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What is dementia? Part 4 – Understanding Aphasia

Again this is not one of our original but a repost from https://kateswaffer.com/2016/09/24/what-is-dementia-part-4-understanding-aphasia/ She has done a far better job of explaining than I could have. To read the entire article click on the link at the bottom.

In my continuing series on What is dementia?, Part 4 I promised to review aphasia. It suddenly seems more relevant to me as well just now too; I was diagnosed with PPA when first diagnosed with a front temporal dementia, although had seemed to stave off the progression with speech pathology techniques. However in this last few weeks, it is getting noticeably worse, and my ability to read, handwrite, understand others, comprehend what I read and speak is becoming much more difficult.

Many types or causes of dementia also have similar symptoms such as memory loss and can include varying types of aphasia. The National Aphasia Association in the USA defines aphasia like this:

Please click on the link to read the rest of the article

Source: What is dementia? Part 4 – Understanding Aphasia

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Memes

beautiful beauty blue bright
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Thanks for visiting our page of original memes.  You are free to share these in their original unaltered state.

FYI if you are here you probably know what a meme is. It is pronounced meem it rhymes with ‘team’ or in our case ‘queen’. “The word is a shortened form of memetics the study of information and culture based on an analogy with Darwinian evolution. Proponents describe memetics as an approach to evolutionary models of cultural information transfer.” They have often been used to spread false information because it requires additional effort to search the accuracy of the statement. However, now they take various forms of inspirational, religious, motivational, or cultural awareness. We make every effort to make sure our memes are accurate and factional.

Kim is the ‘Meme Queen’ if you have a meme that you would like to share with us, please email support@whatarekeys.com and put ‘meme’ in the subject line.

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What is dementia? Part 3

Again this is not an original post but a repost from https://kateswaffer.com/2016/09/22/what-is-dementia-part-3/ It is necessary to follow the link at the bottom of this post to read the rest of the article

In my continuing series on What is dementia?, for part 3, I am explaining in more detail, the two infographics published earlier this month. Please do let me know if I have any information incorrect! I am doing my best to ensure it is both accurate and easily understood by those of us living with or supporting someone with dementia. They are not meant to be necessary for medical or nursing students, although they may be helpful to them.

Many people ask is Alzheimer’s Disease dementia.

Many who have been diagnosed with dementia are told their dementia is FTD or PPA.

I often hear clinical experts and researchers say, ‘Alzheimer’s or dementia’, also implying that Alzheimer’s is not dementia.

 

Please click on the link to read the rest of ‘What is Dementia Part 3’ Source: What is dementia? Part 3

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What is dementia? Part 2

Again this is not one of our original post but a reprint from https://kateswaffer.com/2016/09/19/what-is-dementia-part-2/A

There is no time today to write a blog, or for anything other than adding this graphic, which is also from our book, Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia released last week. Like the umbrella graphic from a couple of days ago, this does not outline every single symptom but is an overview of what to expect from damage in the different areas of the brain. Again this was produced by my BUB, but the information within the boxes comes from Lee-Fay and myself; we felt a simple graphic like this would be helpful as an overview of the disabilities caused by the various symptoms of dementia, specific to which area of the brain is affected.

Source: What is dementia? Part 2

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“What is dementia?” Part 1

One of the Questions that I am asked most is what is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia. Often the initial diagnosis is the catch-all phrase dementia. Then later after the disease progresses and further testing you may get a more specific diagnosis. For us, it was approximately 2 and a half years. We had the second MIR another round of test mostly memory tests, but also blood and urine tests and an extensive interview with a second neurologist. She confirmed that it was Alzheimer’s.

I have chosen to share another site’s in-depth explanation she has done a far better job of explaining than I ever could.
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Currently I am working on a piece titled “What is dementia?” which I have decided to turn into a short series of blogs. So often, I am asked questions that I had imagined health practitioners would (and should) actually know the answers to if they are working in the field of dementia, but even some of the educated ones are operating under a lot of myths and misperceptions. Only last week, yet another registered nurse who has been working in a dementia specific unit for more than 20 year, asked me is Alzheimer’s disease dementia.

