Life behind curtains

Presented byRM Van Dee RN, MSNProcare Hospice 2015

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

• I want you to enable me to hold on to the world for as long as possible.

• Appreciate me and act as if I am a whole person I am a person

Richard Taylor PhD March 25, 2009

After diagnosed with Alzheimer's, most patients die within eight years . One out of 10 people over the age of 65 will be affected by this disease.

(National Institute on aging, 2012)

Memory Loss• Disease eats up short term memory first.

– You may not remember your friends, but you remember what you did as a child.

• Families talk about the past hoping to connect with patient.– As disease progresses family watch your face hoping for a glimmer of

recognition as they discuss things from your past.

• What would you do ? ?

Reducing Agitation

• Help maintain function as much as possible by engaging in daily activities they like.

• Regulating activity with a daily routine..

• Always introduce yourself, and let them know what you are doing.

Re-able

Allow patient to make their own choice let them choose what to wear.

Ask them what they would like to do

Not everyone loves BINGO

Engage them in conversation Talk about the present Date Weather

Image from Jackson P. 2011

Reducing agitation outbreaks

Cause: Observe behavior changeLook for triggers to behavior. Too much noise cantrigger agitation.

Be aware of your own mood. Alzheimer’s patients are sensitive to the mood and emotions of their caregivers.

Physical: Change in health, constipation, pain, infection can create agitation.

(National Institute on aging, 2012)

Bingo a No No

• Everywhere you go you will see patient’s playing Bingo. WHY?

• Bingo prevents people from engaging in conversation

• Replace Bingo with Music, sing a longs.• Tactile Touch/healing touch – Pet therapy, fabric books, hand massage with

scented lotion.

Reference

• National institute on aging (2012) Alzheimer’s Disease fact sheet. From http://www.nia.nih.gov/ alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet

• Taylor, Richard PhD (March 25, 2009) What’s it like to live with Alzheimer’s Disease from www.dasninternational.org/2009/Plenar%20presentation %20ADI%202009%20R%20Taylor.