Dementia
A Glorious opportunity
1
What is Dementia
Progressive, not just memory loss
Reduced attention span, ability to do
things, understand or communicate
May get lost or not recognise people
Caused by amyloid plaques/tau
tangles (‘rungs’ in communication
ladders)
Same effect from TIA’s (mini strokes)
2
Yesterday Today Forever Jesus is
the same
Do we believe this, as how God sees
us?
Yesterday Most remember how a
person used to be in the past
Today Some recognise the worth of the individual as
they are today and treat them with respect and dignity
Forever Christians should see how the person will be
welcomed in heaven and treat them accordingly
3
There is always a reason
‘Every communication has a
purpose, the challenge is to
discover it.
No word or action is meaningless,
what sounds like nonsense or
repetition is, to express a feeling,
to show a need, to give information
or to get a response.
What appears to be inappropriate,
may be a form of communication.’
4
Words
The meaning of words may
become disconnected from their
sounds so may not understand, or
be able to construct a logical
sentence in reply, may produce a
word salad.
May not understand letters in
words so reading can be difficult.
Talking about something familiar
might enable them to ‘join in.
5
Actions
Perhaps a need is being
expressed.
Wandering may have a purpose
or be responding to an
hallucination.
Sleep patterns might get
muddled.
Might not recognise an item
(fork) so not know what to do
with it.
6
Visual Spatial
Might not recognise self in a
mirror and think it is someone
else.
May misjudge the edge of the
table or bathroom furniture unless
distinct/contrasting colours.
Pouring liquids can be tricky or
dangerous.
7
Questions
Asking What time is it?,
might just mean,
“I have no idea what I am
meant to be doing”.
Asking Can I go home?,
perhaps means
“I do not feel comfortable ”
8
Strange behaviours
Aggression often due to frustration
misinterpretation of events such as
reflections in windows or mirrors
Incontinence can sometimes just be forgetting to go
Might not be able to distinguish dreams from reality.
Don’t laugh or call them a liar, is it a fantasy?
Unwillingness to ‘cooperate’ may be due to fear eg
showers may not have been used in their childhood
9
SITUATIONS that can precipitate
agitation or confusion
Large Gatherings
Noise
Unfamiliar People
A Task that is too complicated
Travel
Unfamiliar Surroundings
Illness
10
When agitated
Don’t ask questions
Don’t overwhelm with words
Simplify/calm the environment
Reassure, show what to do, make a cup of tea
Too many people - take to a quieter place.
Engage in a familiar activity a walk or a car ride.
Playing suitable music can calm and reassure
11
When visiting
Approach from the front
Don’t tap on the back
Introduce yourself with context
Wear bright clothes
Talk about hobbies, or subjects, that meant a great
deal earlier in their life.
Show videos or pictures of events or outings.
12
Feelings remain when facts are
forgotten
Exit strategy
Absent people
Affirming statements
Reasons to sit
(No need to tell lies)
SPECAL explained in
Contented Dementia
13
Pastoral Visiting
research their background, if possible
use a bible version familiar to them (not you) common
prayer book, SU resources
brief visits, approach from front, sit near, make eye
contact, look interested, calm, perhaps touch hand
talk slowly, clearly, one subject at a time, be patient
don’t ask questions tell of God’s unconditional love
reassure of God’s acceptance, confirm spiritual truths
14
Resources
Books explaining why & how
Contented Dementia .. Oliver James
And still the music plays... Graham Stokes
Dementia Frank & Linda’s story .. Louise Morse
Books by those with A
Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out .. Richard Taylor
My journey into Alzheimer's .. Rev Robert Davis
Still Alice .. Lisa Genova
Novel explaining what it is like for a professional to have A
15
Carers
Dementia also effects the carers
Can become exhausted and very depressed and hide it well
Need a break from the responsibilities
some family members even go abroad to escape
Suffer great guilt if unable to cope
This can add to their loss/grieving and may be hypersensitive
Younger people can find it more distressing
they may feel trapped and be fearful re their own future
Some aren’t able to make use of offered help
walk their path with them
16
Novel by Carer
How do we see it?
Alzheimer’s photo 2010
Our society glorifies youth individual
accomplishment and independence.
The Maoris have a shared `memory’
and all age groups equally valued.
Zulu proverb `a person becomes a
person through other people’.
Christians all members of one body.
17
Dementia
A Glorious opportunity
18