What this means, I think, is although I realise there is a lot of upskilling of medical and nursing staff going on in many countries, it cannot come quickly enough! Imagine if I worked in ICU, and didn’t know how to insert a cannula or resuscitate someone, a very simple procedure in an area like that. We would all, quite rightly, be outraged…

So…

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Music and Alzheimer’s

 Unlock the Memories

What do radio, cassettes, piano lessons, school chorus, and church have in common? Music…. From riding in a car to fellowship with others, music has always been an important part of my life. Music has a way of transporting you to a different time in your life. Childhood songs like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to Amazing Grace unlock memories and bring back emotions locked in a file somewhere deep inside your mind. Why should this be any different with a person living with Alzheimer’s?

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I have read numerous articles about music and the effects of people living with Alzheimer’s. The articles state that music enhances memory, improves focus and stimulates communication.  It may even lower the need to use psychiatric medications. I have seen magical things happen when music is introduced to people living in a nursing home. The room becomes alive with smiles, open eyes, and tapping toes. Even people who have closed themselves off from those around them begin to sing.

Ok, so your loved one living with Alzheimer’s is living at home. How can you as a caregiver enhance their lives at home with music? It’s basically trial and error. Start with the music they enjoyed. Think about the activities they enjoyed during their lifetime and the music associated with those activities. Did they attend Church? Did they line dance or enjoy watching musicals? What era did they grow up in, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s? Did your loved one play an instrument? How about songs they listened to as a small child?

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Now that the ideas are flowing…. Where can you find this magical music? You may play an instrument. Why not put on a private concert? If you still have a stereo, dust it off, tune in the radio and unpack your CD or album collection from years long gone. Did you know there are music channels available on your TV? There are Apps galore that offer all genres of music…Pandora, I Heart Radio and Spotify to name a few. The Firestick is a device that seamlessly connects your smart TV to an Amazon Prime Account. This allows you to select your own personal playlists for hours of your loved ones listening pleasure.

So you’ve collected the music, added the Apps and set up your smart TV. Next question….. When do you incorporate this glorious music into the daily routine? The answer is anytime. You can set the atmosphere for exercise, bath time, or quiet time. It’s easy…..just turn on the music and let it unlock the melodies of their mind.

Enhance their new and ever-changing journey.

It will take some time to figure out what works for your loved one.  Turn on the music and see how your loved one reacts. They might instantly begin singing or it may take a couple songs to prime their mind before they start walking to the beat of the music. Take cues from them, read their body language, the expression their face can speak a thousand words. Remember … It’s trial and error, what works today, may not work tomorrow. Don’t give up. Keep trying. When people living with Alzheimer’s have lost their verbal ability to communicate, Music is the Key to connecting them to the world around them. Open that door for your loved one and enhance their new and ever-changing journey.

 

 

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The Story Behind The Name

Thanks for joining us as we share our stories, experiences, knowledge, good times and bad times. About the terrible disease of dementia. 

You might be wondering what the name has to do with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Well, I first came up with the name several years ago, after my wife had spent several weeks with her mother out of state. She was at the house and wanted to go somewhere our teenage son was at the house and had the car keys. He called me a told me that mom wants the keys to the car. After a little inquiry, I told him to go ahead and give her the keys. He protested, but I explained that I had installed an app on her phone and that I could locate her if she got lost. I knew where she was going and felt comfortable with the Nissan keyroute and felt that she knew it well enough to drive without getting lost or endangering her self or others. So, we hung up and a few minutes later my wife was calling me screaming that “our son” would not give her the keys. I spoke to him and he told me that he did give her the keys. I could hear my wife in the background saying “that is not the keys”. Granted it was not a conventional key but an electronic dongle which just needed to be in the car to start it. However, I knew at that moment we were at the end of her driving days.

It is one thing not to know where your keys are, but it is a totally different thing not to know what keys are.

As I am writing this we are into our seventh year of coping with this devastating disease that slowly steals the very soul of the people it possesses. It is a long slow journey that not only takes its toll on the PLWD (person living with dementia) but also the people around them.

That brings me to the second meaning of ‘What Are Keys’. I am forced every day to find new keys to help my wife as we battle this disease. I hope to share some keys that I and others have found that may help to unlock some of the anger, frustration, anxiety, that Pile of keys.jpgbefall the PLWD, caregivers, family, and friends. The key that worked yesterday may not work today. The change may be slow, or it may be sudden. Not only are forced to find new keys but you must have several locksmiths on call. Because the key may be lost, and you need someone to help may a new one or change the lock. I have several locksmiths in my life, support groups, Alzheimer’s Association, friends and family, outside caregivers.

