Alzheimer ’ s Association New Mexico Chapter

1. Alzheimer’s Association New Mexico Chapter Tina De La Luz-Program Director 9500 Montgomery NE #121 Albuquerque, NM 87111 1.800.272.3900 www.alz.org/newmexico VISION: A WORLD WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S

2. Communication and Behaviors

3. Skills • Developing skills in the areas of Communication and Behaviors • Is probably the most important aspect of caring for a person with dementia after diagnosis and legal/financial issues • They are intimately related

4. Compare Normal Brain Alzheimer’s Brain

5. Am I caring for a … Person with “DEMENTIA?” Or a “PERSON” with dementia?

6. Needs of a person with dementia • Relationships - • Genuine • Caring • Loving • Respect • Self-esteem boosted • Understanding to the person’s level of function of ability • To feel needed, useful, safe, and loved!

7. Caregiver Role – “Manager of Behaviors” Caregivers are responsible for developing/knowing strategies that will most likely maintain a safe, healthy and acceptable lifestyle/environment Be aware there will be some undesirable behaviors that occur. By understanding the person, you can be proactive in avoiding incidences

8. Communication • The process of exchanging information • Verbal 7% • Non-verbal 93% • Body language, facial expressions, actions • As the person with dementia loses his/her ability with words, his/her sensitivity to the environment and emotional climate increases! • Simplify, simplify, simplify

9. Behaviors– • Our responses to daily living • Reflection of who we are • Behaviors exhibited are: • Generally for a reason • An attempt to communicate • Expression of abilities/inabilities • They’re solutions to the situations • Rarely deliberate though may seem to be • Remember the behaviors are not necessarily willful.

10. Underlying Facts Communication and Behaviors are intimately related Only the caregiver can change No single “SOLUTION” works 100% of the time Caregivers are called to be Calm, Collected and Creative

11. BASIC CONCEPTS TAPE REEL EXPECTATIONS vs. REALITY Reality with dementia: maybe loved one can do it, may be can’t Bring expectations in line with reality: do not set yourself up The closer expectations are to reality, the less the emotional turmoil. GOING INTO THEIR WORLD You NEVER win an argument with a person with dementia, so DON’T GO THERE!! (They are always “right,” whether they are “right” or not!) Enter into their world, identify their feelings.

12. GOING INTO THEIR WORLD CONT. What does this look like? “You never told me I had an appointment.” “Mom came to visit today.” “I want to go home.” “You stole my money/jewelry” The Great Equalizer: “I’m so sorry you feel that way.” “You know I love you and would never do/say anything to hurt you.” “I can tell this isn’t a good time to visit, I will see you later.” Lying to the disease

13. One constant with Dementia • Difficult part: • Because the disease progresses, change is inevitable, realize “management” is an on-going process • One thing is certain… • CHANGE IS A CONSTANT! • Constant change requires constant re-evaluation • Results in constant change by caregiver

14. Communication and Behaviors are both influenced by four things… • Brain damage caused by disease • We cannot control • Acute illness • Help control – medications, fluids, rest, diet, etc. 3. Environment • We can control – Noise, distractions, task (break down), light

15. 4. Communication and Behavior of the caregiver: we control

16. How you respond to it (cont) Don’t challenge memory:”Look,Susie/Jim are here.” Avoid too many choices. Avoid “them thar fightin words:” “No,” “Don’t” “You can’t..” “Never.” Respond to verbal attack: “I can tell this is not a good time to visit.” “I’m sorry you feel that way” Praise for accomplishments

17. AVOID Catastrophic reactions • Definition – A response that is inappropriate and/or threatening to those around or to the person him/herself

18. Catastrophic Reaction Remember the Tape Reel • As the disease progresses, the person is regressing (brain cells are dying) • Temper tantrum: child-like behavior • yell, grab/hit, kick, bite • Once event is triggered • The person with dementia is unable to stop it. • Escalation is very fast • The person is unable to inhibit the response due to the disease process going on in the brain. • Unable to release grip/bite upon demand.

19. Log the behavior • Record • Time, place, day, verbal exchange preceding, subject or activity at time of incident, person(s) involved • Track • If can identify a behavioral pattern, attempt to change or avoid that same pattern(s) • Report • Speak with the person’s health professionals to report any adverse behaviors • Remember – Behaviors can be a result of a health condition

20. Sample behavior data sheet

21. HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: RESEARCH Current Medications: Aricept Excelon Razadyne Namenda Research: Genetic markers Causes/cure Behavioral research Drug research

22. PREVENTION: no guarantee Motto: “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain.” Cannot control: Gene pool Aging process WHAT CAN WE DO? 3 Areas we CAN influence I. BRAIN: 100 billion cells: 100 trillion connections a. Remain alert/productive/mentally active b. Challenge the brain in new learning II. BODY: What’s good for the heart is good for the brain a. Heart health: diet, cholesterol, life style, exercise b. Risk factors: falls, diabetes, stroke, obesity etc. c. Healthy lifestyle: diet, weight control, exercise avoid smoking, excessive drinking III. Social, Emotional, Spiritual welfare a. Manage stress, depression, b. Live purpose-filled life c. Acknowledge power greater than self I CAN CHOOSE TO LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE!

23. Our Vision is a world without Alzheimer’s

24. We are on the MOVE to end Alzheimer’s disease

25. Thank You Remember to call us 24/7 1.800.272.3900