Innovations in Dementia Care

What is Dementia?

 Dr. Nolan defines dementia as a collection of symptoms, and notes that there are up to 120 forms, types and causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Understanding the different types of dementia can be important when learning about what symptoms a person might be experiencing or how fast the progression of their dementia might be.

How is Positive Approach to Care Redefining Innovation in Dementia Care?

People often think if innovation as technological advancements, but Positive Approach to Care focuses on social innovations. Positive Approach to Care focuses more on what is retained instead of what brain functions are lost or are no longer. The innovation here is in looking at how the brain works and how we can support people with dementia.

How Does Communication Change With Dementia?

Dementia has a lot to do with how we express and receive language. There are three language skills that people with dementia are losing—vocabulary, comprehension and speech production. However, as language is being lost, you can use what’s being retained to continue to communicate with the individual with dementia. For example if someone’s comprehension is being lost, they may still recognize the rhythm of speech—how our tone usually goes up at the end of a question or how our pitch gets higher and our voices get louder when we are frustrated. 

Because people with dementia experience the loss of certain language skills, caregivers may sometimes struggle to get their loved ones to perform certain tasks like showering or using the restroom. Dr. Nolan explained that positive action starters are ways we can jumpstart another part of someone’s brain that may be changing with dementia. To learn more about types of positive action starters, make sure to listen to our full conversation with Dr. Nolan.

Caregiving for Someone With Dementia

As a caregiver or care partner, you want to do what’s right for the person you’re caring for. But Dr. Nolan points out that it’s important that you do what’s right for the both of you. She encourages caregivers to let go of the idea that they are going to make a mistake. Living with dementia, whether you’re the person with the diagnosis or you’re living with dementia around you, is a difficult experience. Do your best to figure out a pathway forward for those involved and get whatever support you need.