1. Dementiadaze.com dementiadaze@gmail.com
Laurie A. Scherrer
Dementiadaze.com

2. respond to what’s happening.
When you can’t control
what’s happening,
challenge yourself to
control the way you
respond to what’s happening.

3. Explore the obstacle that enhances the symptom and find a way to adjust

4. Process for making adjustments
Try to observe what was happening prior to and during the confusion
Establish, and go to your assigned quiet place (no interruptions) and discuss what happened
Try to determine what triggered the confusion – was there a specific obstacle
“Think it over. Think it Under” What adjustments can be made
Test the perceived obstacle and the adjustment
Share successes with others
Always be open to reevaluate and make new adjustments
Share the success so others may benefit

5. Traveling Tips Plan ahead – as much detail as possible
Use TSA and the airline as much as possible – they are generally very helpful to people listed with cognitive impairment.
Pack clothes together on a hanger with a loop: Pants, shirt, shirt and matching undergarments in a bag. Put the hanger in the closet – reduces morning confusion
Go early to help get adjusted to the surroundings
Find a quiet spot where you can escape from noise and confusion if needed
Write down your room number on something that you will always keep with you – room keys don’t have a number on them
Relax and have fun! Enjoy living in the moment.

6. There are many types of dementia and they Can NOT be treated equally.

7. Compensatory Strategies
Maintain as much of a routine as possible (especially morning and evening). Make a list of routine tasks in the order they are done and check them off as completes; i.e. scrub teeth, get washed, get dressed, etc.. A routine can help to establish an automatic reaction and reduces some of the “think work” required during periods of confusion.
Identify things that cause agitation. Many times something triggers dementia symptoms causing confusion or agitation. Take time to observe what the surroundings and events were prior to the agitation and try to identify what may have caused it. For example; was there a lot of noise, did someone have an argument, or were their surroundings changed.
Embrace and encourage abilities – rather than focusing on our inabilities. Like a set of lights on a Christmas Tree, parts of our brain flicker on and off. There are moments of lucidity and moments of confusion. Tasks may be easy one day and difficult the next. Build on the strengths of the moment.
Engage in activities. It is easier to sit idle and go into a shell than it is to stay active . As with anyone, our brains need to be stimulated and challenged. In advanced stages this may be as simple as sorting buttons into the same color. Include laughter and fun into every day.
Stay as independent as possible. The more independence you give up the more dependent you will become. There will be moments when some guidance is required to complete a simple task, but work through it as much as possible. The clothes might not be folded right, but praise the effort.
Maintain social activity as much as possible. This is important for care partners, as well as the person living with dementia. The internet has a number of social groups for Care Partners and People Living with Dementia. Video Chats, Forums and mentor programs are wonderful ways to learn best practices for dealing with dementia symptoms.
Interact the same as you did prior to the diagnosis. Although dementia may rob many of our abilities and memories, it does not take away feelings or intelligence. Even when a person is “living” in their past they are still living as an adult – not as a child and should be treated as such.
Communicate visually as well as audibly as much as possible. Dementia slows down processing time being able to see and hear helps clarify the communication. Some ways to increase visual communication are; Use video chats rather than telephone, write down tasks, and ask restaurants for a written list of specials.
Understand that dementia does not make a person hearing impaired, and in some cases hearing becomes stronger. Always carry headphones or earplugs to help filter background noises.
Go to restaurants during off hours – less noise and less confusion
Take lots of pictures and review them often – talk about them with others
GET INVOLVED – helping others is the best way to help yourself!
Start every day with gratitude – a positive morning can help reduce stress