Dementia: Outside In / Inside Out
Introduction
This module provides a basic introduction to Alzheimer’s and related dementias, a perspective for looking at dementia from the outside in, and an approach to care by looking from the inside out.
You'll also learn how to address physical health, dietary, and social needs and to assist with activities of daily living in a way that engages.
Objectives
- Describe how the brain is affected by dementia.
- Learn how to respond with skill, sensitivity, and compassion when a person with dementia is in distress.
- Apply strength-based, person-directed principles to the care of persons with dementia.
- Discuss the importance of addressing physical health needs.
- List key principles for assisting a person with dementia with activities of daily living (ADLs).
Overview
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term for a progressive decline in multiple mental abilities that are severe enough to impact function. There are many causes of dementia.
Some areas that are commonly affected by dementia include the following:
- Memory
- Learning
- Language
- Moods
- Perceptions
- Orientation
- Organization
- Abstract thinking
- Putting thought into action (apraxia)
Living with Dementia
It’s unusual for persons living with dementia to enter residential-based care (nursing home or assisted living) in the early stages. Persons living with dementia in the middle stages will likely move into assisted living or a special memory care community when a spouse or other family member can no longer care for them due to illness, increasing poor health or death. The decision to move into a care community might come after a fall or other acute care event. In the late stages, many will receive care in a skilled facility.
As all diseases progress, they tend to follow a predictable pattern, but remember, not all older adults are alike. The same is true of older adults living with dementia. Pay attention to each individual and don’t assume he or she will be just like the last person with dementia you cared for or knew.
Living with dementia is life-changing for both the person who has the disease and those who are their care partners. The challenges are real but the slow progression of most causes of dementia offers time for positive experiences and times of joy.
Wrap Up
A person with dementia is not giving you a hard time; they are having a hard time.
When a person with dementia is ignoring you or has trouble responding to a request, they may simply not understand what you are saying, or cannot put their thoughts into action. You can then adjust your behavior to better help them.
Let's take a closer look at brain functions and how they are affected by dementia.
