Skip to main content

Tips for Managing Dementia and Eyesight Changes

A senior loved one with dementia may experience eyesight changes.

The complicated steps needed to enable us to see are mind-boggling. In the blink of an eye, our brains have the ability to take transmitted information on the environment all around us, translate that information based on input from other senses, memories, and thoughts, and then shape an understanding of that information to make us aware of what we’re seeing.

It’s not surprising that dementia and eyesight changes go hand-in-hand. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can suffer from visual deficits and misperceptions, especially in the aspects of:

  • Depth and/or color perception
  • Contrast
  • Motion recognition
  • Peripheral vision

Additionally, those diagnosed with dementia can often suffer from a distorted perception of reality in the form of illusions. For example, an individual with dementia might see a shadow on the floor, and confuse it for something harmless, such as the family dog, or a threat, such as an intruder – which can present quite a challenge for family caregivers. Other types of visual misperceptions in dementia include:

  • Misjudging reflections in glass or mirrors for another individual. This might cause distress in believing someone else is present, or thinking that a bathroom mirror reflection means the restroom is already occupied by another individual.
  • Believing that images on television are real and happening within the room.
  • Problems with sitting in a chair or on the toilet, fearing a fall.
  • Distress in overstimulating environments that can cause confusion.
  • Reaching for things that aren’t there, or missing the mark in trying to grab an item.
  • Difficulties with self-feeding and drinking.

Here are some techniques to help:

  • Keep sufficient lighting throughout the residence, and take away any specific things that trigger anxiety or visual confusion if at all possible.
  • Incorporate contrasting colors whenever you can, for example, serving dark-colored soup in a light-colored bowl, or a fried egg on a black plate. When possible, carry this idea through to home furnishings, with darker furniture on a light carpet, and differing paint colors on trim vs. walls.
  • Close blinds or curtains both at night and whenever the sun causes a glare.
  • Make use of adaptive tools and technology such as remote controls and telephones with large buttons to provide the senior with adequate opportunities for independence.
  • Make sure your loved one has ongoing access to eye care, and notify the eye doctor about the senior’s dementia diagnosis.

The experienced Alzheimer’s disease caregivers in Denton, TX and surrounding areas from Heaven at Home Senior Care can help implement these ideas and more to minimize the effects of vision problems. Contact us online or call (866) 381-0500 anytime to learn more our home care services.

The post Tips for Managing Dementia and Eyesight Changes appeared first on Heaven at Home Care.



from Heaven at Home Care https://ift.tt/39quvau
via IFTTT
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Connection Between Aging, Exercise, and Healthy Lungs

Enjoying a long and healthy retirement requires taking good care of yourself. While many people focus on living a heart-smart lifestyle, taking proactive steps to maintain healthy lungs is essential, too. As we age, the lungs become weaker and less flexible. This can contribute to a variety of diseases and chronic health conditions. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute , lung-related illnesses are the 3rd leading cause of death in this country. That includes lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma—adding up to nearly 235,000 deaths a year. Here are a few tips you can use to keep your lungs healthy: Stop smoking. Talk with your primary care physician about smoking cessation programs. Avoid secondhand smoke. Research shows it can be just as deadly as being a smoker. Stay away from harsh chemicals. It’s important to avoid breathing in damaging fumes (e.g., home cleaners and weed killers). Prevent infections. Many infections can lead to
Post a Comment
Read more

How You Can Join the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

World Alzheimer’s Month in September is an opportunity to raise awareness about this complex disease and to challenge the stigmas surrounding dementia. Launched in 2012, the awareness month spotlights the fact that 2 out of every 3 people globally believe there is little understanding of dementia in their countries. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia and it is the 6 th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual report. With the senior population growing quickly, Alzheimer’s and dementia cases will continue to increase as well, unless researchers can find a cure. This upcoming Monday, Sept. 21, is World Alzheimer’s Day, a call to action for all of us to educate ourselves on how to take preventative steps, identify symptoms and support loved ones who have been diagnosed. Read more below to learn how to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease. Know the Warning Signs Detecting Alzheimer’s disease e
Post a Comment
Read more

Film Screening at Samvedna Senior Care

On 30th September, 2019, Samvedna Senior Care Foundation hosted the 2nd film festival of generations in association with Heidelberg University, Germany. The film Sputnik Moment – 30 years and beyond was screened at our senior citizen centre in Gurgaon for our members and staff. The film highlighted how senior citizens in Germany and the US were taking up second careers to fill their time, engage meaningfully and also get support through additional income. Post the screening Dr. Martin Gieselmann, Executive Secretary, SAI, Heidelberg University and Dr. Constanze, Coordinator DAAD Project, Heidelberg University along with our team engaged with the audience in an interesting discussion on the Indian scenario. Members shared that in India it is not easy for senior citizens to pick up jobs after retirement, however it was interesting to see that many in the audience did have jobs post retirement. They also spoke about stereotypes and social attitudes towards ageing and shared their per
Post a Comment
Read more