Dementia - what to ask your doctor
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You are caring for someone who has dementia. Below are questions you may want to ask their health care provider to help you take care of that person.
I Would Like to Learn About:
Questions
Are there ways that I can help someone remember things around the home?
How should I talk with someone who is losing or has lost their memory?
- What type of words should I use?
- What is the best way to ask them questions?
- What is the best way to give instructions to someone with memory loss?
How can I help someone with dressing? Are some clothes or shoes easier? Will an occupational therapist be able to teach us skills?
What is the best way to react when the person I am caring for becomes confused, hard to manage, or does not sleep well?
- What can I do to help the person calm down?
- Are there activities that are more likely to agitate them?
- Can I make changes around the home that will help keep the person calmer?
What should I do if the person I am caring for wanders around?
- How can I keep them safe when they do wander?
- Are there ways to keep them from leaving the home?
How can I keep the person I am caring for from hurting themselves around the house?
- What should I hide?
- Are there changes I should make in the bathroom or kitchen?
- Are they able to take their own medicines?
What are the signs that driving is becoming unsafe?
- How often should this person have a driving evaluation?
- What are the ways I can lessen the need for driving?
- What are the steps to take if the person I am caring for refuses to stop driving?
What diet should I give this person?
- Are there hazards I should watch for while this person is eating?
- What should I do if this person starts to choke?
Related Information
References
Budson AE, Solomon PR. Life adjustments for memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. In: Budson AE, Solomon PR, eds. Memory Loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and Dementia: A Practical Guide for Clinicians. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 28.
Fazio S, Pace D, Maslow K, Zimmerman S, Kallmyer B. Alzheimer's Association dementia care practice recommendations. Gerontologist. 2018;58(Suppl_1):S1-S9. PMID: 29361074 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29361074/.
National Institute on Aging website. Forgetfulness: knowing when to ask for help. order.nia.nih.gov/publication/forgetfulness-knowing-when-to-ask-for-help. Updated December 2020. Accessed January 17, 2023.