Strategies For Persons with Strategies For Persons with Developmental Disabilities Developmental Disabilities

Having symptoms of Having symptoms of Alzheimer'sAlzheimer's

MemoryMemoryJust a line to say I’m living, that I’m not among

the dead; though I’m getting more forgetful and mixed up in my head.

For sometimes I can’t remember when I stand at the foot of the stairs if I must go up for something or I’ve just come down from there.

And before the refrigerator, so often my poor mind is filled with doubt, have I just put food away or have I come to take some out?

I’ve got used to my arthritis, to my dentures I’m resigned, I can manage by bifocals, but, Oh God, I miss my mind!

Alzheimer's LossesAlzheimer's LossesShort Term Memory

New learning ability

Reasoning and abstracting

Judgment, planning and foresight

Language skills

Inhibition/impulse control

Sense of intimacy

Behavioral ChangesBehavioral ChangesPacingRummagingHand wringingAgitation

InsistencePublic Masturbation

FearfulnessSexual commentsHallucinations/DelusionsWithdrawal

Repeating questions

Physical FactorsPhysical Factors

Urinary tract infections Bowel impaction Dehydration Seizures Pain/discomfort Mood swings

StrategiesStrategies

Provide quiet time Alleviate boredom Avoid many changes Keep choices simple keep consistent schedule Reduce stimuli Provide decaf beverages Limit length of conversation

Communication TechniquesCommunication Techniques

Identify yourself Use calm, clear voice Eliminate background noise Use short, simple sentences Use one-step commands Ask yes/no questions Use word cues

Make direct eye contact

Written Communication

Label the environment

Keep a schedule of the day

Use notes as reminders

Non-Verbal Communications

Use an open, gentle approach

Hold out items

Wave goodbye

Use expression of concern

Nod your head

Increasing Quality Increasing Quality of Lifeof Life

Use the R’sUse the R’s

Remain calm Respond to feelings Reassure the person Remove yourself Return later

And Also:And Also:Be aware of client needs, information and

resources available

Identify aspects of disease and screen their problems

Provide treatment through program development

Advocate and refer for further treatment

ProgrammingProgrammingReality Orientation: Brings information

regarding time, place, person, and things

Sensory Stimulation: Activities are presented to accentuate a particular sense

Re-socialization: Uses group techniques to stress interpersonal relationships

Attitude!

Attitude!