How To Remember The 7 A’s Of Dementia

Stages : Very Severe Decline

Stage seven is the final stage of Alzheimers. Because the disease is a terminal illness, people in stage seven are nearing death. In stage seven of the disease, people lose the ability to communicate or respond to their environment. While they may still be able to utter words and phrases, they have no insight into their condition and need assistance with all activities of daily living. In the final stages of;Alzheimers, people may lose their ability to swallow.

Need Alzheimers Care?

Stage : Moderately Severe Dementia

When the patient begins to forget the names of their children, spouse, or primary caregivers, they are most likely entering stage 6 of dementia and will need full time care. In the sixth stage, patients are generally unaware of their surroundings, cannot recall recent events, and have skewed memories of their personal past. Caregivers and loved ones should watch for:

• Delusional behavior

Symptoms Preceding Memory Impairment In Patients With Alzheimers Disease

Although medical help is usually not sought and the diagnosis of Alzheimer Dementia not made until the patient starts to develop the typical impairment in memory, several symptoms manifest themselves months or even years before the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimers disease is made. These include social withdrawal, paranoid delusions, language difficulties, difficulties learning new skills, and depression sometimes with suicidal ideation.

In the early stages of the disease, patients know that their cognitive functions are deteriorating and are no longer able to continue with their daily activities, especially their professional responsibilities. These early signs of dementia will be discussed in subsequent cases.

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Dementia Vs Alzheimers Disease

Dementia and Alzheimers disease are not the same. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of symptoms related to memory, language, and decision-making.

AD is the most common type of dementia. It causes difficulty with short-term memory, depression, disorientation, behavioral changes, and more.

Dementia causes symptoms such as forgetfulness or memory impairment, loss of sense of direction, confusion, and difficulty with personal care. The exact constellation of symptoms will depend on the type of dementia you have.

AD can also cause these symptoms, but other symptoms of AD may include depression, impaired judgment, and difficulty speaking.

Likewise, treatments for dementia depend on the type you have. However, AD treatments often overlap with other non-pharmacological dementia treatments.

In the case of some types of dementia, treating the underlying cause may be helpful in reducing or stopping the memory and behavior problems. However, that is not the case with AD.

Its absolutely normal to forget things once in a while. Memory loss by itself does not mean you have dementia. There is a difference between occasional forgetfulness and forgetfulness that is cause for serious concern.

Potential red flags for dementia include:

• forgetting who someone is
• forgetting how to do common tasks, such as how to use the telephone or find your way home
• inability to comprehend or retain information that has been clearly provided

Dementia Stages: How Fast Dementia Progresses Stages Of Dementia And More

Dementia is a progressive impairment of cognitive function caused by damage to the brain. Over time, a person with dementia will have increased difficulty with memory, understanding, communication, and reasoning.

Healthcare providers frequently speak about a persons dementia in terms of stages. This can be helpful for communicating with family or other healthcare providers regarding the persons illness, and it is important for determining an appropriate care plan.

How Fast Does Dementia Progress?

It is important to note that dementia progresses at different speeds for every person, and for different types of dementia. The most well-known form of dementia, Alzheimers disease, is just one specific type of dementia, and tends to have the slowest progression of all types. Some factors that affect the rate of progression include:

• Age
• Repeated infections

What are the Stages of Dementia?

There are a few different systems used to grade dementia — at the most basic there is early, moderate, and end. Many providers use the system developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg of New York University which includes 7 stages. The Reisberg scale is also known as the GDS or Global Deterioration Scale for Assessment of Primary Degenerative Dementia. This scale focuses primarily on cognitive abilities.

Dementia Stages in the Reisberg Scale

Dementia Stages in the FAST Scale

Dementia Stages in the CDR Scale

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Compassionate Care Strategies Using The 7 As Of Dementia

If youre caring for someone with dementia caused by Alzheimers disease or another brain disorder, it can be hard to truly understand how your loved one sees the world as their disease progresses. The 7 As of Dementia, or anosognosia, amnesia, aphasia, agnosia, apraxia, altered perception and apathy, represent changes that can happen in dementia patients because of damage to their brain.

Appreciating these possible changes can help you better connect with your loved one and use positive strategies to support their care. Though it is important to understand that someone living with dementia may not experience all of the As, they can appear in combination with each other and symptoms may be different for every person.

Agnosia: Inability To Recognize Common Objects Of People

Agnosia takes place as the frontal, occipital and temporal lobes of the brain become damaged. Behaviors associated with this A mean the brain develops an inability to recognize and use common everyday objects.

One example that illustrates the confusion between common objects is mistaking a toothbrush for a hairbrush. The brain may become confused because both items are brushes, or because both brushes are found in the bathroom. Maybe it is because both have handles and bristles and they are used for something around the head area.

