Miriam, I like to use memory books or wallets. You can place information relevant to sources of agitation. Just make sure to keep it simple. I would also recommend the family sign the patient up for the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return Program. Education is a must for what is to come. Communication strategies, environmental modifications and the like can be helpful. Finding things they still can do and providing the opportunity through grading for them to do it will also be beneficial. Jim
Joan Riches <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hi Miriam This is a huge question. It would help to have more information about why you are asking. It really depends on what behaviours the family is seeing. In general, though, being matter of fact and accepting of changes goes a long way. Keeping a running journal with brief notes about behaviours 1) that are new and/or 2) not new but more frequent really helps not to take the behaviour personally and to track gradual changes for reporting to other family and to professionals. One common behaviour is repeated questions or concerns. The concern carries a big emotional impulse that is not relieved by the answer. Simply cheerfully repeat the answer in the same words as the first time without elaborating any further. It satisfies in the moment and relieves the responder of the need to do anything more than the first time. Be aware that most people can pull it together for short periods so changes are most likely to be seen by those who spend most time with the affected person and see them when relaxed or tired. The effort to function at the very top of one's ability is very tiring so someone who has managed 'just fine' in a social situation will need a chance to rest. Unfamiliar situations - people, places, activities, new clothing etc. especially events like weddings, family reunions, special birthdays, trips take a great deal of mental energy and need to be carefully planned by the caregivers to prevent catastrophic reactions as much as possible. There have been many books written on this subject so I'll stop for now. For practical help I find the Allen Cognitive Levels invaluable. Joan ----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of miriam Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 11:43 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [OTlist] alzheimers disease/cognition During the early stages of Alzheimers and the patient's cognition begins to decline, what are the first steps that family members can do to be able to cope with this decline in function. Miriam -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] **************************************************************************** ********** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************** ********** No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.13/998 - Release Date: 9/10/2007 8:48 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.13/998 - Release Date: 9/10/2007 8:48 AM -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ************************************************************************************** --------------------------------- Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Yahoo! Autos. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
