descent into dementia …
William Utermohlen’s series of self-portraits after his diagnosis of dementia. NYT essay slide show JMP article
dementia
to search for humanity …
Theodore Géricault portrayed a series of psychiatric patients, performing introspective studies with almost scientific features, as required by the customer, who intended to use these paintings for educational purposes. Gericault painted real portraits, characterized by a deep analysis of man’s psychology, even though in the 19th century portraits were destinated only to important clients. This …
beatitudes nursing home …
… provides individualized care to persons with dementia based on their need. A recent NYT article tells the story. “The dementia floor was named Vermillion Cliffs, after colorfully layered rock formations formed by centuries of erosion, implying that, “although weathered, although tested by dementia, people are beautiful” and “have certain strengths,” said Peggy Mullan, the …
interacting with demented elderly …
… results in less agitated behavior. Cohen-Mansfield et. al. study a variety of stimuli (talking, listening to music, activities) and find that elderly with dementia then have less agitation. We are social beings … we would probably all be better off if we spent more time talking with each other, listening to music and playing …
advanced dementia & hospice care …
… The New Old Age blog on caring for those with dementia at the end-of-life. As is often the case, the comments offer an excellent glimpse into the reality of patients, families and caregivers … a virtual focus-group.
behavioral & psych symptoms of dementia …
… are best managed on a case-by-case basis after thorough evaluation, in general using behavioral approaches (not drugs). Some resources … An excellent monograph from the Alzheimer’s Assoc. A slide-set from the Int’l Pyscho-Geriatric Assoc. More than you want to know … including a primary care guide. A BPSD Handout.
caring for our loved ones with dementia …
… links to practical resources. (as is often the case, the comments section tells us much about the culture and times in which we live)