The 7 A’s of Dementia

Caring for someone with dementia means facing daily challenges, but understanding their perspective as the disease progresses can make it easier to provide the right care and handle surprises. Dementia affects over 55 million people globally and ranks as the seventh leading cause of death, according to the World Health Organization. It comes in various forms, like vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and the more commonly known Alzheimer’s disease. Each person’s experience with dementia is different, with symptoms that can be mild or severe and develop slowly or suddenly. While we all forget things occasionally, frequent memory issues that interfere with someone’s ability to live independently could be a sign of something more serious.

The 7 A’s of Dementia is a useful framework for managing dementia symptoms. It breaks down the impact of dementia into distinct cognitive and behavioural changes. This model helps caregivers and healthcare professionals provide dementia help and tailor care to those affected.

Anosognosia: The Unawareness of Illness

Anosognosia is often perceived as denial or stubbornness. In reality, it stems from brain damage that hinders a person’s ability to acknowledge their own condition. It can complicate treatment because individuals may not understand why they need support, leading to frustration, refusal of treatment, or defensive behaviour. They might not follow medical advice or safety recommendations. Dementia care strategies often include consistent, gentle reminders and structured routines to help manage their daily activities without overwhelming them. Instead of trying to convince your loved one that they have dementia, focus on implementing changes that ensure their safety. Help them to engage more in activities they enjoy by using positive language to suggest doing activities together.

Agnosia: The Inability to Recognize

Agnosia refers to the loss of the ability to recognize objects, faces, voices, or places despite having functioning sensory organs. It typically results from damage to specific areas of the brain, which are responsible for processing sensory information. A person may fail to recognize a common object, like a key. This can lead to confusion and frustration. They might mistakenly allow strangers into their home, confusing them with familiar faces. It’s helpful to regularly introduce yourself and other caregivers to reinforce familiarity. For dementia home care, demonstrate the proper use of everyday items, which can aid in recognition and safety. Keeping potentially hazardous items out of reach and labelling how to operate complex appliances can prevent accidents.

Aphasia: The Communication Barrier

Aphasia is characterized by the deterioration of language skills, affecting both the ability to speak and understand others. This can range from having difficulty finding the right words to a complete loss of the ability to communicate verbally. Aphasia makes it challenging for individuals to express their needs and impacts social interactions, potentially leading to isolation. Dementia care involves using simple, clear sentences, speaking slowly and allowing plenty of time for your loved one to respond. You can rely on non-verbal cues, such as gestures, while avoiding sudden movements. Maintain a calm, supportive tone to help ease communication difficulties. Be observant of non-verbal cues that may suggest they are experiencing discomfort or pain.

Apraxia: The Disruption of Voluntary Movements

Apraxia results in a deterioration of motor skills and coordination, complicating daily tasks like handling utensils, buttoning shirts, or climbing stairs. Patients may feel embarrassed and be reluctant to attempt challenging activities. To help manage apraxia, break down tasks into simpler, smaller steps. Engage in gentle, regular exercise like tai chi or simple stretching to improve coordination and muscle control. Adapt with user-friendly gadgets like touch lamps or slip-on shoes instead of lace-up ones. To enhance dementia home care, install grab bars and railings in key areas like bathrooms and along staircases to ensure safety.

Altered Perception: The Warped Sense of Reality

Individuals with dementia may experience altered perception, where their sense of reality is distorted. This can manifest as misinterpretations of reflections in mirrors, mistaking objects for something else, or feeling lost in familiar places. Such distortions can lead to confusion and fear. Dementia home care may include modifications like adequate lighting and simple, clear signage, along with reassuring, reality-oriented interactions from caregivers, which are critical in managing symptoms.

Apathy: The Lack of Initiative

Apathy, or a lack of motivation, is characterized by indifference and a general disinterest in life activities. This can be particularly distressing for families who see their loved ones withdrawing from the world. Engagement through favourite hobbies, social interactions, and physical exercise can help counteract apathy. It’s important for caregivers providing dementia home care to initiate these activities gently and patiently, encouraging participation without forcing it.

Amnesia: The Fading Memory

Amnesia, a common symptom of dementia, initially impacts short-term memory. Long-term memory might remain intact longer, but it also eventually declines. This can lead individuals to repeat statements or cling to specific memories or stories. They may also feel overwhelmed by new information, forget familiar faces, and lose track of time. Patience is crucial in dementia care. Focus on routine, the use of memory aids like calendars and to-do lists and creating a supportive environment that reduces the need for constant recall. Surrounding your loved one with photos of family and friends can also help trigger memories and provide comfort.

Home Care for Dementia

Having a caregiver provide dementia help at home offers significant benefits. Your loved ones can live in a familiar, comfortable setting that adapts to their changing needs. An experienced caregiver creates a structured and secure environment that minimizes confusion and anxiety. They establish routine schedules and use clear, simple communication, which helps stabilize the daily life of the person they’re caring for. At Home Concierge, we meticulously select the most qualified candidates after a comprehensive screening, including a Vulnerable Sector background check. Once hired, our team members undergo extensive, multi-stage training and are certified in dementia care. We also ensure that our caregivers are well-matched with your loved ones to provide personalized and compassionate care.

Find peace of mind with Home Concierge’s expert dementia care, delivered in the comfort of your own home. Our well-trained and certified caregivers provide you with dementia help so you can create a secure, supportive environment that nurtures independence. Reach out today.