Tuesday, 19 August 2003: 13:45-15:15
Superior Room (Sheraton Hotel and Towers)

S041 Enhancing the Quality of Life for Persons with Dementia Using Nonpharmacological Approaches

Enhancing the quality of life for persons with dementia using nonpharmacological approaches. Nonpharmacological approaches are being used to assist in many domains of care for persons with dementia. Such domains include: enhanced cognition, improved functional status in the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), enhanced sense of self, addressing depressed mood, treatment and prevention of behavioral problems and general well-being. The use of such nonpharmaocological approaches utilizes many theoretical frameworks, including cognitive theory, behavioral theories, human factors methodologies, personality theory, speech and communication theory, and other frameworks. Nonpharmacological approaches can be described along several dimensions: the goal of intervention or the life domain it addresses, the theoretical framework as a unifying concept around many interventions, and the intervention methodologies. This symposium will provide both an overview of these approaches and examples of the way they are utilized. Dr. Cohen-Mansfield will provide an overview of the different approaches and different theoretical frameworks taken, and how the range of treatments can be used to best match treatment to the needs of the care receiver and caregiver, as well as to the unique abilities and limitations of each person with dementia. Dr. Parpura-Gill will address one of the most common triggers for behavior problems in dementia: the bathing process. Her presentation will demonstrate how an analysis of the bathing process from the points of view of the care receiver and caregiver, as well as the physical environment, can all be used to reach dramatic improvements even in extreme cases of agitation during bathing. Ms. Rose will demonstrate the methodology and describe the efficacy of cognitive methods used to improve overall functioning in persons with dementia. Spaced retrieval can be helpful in addressing memory problems associated with ADLs and quality-of-life problems for persons with dementia. Montessouri methods have been used successfully to engage persons with dementia and improve quality of life. Dr. Ripich will address methodologies for improving communication with people with dementia. The process of communication is the basis for assessment and treatment in dementia, and effective communication is therefore a necessary component for any other methodology in dementia care. The aim of the symposium is to present a framework that describes non-pharmacological approaches and demonstrate how these can be used in practice.
Chair:Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
 S041-001 An Overview of Nonpharmacological Approaches and Their Use for Cognitive, Functional, Behavioral, and Psychiatric Indications
Jiska Cohen-Mansfield
 S041-002 Bathing: Architectural, Psychosocial, and Human-Factors Aspects
Aleksandra Parpura-Gill
 S041-003 Spaced-Retrieval and Montessori-Based Activities: Cognitive Interventions for Dementia Using Preserved Abilities and External Cues
Miriam Rose
 S041-004 Speak to Me, Listen to Me: Communication Strategies and Dementia
Danielle Ripich

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