Snow, Ice, & Frigid Winds Heap New Challenges on Caregivers

The perils and discomfort of winter weather are fodder for the nightly news, but they present a whole different issue for caregivers of individuals with dementia. The caregiver’s task of having to come up with activities to fill the day now becomes one of limiting activities to those done indoors. An often resultant malady called cabin fever, courtesy of snow and ice, can make the day feel endless.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a few tips to help caregivers weather the storms:

1. When planning activities, think about how the person for whom you are caring historically enjoyed spending his or her time.
2. Adjust these activities so they are doable and safe, while also meaningful for the person with dementia and caregiver alike.
3. It is important not to infantilize the person by asking  them to do activities which may be below their current level of functioning.
4. When engaging in an activity, minimize distractions. Turn off the television and your cell phone.
5. Be present with the person during the activity. Give  the person you’re caring for your undivided attention, which will feel good for you both.

The Internet, of course, provides innumerable suggestions for indoor activity, but I just found a site, Elder One Stop, that offers ideas that go beyond “the usual.” Check it out at http://www.elder-one-stop.com/dementia-activities.html.

Posted by Patty Hagen, Director of Memory Care Programs, Charles E. Smith Life Communities

Leader in Advancing Alzheimer’s Research Reviews Challenges Ahead

Dr. Neil Buckholtz, National Institute on Aging

Dr. Neil Buckholtz, director of the Division of Neuroscience at the National Institute on Aging (NIH), explains that a long, difficult journey lies ahead for researchers worldwide striving to understand Alzheimer’s disease, develop better treatments to slow its progress and ultimately find a cure. Eventually, he says, “we hope to be able to delay the onset or prevent Alzheimer’s disease entirely.”

In a recent fascinating interview, Dr. Buckholtz lays out with precision the achievements to date and the goals and challenges for research professionals in academia, government and industry. Go to http://1.usa.gov/17PLIJM to read or hear “A conversation with… Dr. Neil Buckholtz.”

Readers may be interested in learning that Dr. Buckholtz participated in the May 2013 “Remember This” Symposium sponsored by the Hurwitz Lecture Fund at the Charles E. Smith Life Communities. The topic: Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Understanding and New Directions.

“The new national push on Alzheimer’s has re-energized all of us, I think, and has elevated research on Alzheimer’s in the national conversation about aging and health.”

When a Garden is More Than a Garden

  I just had a great conversation with residents at Cohen-Rosen House about the approach of spring and upcoming plans for our garden.

“What should we grow in our garden?” I asked. “What did you grow in your garden?  Fruits, vegetables, herbs?” I explained that everything we grow here can be used in the Cohen-Rosen kitchen and this was greeted with surprise and delight.

The conversation moved on to tomatoes. “Are they a vegetable or fruit?  And what about eggplants: vegetable or fruit?”

This is an encouraging example of how interest and anticipation can arise from a simple discussion of a life-long pleasure.

Caregivers might enjoy reading “Gardens for People with Dementia” at http://bit.ly/Zm7c6a.

The Beauty of Art…as Therapy

   A fascinating article titled Art Therapy Innovation, written by art therapist Erin Partridge, supports what I regularly witness in my work: “Living with dementia does not mean an end to expression and innovation.” Partridge describes a creative project that should be a solid dose of inspiration for anyone – professionals and family members alike – who provides daily care for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. I plan to share this with my own recreation specialists. Check it out at http://bit.ly/12XFP9l.