Think about pens and pencils. These are easily confused too. Each instrument is held in the hand and each leaves marks on paper. Although this may not seem like much of a problem, the difference between signing a check with a pen and signing a check with a pencil can be costly.

Every day, without even thinking about it, we use a variety of objects to accomplish everything from cleaning and grooming to cooking and eating and more. Gradually, the ability of how to use these tools is lost by changes in the brain. The files are destroyed.

Take eating utensils, for instance. As an infant and then young child, you were fed liquids and then pureed food. As your coordination got better and your chewing skills developed, you were given finger foods or began to learn how to use a spoon. After the spoon, you began to use a fork, and finally a fork and knife.

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Stage : Moderately Severe Decline

During the fifth stage of Alzheimers, people begin to need help with many day-to-day activities. People in stage five of the disease may experience:

• Difficulty dressing appropriately
• Inability to recall simple details about themselves such as their own phone number
• Significant confusion

On the other hand, people in stage five maintain functionality. They typically can still bathe and toilet independently. They also usually still know their family members and some detail about their personal histories, especially their childhood and youth.

More Early Warning Signs Of Dementia

Its important for caregivers to know that dementia is;not;a normal part of aging.

Do you know the early signs of dementia and symptoms to watch for in the person you care for?

• Memory loss that affects day-to-day function
• Problems with language
• Disorientation of time and place
• Poor or decreased judgment
• Problems with abstract thinking, like recognizing what numbers mean
• Misplacing items around the house in unlikely places, such as the iron in the freezer
• Changes in mood or behaviour
• Changes in personality, like becoming confused or suspicious
• Loss of initiative

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The Diagnostic Clinical Features Of Alzheimer Dementia

The diagnostic clinical features that must be present for a clinical diagnosis of Probable Alzheimer Dementia to be made include the following:

Introduction To The Series Of Case Studies

Alzheimer Dementia and most other types of dementias are not rapidly fatal diseases: Patients often survive many years after the diagnosis is made. During this time, their mental functions deteriorate and their personality often changes. This can be distressing and unnerving to family, friends, and caregivers who often are at a loss: They simply do not know how to handle their loved one anymore.

Caretakers have to be constantly vigilant, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. They may not be able to take a break. As such, they become apprehensive, restless, mentally and physically exhausted, and prone to developing a number of diseases. The toll of dementia on the patients caregivers is often quite significant and frequently overlooked.

Patients with dementia appear unpredictable and may exhibit aberrant behaviors. Caregivers often state that they do not know when a catastrophic reaction will unexpectedly erupt. They find themselves caught up in the confusion, unable to change course and catastrophic outcome. They feel powerless and often guilty.

It is hoped that clinicians will find these case studies helpful and use this material to counsel and/or give to caregivers who seek their help with similar issues. The authors will appreciate any feedback readers may have as well as any recommendations about particular behaviors to discuss in future case studies.

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Stage : Age Associated Memory Impairment

This stage features occasional lapses of memory most frequently seen in:

• Forgetting where one has placed an object
• Forgetting names that were once very familiar

Oftentimes, this mild decline in memory is merely normal age-related cognitive decline, but it can also be one of the earliest signs of degenerative dementia. At this stage, signs are still virtually undetectable through clinical testing. Concern for early onset of dementia should arise with respect to other symptoms.

The Seven Stages Of Dementia

One of the most difficult things to hear about dementia is that, in most cases, dementia is irreversible and incurable. However, with an early diagnosis and proper care, the progression of some forms of dementia can be managed and slowed down. The cognitive decline that accompanies dementia conditions does not happen all at once – the progression of dementia can be divided into seven distinct, identifiable stages.

Learning about the stages of dementia can help with identifying signs and symptoms early on, as well as assisting sufferers and caretakers in knowing what to expect in further stages. The earlier dementia is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start.

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Stage : Mild Cognitive Impairment

Clear cognitive problems begin to manifest in stage 3. A few signs of stage 3 dementia include:

• Getting lost easily
• Noticeably poor performance at work
• Forgetting the names of family members and close friends
• Difficulty retaining information read in a book or passage
• Losing or misplacing important objects
• Difficulty concentrating

Patients often start to experience mild to moderate anxiety as these symptoms increasingly interfere with day to day life. Patients who may be in this stage of dementia are encouraged to have a clinical interview with a clinician for proper diagnosis.

The 7 Stages Of Dementia

Alzheimers disease and other common forms of dementia including vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia are progressive conditions, with symptoms worsening over time as the disease progresses. Learn more about the stages of dementia and what to expect from your loved one as dementia progresses.

Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, Alzheimers disease and dementia are two different terms. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe several conditions and it includes Alzheimers, as well as other conditions with shared symptoms.;More than mere forgetfulness, an individual must have trouble with at least two of the following cognitive areas to be diagnosed with dementia:

• Memory
• Reasoning and judgment
• Visual perception

The assessment tools used to determine which stage of dementia a person is experiencing are meant to be a guide and a rough outline of what caregivers can expect and when they can expect it. Some symptoms may occur later than others, others may appear in a different order than the scale predicts, and some may not appear at all. Some symptoms may appear and then vanish, while others will continue to worsen over time. Because every person is different and dementia manifests itself uniquely, the speed at which dementia progresses varies widely. On average, a person with Alzheimers disease lives 4 to 8 years after a diagnosis, but some have been seen to live as long as 20 years.

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How Would You Feel

The problems caused by the As can cause extreme anxiety for those who suffer from dementia. Imagine how frightening the world would be if you could not recognize food items, a toothbrush or toilet, clothing, a vacuum or stove, or rooms in your own home.

Imagine how frightening the world would be if you suddenly realized when out on a walk or drive that you had no idea where you were or how to get home safely. Can you imagine how scary the world would be if people you no longer recognized regularly appeared in your house and tried to make you eat food or take a bath or change your clothes?

As difficult as it is, you must understand when someone doesnt recognize an object such as a toilet, or a person as important as her own husband or child, that person is not pretending or being stubborn. Instead of getting frustrated or mad, youll need to try and find a way around the problem. For objects and rooms, you might try putting labels on them, though this will only work for a while.

Dealing with the inability to recognize people, however, is more complicated. If someone you didnt know suddenly appeared in your house, you would be frightened. You might try to fight off the stranger or you might scream for help. Chances are you would want the police to assist you.;

The 4 As Of Alzheimers Disease

By Jonathan Wells 8 am on February 16, 2015

Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimers will display certain recognizable behaviors as a result of changes in the brain. Often characterized by stages, these brain changes occur as the various regions responsible for memories or bodily functions are affected over time. If you provide home care for an aging parent or loved one with Alzheimers, recognizing these phases also referred to as the 4 As of Alzheimers can help you provide the highest level of quality care as the disease progresses.

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Stage : Severe Decline

People with the sixth stage of Alzheimers need constant supervision and frequently require professional care. Symptoms include:

• Confusion or unawareness of environment and surroundings
• Inability to recognize faces except for the closest friends and relatives
• Inability to remember most details of personal history
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Major personality changes and potential behavior problems
• The need for assistance with activities of daily living such as toileting and bathing
• Wandering

Remember Me: Faith In The Face Of Dementia

Note: This article was originally published in the July 2018 issue of The Mennonite.

Scattered through Scripture are calls to remember.

Texts such as Deuteronomy 32 and Psalm 105 admonish the people to remember the days of old and recite the salvation story all the actions of God on their behalf. Remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there is the reason repeatedly given for why the people should follow Gods commandments, especially in their care for the marginalized . There are calls to remember the wilderness wanderings , the covenant with God , our past alienation from God and the words of the prophets and Jesus . Jesus commanded us to observe the Lords supper in remembrance of him . Remembering God and Gods activity appears to lie at the foundation of our faith.

This journey has also prompted me to re-evaluate the way we define personhood and faith. Our culture emphasizes rational thought as the essence of our personhood . Often we view faith as belief or the ability to articulate belief. And as noted earlier, many Scripture passages stress the importance of remembering. If we lose the ability to articulate thoughts, as gradually happens with dementia, or if we are no longer able to remember, do we also lose our very personhood? Our faith?

No, the essence of our personhood and our faith is not our ability to remember. We are beloved children of God not because we remember God but because God remembers us.

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Turning Points/triggers That Led To This Aberrant Behavior

Doris told her mother they were going to Church

She did not ask her. Martha may not have wanted to go to Church. Many patients with dementia, especially Alzheimer Dementia, prefer to avoid social gatherings or any activity during which they are likely to interact with other people. They are often unable to remember the names of people they know and not able to recognize people they should know. These interactions are often stressful because as far as the patient with dementia is concerned she will be meeting strangers who seem to know her, but she has no idea who they are. Avoiding social gatherings is often one of the earlier manifestations of Alzheimer Dementia, often before the memory impairment becomes obvious.

Could it have been avoided?

As much as possible, patients with dementia should be involved, or at least should feel involved, in the decision-making process. This will make them feel relevant, secure, and needed. Besides, had Martha been asked if she wanted to go to Church, chances are high she would have chosen to stay home and the entire situation would have been avoided.

Doris told her mother to get dressed. She has given Martha an order.

Patients with Alzheimer Dementia often have paranoid delusions. They may misinterpret the actions of others. Martha is annoyed. She feels Doris is ordering her and she does not like to be told what to do.

Could it have been avoided?

Could it have been avoided?

Could it have been avoided?

Could it have been avoided?