Dos & Don’ts for Dementia

Dos

Stick to a routine. A person with dementia fears changes. When making a schedule, consider the person’s interest & previous life routine.

Stimulate the brain constantly. They can be encouraged to do Sudoko, read the newspaper, do puzzles, listen to music, watch TV, Let them smell the coffee brewing; give them a good body massage once in a while; hang pictures of the family on the walls where they can see them. Have a room which has a good view of the outside world, so that they can what time of the day it is.

Visitors can help. But ask them to come at a specific time. Brief them about the condition of the patient.

Dementia can cause loss of bowel & bladder control in the patient. Seek help from the physician to evaluate it. Toilet training will help. A diaper or urinary catheter can help to some extent.

If the person is confined to his bed, he can be sponge bathed. If he is mobile, encourage daily bathing. Avoid evening & late night baths.

Don’t

Don’t just confine patients to a room. Let them eat at the dining table; get them to do chores at home- like watering the plants, folding the clothes, wiping the dishes etc. The practice of confining the patient to a room is recommended only in the later stages of the disease.