Gift Giving |
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by Stephanie Zeman, RN, MSN Alzheimer's disease and other dementias all progress in a similar manner, although some cause more rapid decline than others. For the sake of simplicity, the dementias will referred to as AD. The symptoms of AD are, for the most part, similar in everyone. The affected person loses his memory starting with the present and moving gradually back in time. Early in the disease, people with AD will also lose their cognitive ability (the ability to figure out a checkbook, or how to take a bus from point to point) and even their awareness of their own safety needs. The loss of memory and cognitive skills as well as development of confusion continues over the course of the illness which can last up to 15 years or more. Most people with early and mid stage AD are fairly mobile and able to participate in some kind of activity. Gifts which promote activities have the potential to improve the person's quality of life, provided that they are carefully selected to match the functional level of the person with AD. The following suggestions have been divided into gifts for early stage dementia, the moder5ately impaired, and the severly impaired. These are only a handful of ideas from which to choose: Early Alzheimer's and Related Dementia Most individuals at this stage are: able to communicate fairly well, quite active and need to be engaged in some activity 60% of the day. They are aware of their condition and struggle to remain independent. Gifts that enhance independence or encourage activity are excellent choices. These include:
For the Moderately Impaired Persons with moderate stage AD will have some difficulty communicating, will need help dressing, and be unable to manage most daily activities without supervision or help. Wandering is often seen in this group. Exercise is important but attention span varies so activities are best limited to 15 minutes. Try these gifts:
For the Severly Impaired At this stage we do not know the level of the impaired person's understanding of the spoken word. We do know that they are unable to speak coherently or make their needs known. The attention span is also very short. At this stage of the disease people do not have the capacity to deal with anything but the simplest tasks. Often times their remaining memory takes them into the past and they may believe they are living in the home or community of their younger years. At this time the following gift ideas will help:
These are just a few ideas that may bring pleasure to those with AD during the holidays and on special occasions.
Last updated: January 4, 1999
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