What is the role of the family in early dementia detection?
Answer
If there are some signs and symptoms of cognitive changes in a loved one, the first thing to do would be to keep a daily log or journal for a few days to note the types of behavior or signs, time of the day, and circumstances or context. This will allow the family member to identify specific patterns or behaviors. For example, does the person often seem confused during the day or night? Can they become confused in new situations? When it is noisy? Before meals (potential drop in blood sugar)? This information is very important to gather so that the physician will have a good picture of the person versus just a snapshot.
Once the information is gathered, you will want to make an appointment with a physician, preferably a geriatrician. You may want to talk with them alone first to give them a summary of your observations.
Gina Taylor, MS, OTR/L, HPCS
Gina Taylor, MS, OTR/L, HPCS is a New Jersey licensed occupational therapist. She received her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Philadelphia University and a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies from Averett University. She is an Adjunct Professor at Raritan Valley Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant program, certified in Sensory Integration, DIR/Floortime, Infant Massage and is a board certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS). Gina continues to expand her knowledge and the knowledge of other therapists about hippotherapy used as a treatment strategy through fieldwork student supervision, national conference presentations and her involvement with the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. as faculty member, online education sub-committee chair, past Board Member and previous Education Committee Chairperson. Gina has a private practice providing occupational therapy services as well as workshops and consultation for those interested in equine assisted activities and therapy.
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