little girl there was always parties and dancing at my house. I did not know that there were people that did not know how to dance. I just assumed everyone knew how to dance because that was what I saw and experienced at my house. Dancing also is good for Dementia patient’s because it helps them express themselves in new ways, it triggers memories, and improves quality of life.

7. Sit and Dance

Have you ever heard of sitting and dancing? According to aspenseniorcenter.org., they engage in a daily exercise routing that includes great stretch, balance, cardio, and they enjoy favorite show tunes and songs from their youth as they workout.

8. Art and Dementia

Art therapy stimulates the brain by stirring dormant memories and sometimes even encourages speech according to dailycaring.com. They further add that the benefits of art therapy for dementia are immediately noticeable, and it can create good moments, good hours, and good days, there is not one size fits all, but rather matching the older adult’s current abilities, preferences, and setting them up for success and enjoyment.

What about you? Do you know someone with Dementia? Do you have a few ideas and tips that you are willing to share today?

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Source:

Dementia vs Alzheimer’s

 

Two Minute Activities For Dementia Care

 

Dementia. How to cope with repetitive questions

 

5 Reasons to Make a Memory Box for Alzheimer’s

 

How to Talk To Someone Who Has Dementia

 

Music and Dementia: The Powerful Effects of Personalized Music and Music Therapy

 

5 Ways Dancing Makes A Difference For Those With Dementia

 

Sit and Dance for Dementia

The Benefits of Art Therapy for Dementia