With Dementia Often Comes Wandering
July 4th, 2010
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia create memory loss and affect cognitive functioning and behaviors. For many people with dementia, there is often a strong desire to wander off on their own. The urge to walk out the door is often driven by memories of previous jobs or homes where they might have lived decades in the past. Wanderers usually depart in a confused state and are often difficult to find due to paranoia and fear. Caretakers and local authorities are frequently left with no clear indication of where the individual might be.
This phenomenon is increasing rapidly, and authorities around the country are taking notice. In many states, local law enforcement agencies have instated training sessions to help find wanderers. Other groups are using new technologies, including tracking wristbands.
Caring for an individual with dementia can be a difficult task, especially if your loved one is prone to wandering. If you or someone you know has Alzheimer’s or dementia and needs assistance with daily activities, there is help available, often at little or no personal expense. Call an Elder Law attorney today to discuss options for individuals living with dementia.
Entry Filed under: Aging, Alzheimers and Elder Care
2 Comments Add your own
1. Tweets that mention Demen&hellip | July 4th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alzheimers Lady. Alzheimers Lady said: Dementia Wandering & Memory Loss | Alzheimer's Cognitive Behavior http://bit.ly/9RLjn9 [...]
2. Raymond Zakhari, NP | July 6th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Often times there are some medications that can help slow the decline associated with dementia as well. Unfortunately many people do not get appropriate preventative screenings, and when they do it often neglects a discussion with the loved ones of the patient.
Patients that develop dementia will often times be aware of their mental decline and become excellent at masking the signs and symptoms. Unfortunately this often leads to a delay in care.
Another factor that often exacerbates dementia is delirium that can develop with underlying acute illness such as an infection. Unfortunately this often leads the patient to seek care in an emergency room where in a matter of a few short hours other problems can develop such as dehydration, bed sores, sensory overload and deprivation.
Luckily in NYC there are many options available for comprehensive primary care services in the home that can help the patient avoid the emergency room or nursing home admission. While there are many rules that go with utilizing Medicare funded services the private pay option can utilized in conjunction to facilitate care and enhance quality of life.
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