Revolving_DoorAs the disease progresses you and the PLWD will pass through many doors. Some will be like a revolving door just going in circles, other will be like the fun house at the county or state fair fun, silly and happy, but the next door is fraught with fear. Some of the doors you will pass through many times. However, all the doors will eventually be locked the keys thrown away and the doors boarded up and nailed shut never to open again.

This disease is terminal, there are no survivors. There is no known cure. There are no known causes. Yes, it is known that Alzheimer’s suffers have plaques within the brain, but there is no smoking gun as to what caused those plaques. It is a very slow death as the brain deteriorates and the PLWD slides backward in their mental age abilities until they are but a shell of their former self. It is not just a disease of the elderly but strikes people in their 50s, 40s and even in their 30s. By the time most are diagnosed they have been living the disease for years.  The third meaning of ‘What Are Keys’. Misidentified keys or unknown keys. Have you ever looked at a keyring or old keys you have stashed in a drawer or box somewhere and tried to remember what those old keys went to? Well, I have, and I missed a lot of keys prior to my wife being diagnosed with dementia. First, I never thought that she was suffering from dementia. Second, I did not know the warning signs. Most cases of dementia are usually diagnosed in the later stages rather than the earlier stages. The keys and the doors were there, but we fail to open them. As we look around and go past the doors for 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 or more years, earlier detection may help to slow down the progression of the disease.doors_instu

LocksmithThat brings us to the fourth and final key within ‘What Are Keys’. The keys researchers need to cure this disease. By detecting the disease earlier rather than later they have a better chance of following the progression. You or someone you know could be that key. It requires early detection and enrolling in a clinical trial.    

 

 

 

 

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FAST Scale

Functional Assessment Staging of Alzheimer’s Disease. (FAST)

Normal Aging

1. No difficulties, either subjectively or objectively.

Possible Mild Cognitive Impairment

2. Complains of forgetting the location of objects. Subjective word finding difficulties.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

3. Decreased job function evident to co-workers;
difficulty in traveling to new locations. Decreased organizational capacity.

    • expected duration for this stage 84 months approximant mental age 12+ years.

Mild Dementia

4. Decreased ability to perform complex tasks (e.g., planning dinner for guests), on occasion, handling personal finances (forgetting to pay bills), difficulty shopping, etc.

    • expected duration for this stage 24 months approximant mental age 8-12 years.

Moderate Dementia

5. Requires assistance in choosing proper clothing to wear for day, season, occasion.

    • expected duration for this stage 18 months approximant mental age 5-7 years.

Moderately Severe Dementia

6a. Difficulty putting clothing on properly without assistance.

    • expected duration for this stage 4.8 months approximant mental age 5 years.

6b. Unable to bathe properly; (e.g., difficulty adjusting bath water temperature)
occasionally or more frequently over the past weeks.*

    • expected duration for this stage 4.8 months approximant mental age 4 years.

6c. Inability to handle mechanics of toileting (e.g., forgets to flush the toilet, does not wipe properly or properly dispose of toilet tissue) occasionally or more frequently over the past weeks.*

    • expected duration for this stage 4.8 months approximant mental age 4 years.

6d. Urinary incontinence, occasional or more frequent. 

    • expected duration for this stage 3.6 months approximant mental age 3-4 years.

6e. Fecal Incontinence, (occasional or more frequently over the past week).

    • expected duration for this stage 9.6 months approximant mental age 2-3 years

Severe Dementia

7a. Ability to speak limited to approximately a half dozen different words or fewer, in the course of an average day or in the course of an intensive interview.

    • expected duration for this stage 12 months approximant mental age 1.25 years

7b. Speech ability limited to the use of a single intelligible word in an average day or in the course of an interview (the person may repeat the word over and over.)

    • expected duration for this stage 18 months approximant mental age 1 years.

7c. Ambulatory ability lost (cannot walk without personal assistance).

    • expected duration for this stage 12 months approximant mental age 1 years.

7d. Ability to sit up without assistance lost (e.g., the individual will fall over if there are no lateral rests [arms] on the chair).

    • expected duration for this stage 12 months approximant mental age 0.5-0.8 years.

7e. Loss of the ability to smile.

    • expected duration for this stage 18 months approximant mental age 0.2-0.4 years.

7f. can no longer hold up their head

    • expected duration for this stage 12 months approximant mental age 0-0.2 years.
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