Dementia
In Brief
Cognitive loss in memory, language, problem solving, visual perception, self-management, and focus.
The 7 A’s of Dementia
(changes that can occur in people with dementia):
1) Anosognosia (unaware)
2) Aphasia (language loss)
3) Agnosia (loss of recognition)
4) Apraxia (loss of purposeful movement)
5) Amnesia
6) Altered perception (visual)
7) Apathy
Quotes
“A family’s profound challenge is grieving the loss of someone who is still alive.” ~ Unknown
“Dementia is random, relentless and frighteningly common.” ~ Laurie Graham
“Life’s twilight can’t extinguish loved one’s values and underlying personality. They hang on to these, and so must we.” ~ Unknown
“No one can change the outcome, but we can change journey.” ~Tara Reed
“We’ll be friends until we’re old and senile; then we’ll be new friends.” Anonymous
Resources
Websites
Alz.org
Dementiasociety.org
ThisCaringHome.org
Mayoclinic.org
PsychCentral.com
Movies
Still Alice. Away from Her
The Father
The Savages
The Notebook
Elizabeth is Missing
Still Mine
Books
The 36-Hour Day
N. Mace, P. Rabbins
A Loving Approach to Dementia Care
L. Wayman
The Caregiver’s Guide to Dementia
G. Weatherill, RN, CAEd
Alzheimer’s Daughter
J. Lee.
Residential Care Pros
Families often find 24-hour home care is physically and emotionally impossible.
Residential Care Cons
Resistance, Guilt, Cost, Quality control.
