Health Topics for Neurological Health

Memory Disorders Clinic

Stroke Clinic

Department of Neurology

Pediatrics Neurology

Supportive care for progressive dementia

Dementia is the gradual loss of mental functions such as the ability to think, reason, remember, and plan resulting from a disease or a disorder of the brain. It often includes emotional and personality changes. In progressive dementia, a person loses more and more mental abilities over a period of time. Alzheimer's disease can produce dementia. Dementia can be a symptom of several diseases. Sometimes the cause of dementia is not found. It is by far most common in the elderly. Caring for a person with dementia can be an immense challenge for a family.

If you are caring for a person with dementia in your home, the following guidelines may help:

• Consult the person's healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of the problem.
• Identify and eliminate home hazards, such as throw rugs or poor lighting.
• Seek out a day care center for people with dementia. This will give you some relief and keep the person involved with his or her peers.

There are techniques that often help with problem behavior. They are based on rewarding positive behaviors. For example, pay attention only when the person tries to communicate appropriately. You may need to tell him when and where to use the skills he retains. People with dementia often can't recall the context for skills they learn. Careful use of medication may help to control disruptive behaviors.

Assistance services may be available in your area. They may include visiting nurses, adult day care, or adult protective services. Counseling may help the family to cope with problems and keep the person at home as long as possible.

However, when a family is unable to continue caring for the person, other options include residential care and convalescent homes. Care for a person with dementia outside of the home should include belongings familiar to the person.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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