Dementia and Parkinson’s -Seven Do’s and Don'ts
About half of the individuals develop dementia and significant memory or cognitive problems in the course of Parkinson’s disease.Initially, patients have slow thinking and may need more time to respond to questions. Most patients with Parkinson’s disease do not have memory problems in the beginning of the course of the disease. The memory and intellectual functioning gradually gets worse and negatively affects the activities of daily living.
Initially,Parkinson’spatients may experience mild cognitive deficits with impaired planning, organization of goal-directed activity, visuospatial deficits, impaired problem-solving, and problems with learning. Once patients develop evident dementia, their condition may deteriorate, increasing their disability and need for long-term placement.
Suggestions for those noticing memory issues with Parkinson’s!
1.When making a decision, give yourself enough time and avoid stressful situations.
2.To remember something specific, repeating several times may help to recall it later.
3.Relaxing and waiting may also help recalling.
4.Write down tasks and grocery items.Notepads can be very handy, use it to write down important information. Read the list a second time and keep it in your pocket.
5.Using a calendar to note important dates and events.
6.Staying positive is essential. Doubting your memory may cause you to become forgetful.
7.Always place things where they should be so it is easier to locate them later.
Suggestions for care partners and others!
1.Try not to argue with patients or correct each trivial mistake or tell them that they are wrong.
2.While talking to them one should not say “Remember when…”
3.One should avoid assuming that they can’t speak for themselvesand should let them speak for themselves as much as possible.
4.They should not be reminded of death of their loved ones or things that usually upset them.
5.They should not be addressed with other than their preferred name.
6.One should never lose patience with them, or tell them, “I just told you” or “you have already asked me” or “you are repeating same thing.”
7.One should not talk about them to others in front of them or discuss their situation in front of them to others.
Source: http://www.pdprogram.org/
