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Professor Wanda Spurlock's presentation at our September Lunch 'N Learn meeting was directed to caregivers. She discussed ways to manage the behavior of patients who have Alzheimer's disease. She is a Professor at Southern University School of Nursing, and has a lot of personal experience with Alzheimer's disease as a nurse. Professor Spurlock had pages of information as handouts outlining her presentation.
AD patients may experience anxiety in sleeping, wandering, and, in extreme cases hallucinations. Such behaviors can produce stress on the caregivers. Behavioral Symptoms can be diagnosed by a doctor as 1. Mild, 2. Moderate, or 3. Severe.
Caregivers can effectively communicate with the patients by using short, simple words and sentences, by speaking slowly and clearly, and by using simple step by step instructions. It may be necessary to repeat instructions and to use visual clues. Be aware of vision and hearing limitations of AD patients.
Do not argue. Do not try to convince. Do not take offense. Do not talk about the patient as though he/she is not there. Do not!
As a caregiver, be concerned about noise, glare, and background distractions such as telephones ringing, TV being loud, or conversation by others nearby. Agitation could develop because of a change in living arrangements, or by being relocated, or by having a different caregiver. When you note that your AD patient is upset or agitated, do not: raise your voice, restrain, criticize, or argue with that person.
AD patients often have trouble sleeping. To help them sleep well, avoid frequent daytime napping. When possible provide periods of exposure to natural light sources. Reduce caffeine drinks at night. Avoid heavy meals late in the day and establish regular bedtime routines.
Sundowning - the disruption in sleep pattern - creates an irregular sleep cycle often resulting in agitation. If agitation is observed, reassure the person by holding hands or a pat on the shoulder. Take a walk together and assure the patients things are going to be fine.
In conclusion - Caregivers - - - Take care! not only of the patient - but yourself as well.
This blog was written by a person who has been diagnosed with a mild case of AD. He will be 90 in '09.
AD patients may experience anxiety in sleeping, wandering, and, in extreme cases hallucinations. Such behaviors can produce stress on the caregivers. Behavioral Symptoms can be diagnosed by a doctor as 1. Mild, 2. Moderate, or 3. Severe.
Caregivers can effectively communicate with the patients by using short, simple words and sentences, by speaking slowly and clearly, and by using simple step by step instructions. It may be necessary to repeat instructions and to use visual clues. Be aware of vision and hearing limitations of AD patients.
Do not argue. Do not try to convince. Do not take offense. Do not talk about the patient as though he/she is not there. Do not!
As a caregiver, be concerned about noise, glare, and background distractions such as telephones ringing, TV being loud, or conversation by others nearby. Agitation could develop because of a change in living arrangements, or by being relocated, or by having a different caregiver. When you note that your AD patient is upset or agitated, do not: raise your voice, restrain, criticize, or argue with that person.
AD patients often have trouble sleeping. To help them sleep well, avoid frequent daytime napping. When possible provide periods of exposure to natural light sources. Reduce caffeine drinks at night. Avoid heavy meals late in the day and establish regular bedtime routines.
Sundowning - the disruption in sleep pattern - creates an irregular sleep cycle often resulting in agitation. If agitation is observed, reassure the person by holding hands or a pat on the shoulder. Take a walk together and assure the patients things are going to be fine.
In conclusion - Caregivers - - - Take care! not only of the patient - but yourself as well.
This blog was written by a person who has been diagnosed with a mild case of AD. He will be 90 in '09.
6 comments:
Great post! I love your input!
Great Blog, keep them coming!
Thanks for commenting. I'm glad that you have enjoyed this blog. Please keep commenting. Coming soon....a possible prize for those who comment!
I think that this Blog is excellently written. I love the recap from this weeks past Lunch n' Learn
Great Bolg I like the recap from the Lunch n' Learn
What an asset this gentlemen is to Alzheimer's Services. I enjoyed the blog...thanks.
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