Dementia - what to ask your doctor

You are caring for someone who has dementia . Below are questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of that person.

Dementia

Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.

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Questions

Are there ways that I can help someone remember things around the home?

How should I talk with someone who is losing or has lost their memory?

• What type of words should I use?
• What is the best way to ask them questions?
• What is the best way to give instructions to someone with memory loss?

How can I help someone with dressing? Are some clothes or shoes easier? Will an occupational therapist be able to teach us skills?

What is the best way to react when the person I am caring for becomes confused, hard to manage, or does not sleep well?

• What can I do to help the person calm down?
• Are there activities that are more likely to agitate them?
• Can I make changes around the home that will help keep the person calmer?

What should I do if the person I am caring for wanders around?

• How can I keep them safe when they do wander?
• Are there ways to keep them from leaving the home?

How can I keep the person I am caring for from hurting themselves around the house?

• What should I hide?
• Are there changes in the bathroom or kitchen I should make?
• Are they able to take their own medicines?

What are the signs that driving is becoming unsafe?

• How often should this person have a driving evaluation?
• What are the ways I can lessen the need for driving?
• What are the steps to take if the person I am caring for refuses to stop driving?

What diet should I give this person?

• Are there hazards I should watch for while this person is eating?
• What should I do if this person starts to choke?