By : Lamiaa Moustafa Elbosaty
The treatment of dementia can be divided into two parts as the following:
Non-Pharmacologic Treatment:
- Provide client with a structured, predictable routine (exercise, meals, and bed time should be routine and punctual).
- Explain all procedures and activities in simple and straight forward terms to the client before performing them.
- Simplify tasks, allow clients to dress in their own clothing, and maintain possessions.
- Use calendars, clocks, labels, or newspapers for orientation to time.
- Reduce excess stimulation and outings to crowded places (overexposure to environmental stimulation can lead to agitation and disorientation)
- Avoid glare from windows and mirrors, noise from TV, household clutter
- Equip doors and gates with safety locks
- Install grab bars by the toilet and in the shower
- Use lighting to reduce confusion and restlessness at night
- Use distraction and redirection of activities provide music, especially during meals and bathing (Cohen-Mansfied, 2003).
- Provide a safe environment: no sharp-edged furniture, slippery floors and throw rugs, and obtrusive electric cords. The following measures may be useful :
Safe: Extra safety measures are usually needed. For example, large signs can be posted as safety reminders (such as “remember to turn the § stove off”), or timers can be installed on stoves or electrical equipment. Hiding car keys may help prevent accidents and placing detectors on doors may help prevent wandering. If wandering is a problem, an identification bracelet or necklace is helpful.
§ Familiar: People with dementia usually function best in familiar surroundings. Moving to a new home or city, rearranging furniture, or even repainting can be disruptive.
§ Stable: Establishing a regular routine for bathing, eating, sleeping, and other activities can give people with dementia a sense of stability. Regular contact with the same people can also help.
§ Planned to help with orientation: A large daily calendar, a clock with large numbers, a radio, well-lit rooms, and a night-light can help with orientation. Also, family members or caregivers can make frequent comments that remind people with dementia of where they are and what is going on (Huang, 2008).
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