Safety. Awareness. Education.
Alzheimer's & Dementia
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It is an overall term that describes a group of symptoms.
Memory Loss And Confusion
In the later stages of the disease, a person with Alzheimer's may not remember familiar people, places or things. This can be extremely difficult for guardians and families and will require patience.
How To Respond
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Stay Clam
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Respond with a brief explanation
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Show photos and other reminders
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Travel with the person to where he or she is in time
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Offer corrections as suggestions
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Try not to take it personally
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Share your experience with others
Home Safety
Alzheimer's disease causes a number of changes in the brain and body that may affect safety. These can include:
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Forgetting how to use household appliances
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Avoid hazards in the kitchen
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Getting lost on one's own street
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Evaluate your environment
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Becoming easily confused
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Be prepared for emergencies
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Having trouble with balance
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Keep walkways and rooms well-lit
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Experiencing changes in vision, hearing, sensitivity to temperatures or depth
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Support the person's needs
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Driving
Start having the conversation about not being able to drive:
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Express your concerns and offer alternatives
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Appeal to the person's sense of responsibility
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Involve a physician
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Consider an evaluation
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Understand this may not be the only conversation
Plan ahead:
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Involve family and close friends in the plan
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Confront resistance and empathize
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Transition driving responsibilities to others
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Reduce need to drive by having prescriptions, groceries or meals delivered
Traveling
General travel considerations:
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Environmental changes can trigger wandering or confusion
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Travel to known destinations
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Consider destinations with easy access to emergency health services
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Have a back up plan in case trip needs to change unexpectedly
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Have a travel itinerary with details about each destination
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Allow plenty of time for rest
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Register with the S.A.V.E.S Project ID for additional security if wandering was to occur
Driving
Driving requires the ability to react quickly to many circumstances. Due to this, a person living with Alzheimer's may eventually be unable to drive. Take action and help with the transition process for your loved one to ensure understanding and dignity.
Having The Conversation
How to Start
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Express your concerns while showing your support
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Appeal to the person's sense of responsibility
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Ask a physician to advise them not to drive
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Consider an evaluation by a third party
Negative Responses
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Be patient and firm
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Acknowledge that change is difficult
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This disease can make it difficult for them to understand so do not become discouraged
Planning Ahead
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Involve family and close friends of the plan
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Transition driving responsibilities to others
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Use special transportation services for older adults
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Contact the Alzheimer's Association at 800-272-3900 for additional support
Signs of Unsafe Driving
1
Forgetting Familiar Places
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Failing to Observe Traffic Signs
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Making Poor Decisions in Traffic
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Becoming Angry or Confused
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Confusing the Brake and Gas Pedals
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Forgetting the Destination or Returning Late
Additional Resources