Hillsborough County Update 

February 2013

Adapted from the Alzheimer's Association Behavior Brochure

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) can cause a person to act in different and unpredictable ways. Some individuals with ADRD become anxious or aggressive. Others repeat certain questions or gestures. Many misinterpret what they hear.

These types of reactions can lead to misunderstanding, frustration and tension, particularly between the person with dementia and the caregiver. It is important to understand that the person is not acting that way on purpose. Individuals with ADRD are not mad at you but rather are trying to convey a message.

Behavior may be related to:

Three-Step Approach

Use this three-step approach to help identify common behaviors and their causes:

Identify and examine the behavior

• What was the behavior? Is it harmful to the individual or others?
• What happened just before the behavior occurred? Did something trigger it?
• What happened immediately after the behavior occurred? How did you react?
• Consult a physician to identify any causes related to medications or illness.

Explore potential solutions

• What are the needs of the person with dementia? Are they being met?
• Can adapting the surroundings comfort the person?
• How can you change your reaction or your approach to the behavior? Are you responding in a calm and supportive way?

Try different responses

• Did your new response help?
• Do you need to explore other potential causes and solutions? If so, what can you do differently?

For more information visit the Caregiver Center.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu. 
• Learn more at Take 3 Steps

For more information visit the Key Facts About Influenza.    

Communication Tip

From a family caregiver in the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter region. 

"My husband is having trouble hearing so when I start to talk to him I ask him to look at me.....he has had lip reading training and can read lips very well....that seems to keep him from yelling at me...."What did you say?"

The above tip highlights the importance of accommodating for hearing or vision impairments of the person being cared for. Dementia affects a person's ability to speak and understand language; deficits in hearing and vision can compound difficulties with understanding. The caregiver can help by:

1. Encourage the person to wear their hearing aid and/or glasses (be sure batteries are working and glasses are clean!)
2. Approach the person from the front.
3. Make eye contact
4. Speak slowly and clearly

For more communication tips click here.

Correction: January's tip was submitted by a caregiver in Polk County

Note: The information in this column is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Stephanie McGovern, Program Specialist
Phone: 813.684.1296 Fax: 813.685.7213
mcgoverns@alzflgulf.org

AJ Cipperly, Program Specialist
Phone: 727.259.2312 Fax: 727.578.2286
cipperlya@alzflgulf.org

Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
www.alz.org/flgulfcoast