Dementia: Cognitive Stimulation

We need a ‘rain check’ from the Home Treatment Team to make sure we are on message with our approach to cognitive stimulation.  The following extract from an article in MindStart outlines the issues:

‘Mental Stimulation Activities Slow Dementia

A 2012 review of multiple research trials of cognitive stimulation activities with dementia patients, like puzzles, games, and reminiscing, showed a benefit in maintaining their thinking and daily living abilities. The benefits were greater than any medication effects. In addition, there was an improved quality of life for the person and an increased ability to communicate.

Current available drug treatments have shown only modest effects in slowing the progression of dementia. However, a recent study of an Alzheimer’s activity therapy program given along with routine dementia drugs to nursing home patients with dementia, was effective at stopping the dementia from progressing further. In addition, participants were able to keep doing their everyday tasks. Effects of the therapy program lasted for at least 12 months. In contrast, the control group of patients who took only the routine dementia drugs, but did not receive the activity therapy, had their dementia progress.

Starting a Mental Stimulation Program at Home

Caregivers can carry out their own form of mental stimulation – or activity – program for the person with dementia. Here are some tips to get started:

• Have a consultation with a dementia care occupational therapist, who can evaluate the person’s capabilities and recommend specific activities that will work. Speak to the physician for a referral.
• Choose a time of day to do the activity program. Consider what time of day is best for the person. Often times, it is in the morning.
• Consider what ‘activity level’ the person is at and determine what types of activities may be appropriate. Learn the person’s activity level.
• How long the person stays engaged in the activities may depend on their level of dementia. Those with more severe dementia will have shorter attention spans. However, when the right type of activity is chosen and the right caregiver support is in place, often patients can be engaged for an hour or so.
• Consider the different types of activities that can be provided, such as physical, cognitive, spiritual, etc. See the types of activities to consider‘.

A diagnosis of Vascular Dementia in the U K means no treatment from the NHS.  As the consultant said to us at the Memory Clinic ‘you have to accept your new reality’.   Without the right support that reality may become  Prescribed Disengagement!