Memory Care for Alzheimer's Patients

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline. It's the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The disease's hallmark is plaques and tangles in the brain, leading to neuron death. This results in memory loss, confusion, and a decline in cognitive function. The earliest symptom of Alzheimer's disease is usually a difficulty in remembering newly learned information. As the disease progresses, symptoms can range from confusion and disorientation to changes in behavior and mood swings. The disease is typically diagnosed through a series of tests that assess cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills. Alzheimer's disease currently has no known cure., and available treatments only manage the symptoms of the disease.

Usually, memory-loss issues become more significant as Alzheimer's disease progresses. They may come to feel disoriented and start experiencing disruptions in behavior and judgment. There is a lot of disappointment, hopelessness, and embarrassment, which may also lead to depression. Stress, frustration, and depression due to the inability to recall past information and activities in a normal manner can lead to them feeling cross, defensive, or angry when they find themselves in a situation beyond their control. With every step of the progression of the disease, an individual suffering from Alzheimer's disease would require more support from their relatives, peers, and caregivers.

Memory Care Approaches

Person-centered care

Observing the patient's past and routines can also illustrate symptoms of memory loss and aid in memory care planning. Use the Alzheimer's symptom guide and daily activity planner to document the patient's response to any given day and to help establish a daily routine based on personal preferences. The survey gathers valuable insight into the patient's past so that memory care providers can recognize triggers, redirect fears and behaviors, and respond proactively to challenges.

Cognitive stimulation therapy

Cognitive stimulation in Alzheimer's dementia has been described as a specific set of activities that aim to stimulate the higher levels of the brain that are involved in memory, thinking, and reasoning. Cognitive stimulation therapy involves a range of activities and discussions, including music, physical exercise, word games, and puzzles. It is a form of non-pharmacological treatment for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia that has been shown in research studies to be associated with a range of benefits, such as better quality of life and thinking skills. Most cognitive stimulation programs are designed to last for up to 45 minutes and involve a small group of people with Alzheimer's. Cognitive stimulation therapy has gone beyond traditional cognitive training methods, which are usually aimed towards improving particular cognitive functions such as memory or problem solving. It has been developed in response to the needs and wishes of people with dementia who have identified the first and most important outcome for them was: "to have fun and enjoy themselves".

Reminiscence therapy

Reminiscence therapy can take many forms, from group therapy sessions where participants share memories and mementos from their past to one-to-one sessions with a focus on objects and documents specific to a person's life. All should focus on life story work, preserving life experiences thus far, and celebrating achievements. The therapy allows patients to feel like themselves again and helps maintain and/or develop a sense of self. Often, handmade books or scrapbooks containing photographs, documents, and letters are put together, making it easier for carers to communicate with the person with dementia. These books help with identity and can be a great visual aid to assist with difficult tasks such as getting dressed. It is thought that people with advanced dementia respond to things that work on their emotions, such as personal music -- something that may cause a response due to an event that the person with dementia associates with the music.

Memory Care Facilities

Assisted Living Communities

For those in the middle stages of Alzheimer's, where 24-hour care is not needed, an assisted living community may be a potential option. In such facilities, patients with Alzheimer's will have the opportunity to live in semi-independent quarters while maintaining the how of help they require with daily activities. Many of these housing communities structure the programs they offer to cater to the needs of patients with dementia. In these programs, you may find things such as designed memory-layouts or medication management programs, which may help the patient feel more at home living in the community.

Memory care units within Nursing homes

Individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia may choose to live in a memory care unit within a nursing home, where they can receive continuous medical care and assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and managing medications. Staff members are also trained to understand the specifics of Alzheimer's, and the facilities are equipped with security features to prevent elopements. Additionally, residents who are transferred to memory care units have the same rights and privileges that are available to those in other parts of the facility. However, wanting to keep them safe is the highest priority. On some occasions, residents in the memory care unit may walk around a central courtyard because residents in the community dwellings may walk away from the building.

Standalone Memory Care Facilities

Direct staff at standalone Alzheimer's facilities are specially trained to handle the cognitive and physical difficulties of the disease. People with Alzheimer's disease often have significant brain damage that leads to requiring constant care. This may include assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom. However, it's important to note that assisted living facilities are not obligated to provide skilled nursing care, as explained by ADEAR.This may be a problem when a resident's physical needs become too complicated for the facility to manage.

Bibliography

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2. Zanetti, Orazio, et al. "Effectiveness of procedural memory stimulation in mild Alzheimer's disease patients: A controlled study." Neuropsychological rehabilitation 11.3-4 (2001): 263-272. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09602010042000088)

3. Nourhashemi, Fati, et al. "Effectiveness of a specific care plan in patients with Alzheimer's disease: cluster randomised trial (PLASA study)." Bmj 340 (2010). (https://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c2466.short)

4. Parahoo, Kader, et al. "Expert nurses' use of implicit memory in the care of patients with Alzheimer's disease." Journal of advanced nursing 54.5 (2006): 563-571. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.03864.x)

5. Calkins, Margaret P. "Memory care and Alzheimer's units." Environmental Psychology and Human Well-Being. Academic Press, 2018. 365-386. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128114810000147)