Interventions for Dementia By :Nicole Atkinson

Dementia What is dementia? The term “dementia” is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke and many other rarer conditions. Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.

Dementia Interventions A caregiver or nurse can generate intervention for a dementia relative or patient. Helping relative/patients to deal with memory and intellectual problems may improve their abilities during the early stages of illness. Examples Allowing patients to be involved in simple activities. Getting them to remember small things such as a name, number, food, etc

Discourse & Language Interventions for Dementia Patients Discourse and language are what helps us as a society to interact with one another. Describing things in more detail Slow down speed of speech Asking open-ended questions-who,what, where,when,why ???? This will help the patient talk more and communicate.

More Discourse &Language Interventions Listening very carefully Look for gestures and expressions Understand that everyone doesn’t communicate the same Basically try to improve pragmatic deficits Help to improve their verbal skills

Conclusion There are a lot of barriers such as age, disorders, and language that can interfere with communication making it more difficult. When this happens, we as people must look for more ways of intervention.