Tonight I’ve been looking over the “Help Sheets” from Alzheimer’s Australia. Though the help sheets are on Lewy Body Dementia (called “Lewy body disease”), I think the sheet on how caregivers can cope with cognitive changes applies to all of the disorders in our group. I’ve copied an excerpt below.
See: https://fightdementia.org.au/sites/default/files/helpsheets/Helpsheet-LewyBodyDisease02-CognitiveChanges_english.pdf
Cognitive Changes in Lewy Body Disease
Alzheimer’s Australia
2012
Excerpts follow:
A person with dementia associated with any of the Lewy body disorders is often described as being in a muddle or not quite right. Early in the course of the disease a partner or colleague may notice that papers are being moved around a desk or tasks previously completed easily are left unfinished.
- Recognise significant changes in behaviour. Suggest a medical assessment.
- Encourage the person to ask for assistance and develop strategies to ensure important tasks are completed.
- Ensure legal documents such as powers of attorney and wills are in place.
An early indication that a person has attentional, visuospatial and executive function problems is often a lack of confidence when driving. Passengers comment that roundabouts and busy intersections pose significant challenges.
- • If the person wishes to cease driving, accept their decision, rather than suggest that they are OK.
- If, as the passenger, you have concerns discuss it openly with your GP and ask for a driving assessment.
Shopping, outings and social functions, particularly when there are crowds or the venue is noisy, can be disturbing and result in the person becoming agitated or withdrawn.
- Learn to recognise the ‘good days’ and be flexible with arrangements.
- Organise meals with one or two friends or family rather than a large number.
- Select outings where you have some control over noise levels and crowd control.
- Attend important family celebrations for part of the time rather than not go at all. Go to other people’s places so you can leave early or organise respite for part of the day.
Partners may perceive that the person has become disinterested in the relationship and more self-absorbed. There may be changes in both conversation and non-verbal communication or gestures.
- Be patient and give the person plenty of time to interpret and respond.
- Irony and non-verbal gestures such as raised eyebrows and shoulder shrugs are difficult to understand – speak directly.
- Involve the person in decision making and life choices.
A person may appear to lose interest in pursuing hobbies and activities that require hand-eye coordination. Rather than being disinterested, this may be because of visuospatial deficits or the ability to plan and
execute the task.
- Accept the loss and do not put unrealistic expectations on the person.
- Choose other activities that are achievable and that involve you or a friend.
- Discuss news, current affairs and the local gossip, even if it appears to be a one way conversation.
Robin