Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Activity-based Care

care focused on assisting resident to find meaning in their day, rather than doing activities just to keep the person busy

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

a progressive disease characterized by a gradual decline in memory, thinking and physical ability, over several years

Behavior

how a person acts

Catastrophic Reactions

out-of-proportion, extreme responses to activities or situations

Cognition

ability to think quickly and logically

Confusion

inability to think clearly, causing disorientation and trouble focusing

Delirium

a state of severe confusion that occurs suddenly and is usually reversible

Delusion

a false belief that appears to be real with evidence to the contrary

Dementia

usually progressive condition marked by development of multiple cognitive deficits, such as memory impairment, aphasia, and inability to plan and initiate complex behavior

Depression

a loss of interest in usual activities

Dignity

respect and honor

Doing Activities

activities that keep the person busy

Independence

ability to make decisions that are consistent, reasonable, and organized

having the ability to perform activities of daily living without assistance

Irreversible

disease or condition that cannot be cured

Meaningful Activities

have value to the resident with dementia

Onset

the time when signs and symptoms of a disease begins

Paranoia

an extreme or unusual fear

Progressive

the way a disease advances

Quality of Life

overall enjoyment of life

Respect

treated with honor, show of appreciation and consideration

Sundowning

increased agitation, confusion and hyperactivity that begins in the late afternoon and builds throughout the evening

Trigger

an event that causes other events

Wandering

moving about the facility with no purpose and is usually unaware of safety