Caring for People with Progressive Dementia

What is progressive dementia?

Dementia is the gradual loss of mental functions such as the ability to think, reason, remember, and plan. Dementia is caused by damaged brain cells. A stroke, brain tumor, head injury or diseases such as Alzheimer's or Huntington's disease, can destroy brain cells. It is more common in older adults. It often includes emotional and personality changes.

People with dementia may have trouble with things such as:

• putting thoughts into words or responding to others
• understanding complex information
• reading and writing
• learning new information and new skills
• remembering things that just happened or things that have just been said
• concentrating and paying attention
• being able to organize, reason, and solve problems.

In progressive dementia, a person loses more and more mental abilities over time. In early dementia, people are usually able to follow routines that are familiar to them. As the disease continues, people have serious problems with thinking, judgment, and the ability to do everyday activities. In time, people may be totally dependent on others for care.

What should I do as a caregiver?

Caring for a person with dementia can be a big challenge. It can affect family life, careers, finances, and mental and physical health.

If you are caring for a person with dementia in your home:

• Identify and eliminate home hazards, such as throw rugs or poor lighting.
• Speak slowly and simply.
• Repeat or re-phrase the message.
• Use yes/no questions.
• Provide a predictable environment.
• Allow plenty of time for communication.
• Reduce distractions.
• Keep routines as much the same as possible.

What help is available?

Assistance services may be available in your area. They may include visiting nurses, adult day care, or adult protective services. Counseling may help the family to cope with problems and keep the person at home as long as possible.

When a family is unable to continue caring for the person with dementia, other options include residential care and nursing facilities. Care for a person with dementia outside the home should include belongings familiar to the person.

For suggestions on ways for families to deal with dementia in loved ones, contact the Alzheimer's Association at 800-272-3900 or visit their Web site at http://www.alz.org.