Alzheimer's & Dementia

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.  Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia - it accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. 

 

Caring for a loved one with dementia is challenging both for families and caregivers. People with dementia have a progressive biological brain disorder which makes it more and more difficult for them to remember things, think clearly, communicate with others, and take care of themselves. Dementia can also cause mood swings and changes in personality and behavior.

 

Common dementia-associated behaviors:
  

• Wandering - People with dementia may walk aimlessly, for any number of reasons, such as boredom, medication side effects, or to look for “something” or someone. They also may be trying to fulfill a physical need—thirst, hunger, or to find a bathroom. 

• Repetitive Speech or Actions (Perseveration) - People with dementia will often repeat a word, statement, question, or activity over and over. This behavior is usually harmless for the person with dementia but it can be stressful for the caregivers. 

• Incontinence - The loss of bladder or bowel control frequently occurs as dementia progresses. Accidents happen when someone can’t remember where the bathroom is located or can’t get to it in time.      

• Agitation - Here we mean a range of behaviors generally associated with dementia, including irritability, sleeplessness, and verbal or physical aggression. Often these behaviors progress with the stages of dementia, from mild to more severe.  Agitation can be triggered when the person feels “control” being taken away.    

• Paranoia - People with dementia may suddenly become suspicious, jealous, or accusatory. It is important to keep in mind that what the person is experiencing is very real to them. It can sometimes be best not to get into an argument over the issue.      

• Sleeplessness/Sundowning - Behaviors such as restlessness, agitation and disorientation can get worse at the end of the day and may continue through the night. This behavior, commonly called sundowning, is caused by a combination of factors, such as exhaustion and changes in the person’s biological clock that confuse day and night. 

• Hygiene - People with dementia often have difficulty remembering good hygiene, such as brushing teeth, toileting, bathing, and regularly changing their clothes. 

 

Our Dementia Care service area includes: 

• Bergen

• Essex 

• Hudson 

• Middlesex

• Morris 

• Passaic 

• Somerset  

 

Dorson Home Care, Inc. is fully licensed by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and is accredited by PCS & Skilled Services. To learn more about the dementia care services Dorson provides, please call our West Orange, NJ office at 973.672.7691 or fill out the contact form below.