Dementia is a complex term that is often given as a general diagnosis for any decline in a person's cognitive ability. Dementia is not a disease, but rather a group of symptoms that associate to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Misconception: Dementia is the same thing as Alzheimer's Disease.
Many people think there is no difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease and will often reference the two interchangeably. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia and is the most common form of dementia, which is why there is a misconception. DEMENTIA is NOT a disease, but rather a group of symptoms and Alzheimer's is categorized as a disease. A good way to separate the two is to say, "Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia."
2. Myth: Everyone has the same type of dementia
Since Dementia is commonly the only diagnosis seen listed in resident's care chart, it is assumed that everyone with dementia has the same symptoms or the same type of dementia. THIS IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH! In fact, symptoms of dementia are unique to each resident. Each diagnosis's have their own set of needs. Approaches to the way we deliver care will require adjustment based on individual assessment.
3. Myth: All older adults have dementia
Old age has several of its own set of myths and misconceptions, one of them being that everyone that grows old will lose their memory. Popular phrases like, "I'm having a senior moment" or "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" promote offensive stereotypes of what it means to grow old and have left many people thinking that dementia symptoms are a normal part of aging.
They are NOT! While, yes, dementia is common in older adults, it doesn't mean everyone will or should receive a diagnosis of dementia. This persistent stereotype runs the risk of giving an early diagnosis of dementia to a person merely by associating a person's symptoms to their age.
4. Myth: People with dementia are like children
Older adults who require assistance in their Activities of Daily Living (ADL's) are sometimes referenced as being a lot like children. Even if we can find similarities in the provision of care, they are ADULTS and need to be treated with the respect and dignity of an adult.
One way to alter this perception is to change the words we use. For instance, at mealtimes, someone who may need assistance feeding is told to use a "bib". That is a term used for babies. Instead simply change the word to "clothing protector" to give a little dignity. When someone needs to be cleaned and changed, instead of saying "I'm going to change your diaper", simply say "I'm going to help freshen you up." Respect and dignity!
5. Misconception: People with dementia can't speak for themselves.
Have you ever noticed a family member or staff person talk about or answer for a resident while they are stitting right there? Not every person can answer for him/herself. However, what often ends up happening, particularly to residents who are further along in their dementia, is that people will begin to speak for them.
While this comes from a good place, it can quickly take the indpeendence away from the resident. Even residents with advanced dementia can often make decisions if we change our approach to communication and give them more opportunities to understand what we are asking.
Speak slowly and in short sentences
Offer cues in speach
Limit choices and provide visual aides
Give them time to answer
Making decisions or speaking for someone may make it easier on us, but it does take away from their independence and autonomy. Where possible, all residents should be given the chance to speak for themselves.
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