This presentation is one of many available on senior topics to help families better understand the aging process and find resources to help their loved one remain safe and healthy in their home. To sign up for a workshop please contact our office. Note: Videos and manuals affiliated with this presentation are only available when attending the workshop. For more information go to www.homeinstead.com/650.

1. DEALING WITH COGNITIVE ISSUES
Caring for your parents: Education for the Family Caregiver®
Serving Jefferson & Clallam Counties
Home Instead Senior Care®
© Home Instead, Inc. 2010. This information is proprietary and confidential to Home Instead, Inc. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

2. OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY
During today’s workshop, you will:
• Learn how to recognize the symptoms of
cognitive dysfunction
• Understand the causes of cognitive
problems, including those related to
Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia
• Discover ways to help you and your loved
one cope with cognitive impairments
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3. INTRODUCTION – VIDEO #1
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4. DEFINITIONS & SYMPTOMS – VIDEO #2
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5. DEFINITIONS & SYMPTOMS –
Cognition = the process of knowing, includes:
• Reasoning
• Awareness
• Perception
• Knowledge
• Intuition
• Judgment
In general, mild cognitive impairment does
not interfere with everyday activities.
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6. DEFINITIONS & SYMPTOMS
Some symptoms of dementia / Alzheimer’s:
• Becoming disoriented • Losing awareness of who
• Language problems you are
• Misplacing items • Changing sleep patterns
• Difficulty reading/writing
• Personality changes
• Displaying poor judgment
• Loss of interest
• Becoming easily upset
• Difficulty performing tasks
• Forgetting details about
current events

7. CAUSES OF COGNITIVE PROBLEMS –
VIDEO #3
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8. CAUSES OF COGNITIVE PROBLEMS
Causes include:
• Stress, anxiety, fatigue
• Cancer treatments,
heart disease, brain surgery
• Hormone therapy
• Infections
• Insufficient vitamins and minerals
• Untreated vision problems
• Other disorders, e.g. multiple sclerosis
• Mini strokes, or Alzheimer’s disease 9

9. COPING WITH COGNITIVE PROBLEMS –
VIDEO #4
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10. COPING WITH COGNITIVE PROBLEMS
Coping strategies:
• Have your loved one write down new information,
use words plus pictures
• Ask people to repeat information
• Put instructions on sticky notes
• Exercise – both physical and mental
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11. COPING WITH COGNITIVE PROBLEMS
Communication tips:
• Address the person directly, use simple
wording
• Gain the person’s attention
• Speak distinctly at natural rate of speed
• Explain who you are / why you are there
• Support and reassure the person
• Present one question, instruction, statement
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12. TO US, IT’S PERSONAL ®
Take action!
• What is my personal deadline for assessing the
signs of cognitive impairment?
• What resources do I need to search, talk to, or
meet with to help me understand the symptoms
and issues related to cognitive dysfunction?
• What strategies can I try to help my loved one
cope with cognitive changes?
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13. ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE –
LOCAL OFFICE
Personal Care Home Helper Services
• Bathing & Toileting • Provide Alzheimer’s care
• Dressing • Assist with laundry and ironing
• Grooming • Take out garbage
• Aid with morning and wake-up
Companionship Services • Arrange appointments
• Provide respite care • Aid with reading, walking
• Monitor diet and eating • Write letters and correspondence
• Check food expirations • Change linens
• Assist with evening and tuck-in • And more…
• Stimulate mental awareness
• Assist with entertaining
© Home Instead, Inc. 2010. This information is proprietary and confidential to Home Instead, Inc. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

14. Thank You!
For additional information about this presentation or Home
Instead Senior Care of the North Olympic Peninsula please
contact your local office.
Port Ludlow – (360) 437-9884
Port Townsend – (360) 385-6357
Sequim – (360) 681-2511
www.homeinstead.com/650
© Home Instead, Inc. 2010. This information is proprietary and confidential to Home Instead, Inc. Unauthorized use is prohibited.