There is a swirl of research out there now…and it’s confusing. On the one hand, there is a growing body of research that suggests that social, creative activities help stave off memory loss. This article for example, suggests that activities like quilting, pottery and computer games reduce the effects of memory loss.
Logic would have it that specific brain training exercises would do even more. And the market for such software has grown from 25 million in 2005 to 225 million this year. This article suggests that such programs might have a short term effect, but no generalizable, long term effects.
After seeing many creative programs with people with dementia in action, my belief is that a major part of the impact of these programs is the creation of an accepting, supportive community around the person. Learning and expression are possible, and when they are awakened, the quality of life improves for both sides of the care partnership.
I am fortunate to work in a community for people with dementia that recognizes human potential. I know from 20 years of caring for people with memory impairment that I cannot change the physiology of the disease. I also know that stimulation and socialization in various forms not only helps to maintain physical and cognitive abilities, it dramatically improves quality of life. I have experienced numerous situations when people come to us, non communicative, non ambulatory and withdrawn. With love attention, individualized programs and treatments they often improve. Our expectations are high and they often live up to and exceed our expectations. The problem is, many people have limited expectations for people with memory deficits and so they are often neglected. Our programs focus on self esteem and encouraging independence, giving them back control. If the reponse is negative, we evaluate the reason, most often depression, pain and physical problems reduce the response. These problems are often overlooked when someone has dementia, and lack of response is blamed on the dementia. We have come a long way in dementia care but we still have a ways to go. My dream is a cruise ship for respite care….All Aboard!!!
Mary Poole RN
Giving LIFE to those with memory impairment
Though the evidence that activities where persons with memory challenges do things together is not up to the controlled and randomized standard, the evidence is incredibly strong from many different activity formats. Is there any negative evidence?
So, why isn’t this a priority for the Alzheimer’s empire?
Yes, we all know, there’s no way for this to be monitarily profitable and no hope for political campaign contributions.
Our communities frequently help those with memory deficits recover lost abilities. We often get admissions who are unable to walk, toilet or feed themselves because they have been in facilities or hospitals where staff do not have the time or the patience to coach and cue the person. The staff take over and dress and feed them, as it is often faster. Soon the person forgets how to perform these tasks. They may have one or two falls and before you know it they are confined to a wheelchair and they forget how to walk. It may not be profitable but if there are enough staff to coach the person then they will maintain their abilities for a longer period of time, so they will not require an increase in staff necessary to perform total care that is needed for someone that is dependant for all aspects of daily living.
Engagement is a part of everything we do, often I have seen people who don’t remember how to walk, but if you dance they will dance with you. Our associates bring pets and children to work with them, we have seen residents who have previously been non communicative begin to to talk, sing or read to a child. We have seen a puppy calm the most agitated person. Again, people live up to our expectations. We need to change the expectations of others
Mary Poole RN
Giving LIFE to those with memory impairment