Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: Symptoms, Stages, and Communication Strategies Expanded ____
Mealtime
• Provide sufficient time for meals • Eat at the same time daily • Prepare nutritious meals that are easy to eat • Engage the person in the preparation process • Maintain a calm atmosphere for meals • Always speak in a calm, reassuring voice • Practice active listening • Validate the person; redirect, don’t correct • Engage the person in decision making, as appropriate • Refrain from asking “Do you remember?” • Encourage conversation, validate • Display beloved items and photos throughout the home
• Taste may change • Food may need to be prepared in bite-size pieces • Monitor eating habits to avoid hazards • Provide support, as needed; allow the person to be independent • The person may repeat questions and thoughts; continue to respond • Distract the person if frustration presents • Take walks, show photos, play music
Communication
Space
AD spectrum of behaviors
• Angry outbursts • Oppositional behavior • Agitation and aggression • Fear
• Address environmental changes, uncomfortable clothing, allergies, modifications to diet • Caregiving strategies will need to be modified • Logic is not always the best approach • Responses may not be logical • Caregiver strength and perspective is invaluable to the person with AD
Caregiver approach
• Recognize challenges • Recognize that the illness is not the person • Constantly modify approach • Maintain perspective • Be kind, compassionate, patient, empathetic • Caregivers need breaks; make time for a “pause”
Caregiver self-care
• Make sure caregiver is not angry, hungry, or tired
• Identify care support team • Ask for help when needed
Adapted from Mayo Clinic, 2022
Table 5 (continued)
EMBRACE THE PATIENT, NOT THE BEHAVIOR People with AD and other dementias may experience a change in personality. Compassion will serve the caregiver well when addressing needs and behaviors. For example, if the person wants to sleep on the floor instead of the bed, ensure safety and let them. As a patient senses a loss of control over their life, they may act out. Permit safe choices that may be nontraditional.
MEDICATION REVIEW Medication should be evaluated by a professional regularly as the disease progresses. Patients must take medications as prescribed. However, their medication regimen should be monitored and evaluated periodically. Medication manage- ment will identify any potential reactions and changes that are pharmacologically induced. Remember, the person may not have the ability to express how they are feeling, so the medication regimen must be overseen by a caregiver.
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