Our Daily Connection

The statistics are sobering-now and well into the future-until a cure is found for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In the United States, approximately four million people have dementia (Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia), although the number may be as high as five million. Going forward in your daily walk with a brain illness patient, journaling is an important documentation tool. Our Daily Connection is a journal to log day-to-day facts and emotions for thirty-one days. Each day has a "Theme of the Day." The theme includes songs, activities, and a food to entice both the caregiver and care receiver to have a good time. There is also a "Tip of the Day" and "Quote of the Day" to guide and inspire you in your daily walk. Music can be soothing and elevate the mood of both the caregiver and care receiver. Many dementia patients who can't take part in a conversation can still sing. Included are several songs for each day's theme. If you don't know any of the songs, then think up one on your own. If you don't know the words to a song, then simply hum-or just make up the lyrics as you go along. It's a guideline, not a rule. Make it a game to remember songs around that theme. Neysa Peterson (the co-author of my books on brain illness) opened my mind to the fact that patients with a brain illness experience boredom. Until the later stages, dementia patients are usually able to participate in daily activities. Every care receiver is different, and what they can or will do depends on their mental aptitude, physical ability, and level of interest. Brain illness patients-just like everyone else-need to feel useful and involved. If the need for activity is left unfulfilled, the patient may wander, become fidgety, or act out. Care receivers have different levels of capabilities, so the activity of the day can be modified as needed for your patient. If none of the activities are realistic in your case, then go back to singing and simply leave them out altogether. The best time to start an activity is after breakfast or lunch. Here are some of the benefits of daily activity for a brain illness patient:1. They will rest better at night.2. Activities keep the patient from focusing on what they can't do.3. If you add praise, activities accentuate feelings of self-worth. Keepsome gold stars handy.4. There may be fewer incidents of pacing, restlessness, and wandering.5. Some activities (like puzzles) can help to stimulate memory.6. Being active will fuel the patient's appetite.7. Movement and dancing can strengthen muscles, reduce muscle andjoint pain, and increase flexibility.8. Focusing on and discussing the daily theme may stimulatecommunication.9. Some activities have the added benefit of preserving family historyand memories.10. Add helpful chores in with the daily activities.