Dementia is NOT a diagnosis, it is a condition that covers over 200 different types, forms, and causes of brain change under the umbrella. There are many possible causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, which is the most common cause of dementia (about 60% of all cases).

When caring for your residents, it is important to be aware of changes in behavior that may indicate the onset or progression of dementia. People tend to think of memory loss with dementia, but there are many other warning signs. Below are some of the warning signs.

Warning Signs of Dementia

It’s important to remember that experiencing some of these warning signs occasionally doesn’t necessarily mean someone has dementia. However, if these issues are persistent or worsen, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional for proper evaluation.

• Memory Loss: This goes beyond occasional forgetfulness. It involves forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events, and repeatedly asking the same questions.
• Confusion with Time & Location: People with dementia may lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They might also forget where they are or how they got there.  
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Everyday tasks that were once easy, such as cooking a meal, making a phone call, or getting dressed, become challenging.
• Difficulty solving problems: This includes trouble following a plan, like a recipe, or working with numbers, such as balancing a checkbook.
• Misplacing Items: Putting things in unusual places and being unable to retrace steps to find them is a common sign.
• Poor Judgement: This can manifest in various ways, like giving away large sums of money or neglecting personal hygiene.
• Unfounded Emotions: Individuals may experience sudden and unexplained mood swings, becoming easily upset, suspicious, fearful, or anxious.
• Difficulty with words: Finding the right words, following conversations, or understanding written language can become difficult.
• Withdrawal from Social Activities: A person with dementia may lose interest in hobbies, social events, and work projects, often isolating themselves from others.
• Trouble with Images and Spaces: This includes difficulty judging distance, seeing contrast, or determining color, which can make driving or navigating stairs challenging.

Related Article: The Many Faces of Dementia

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Activities to Foster Well-Being for Those with Dementia

ALL people, including those with dementia, need to feel valued, productive, and purposeful. By putting ourselves in their shoes and understanding their needs, we can help foster well-being for those with dementia. Below are some ways to help empower those with dementia to have a more fulfilling life by helping them feel values and that they have a purpose.

Give Those with Dementia a Job

Work gives a person the sense they are making a difference. This is critical in creating a sense of well-being and continued self-esteem. How can you tap into your resident’s passions and talents? This could be as simple as having them help with rolling silverware, or even better, find something they would like to do based on their past career or hobbies.

Self-Care for Dementia

Taking care of ourselves includes the big and the little things in our personal world of needs and includes attention to our body, mind, and spirit. Nurturing your outside nurtures your mind.

Leisure for Dementia

Leisure activities are fun to us, make us feel good, or give us joy. They can be either passive (watching a movie) or active (exercise class), but will always improve a person’s mood and energy levels. What does your resident enjoy doing?

Rest & Restoration for Dementia

Rest includes sleep but also time taken to recharge. Extroverts may need time with others; introverts may need time alone. Spiritual renewal is also a type of restoration. Can you recognize when someone might need rest & restoration?

Music for Dementia

Music taps into memory in a way nothing else does. Emotional memories are hard-wired in the brain rhythmically. Music is an effective and often quick way to elicit a sense of peace, joy, remembrance, and positive feelings for everyone. Use music at least twice a day to connect with your residents.

I have seen this personally impact my mom’s joy when I play a song she loved when she was young. She would respond to that song better than anything or anyone else. As a result of seeing music’s impact, I personally have started a “Dementia Playlist” where I put songs that are tied to memory for me. This I hope will help me if I show signs of dementia later in life.

Related Article: Six Ways Technology Can Help Dementia

Next Steps for Caring for Seniors with Dementia

The journey of caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but it’s also filled with opportunities for connection and meaningful interaction. By embracing the strategies outlined in this article – providing purposeful activities, supporting self-care, encouraging leisure, ensuring rest and restoration, and harnessing the power of music – caregivers, senior living directors, and family members can significantly enhance the well-being of individuals with dementia.

Remember, the focus should always be on preserving their dignity, fostering their sense of purpose, and celebrating the moments of joy that emerge throughout their journey. As you implement these approaches, observe what brings comfort and happiness to your loved one or resident, and adapt your care to their unique needs and preferences. With compassion, understanding, and a commitment to enriching their lives, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those living with dementia.