12 MAY 2017 THE LADY

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From card games to singing, Ginny Moore explores devices, products and strategies to help anyone with memory problems

Preventative measuresA healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of dementia. It is suggested that lifestyle is responsible for three-quarters of changes in the brain. General advice on dementia includes maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and exercise – NHS guidelines are 150 minutes of exercise each week.

A balanced diet comprising lots of fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, as well as some oily fish and dairy is important. Eat less meat, sugar and saturated fat, if you can.

And don’t overlook a daily brain workout, like puzzles, card games, playing sport to improve hand-eye coordination or learning a language or an instrument. Other preventative measures include meditation to relieve stress, and dancing is also thought to help fight dementia.

Reducing symptoms Dementia sufferers can benefit from talking to a nurse, a counsellor or a psychologist about their concerns. Recent research suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also reduce depression and anxiety when sufferers are in the early stages of the condition.

Massages and aromatherapy may help dementia patients relax – although much of the evidence is anecdotal. Lemon balm essential oil may boost mood, while lavender oil may be calming.

People with dementia often have trouble sleeping at night. One study

has suggested bright light therapy, in which a person sits in front of a light box, might help. Discuss the options with your doctor. EASING EVERYDAY LIFEThere are many ways to ease stress and symptoms in everyday life.

Traditional Memory aids such as shopping lists, contact lists by the phone, keeping a journal or calendar and buying a daily newspaper can all help a person with dementia recall tasks and continue with their life. Other more permanent aids, such as reminder signs, medication boxes and using colour coding help to speed up simple tasks and keep the person safe.

ElectronicTechnology can help to ease the life of a person with dementia. A range of clocks is available: some showing only the days of the week, some the time of day, morning or evening and some the full date and exact time – to prevent disorientation.

Electronic memo players can be hugely useful for a patient who struggles to remember daily tasks. Electronic photograph frames and easy-to-use music players also help sufferers access happy memories.

MusicMusic can alter a person’s mood, help to manage stress and even encourage positive interactions. Singing is hugely engaging for both a sufferer and someone looking after them and encourages bonding.

Memory boxesThese have been used to great effect to help people with dementia recall their past. Memory boxes can act as a conversation-starter between patients and visitors or carers. Good choices for a memory box include old toys, items related to their hobbies such as gardening gloves, trophies and favourite garments, or something with a familiar fragrance.

Aids for peace of mind Ideally, people need to be kept safe and well but be able to maintain a level of independence. A 3RingsPlug is useful to keep an eye on a relative with mild dementia; it is attached to an electrical appliance and an alert is sent to your smartphone when the appliance is in use. Products like this allow you to track behavioural patterns and spot anything unusual.

Similarly useful is a small, discreet GPS device that tells you the whereabouts of the person you are caring for and that they are safe.

Specially designed clothing A number of companies produce adaptive clothing so wearers can get dressed easily and carry out activities. There are also clothing protectors such as the Dining Drapron, in a range of patterns, from Limon Attire, for mealtimes. Barbara Lewis created the brand after caring for her mother, who had dementia. Other products include Shower Draprons which help protect privacy and dignity while the wearer is being undressed and washed.

DEMENTIA SPECIAL

Boost your brain

A Shower Drapron

Eat oily fish and veg

DEMENTIAAIDS FOR

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