article_snippet.sent: In the early stages of dementia, it's the short-term memory that's most affected, making it harder for patients to keep track of the day, or even what time of day it is.
article_snippet.sent: I've found that sticking to a routine helps keep someone with dementia better orientated, and gets dementia body clock into a rhythm.
article_snippet.sent: In the middle stages of dementia, routines may still be useful but patients can be more prone to mood changes, so be flexible.
article_snippet.sent: Often people with dementia may display more symptoms and anxiety as the light starts to fade .
article_snippet.sent: The middle stage of dementia inevitably heralds changes in behaviour.
article_snippet.sent: As the dementia progresses, the loss of nerve cells in the brain allows old reflexes that were replaced in adulthood by more complex brain pathways to resurface.
article_snippet.sent: Around 60 per cent of those with dementia wander - pacing around the house or outside of the home - and the problem is they can get lost, as the damage to the hippocampus part of the brain means they lose they sense of orientation.
article_snippet.sent: People with dementia may find these disorientating and when People with dementia get home this disorientation can continue and induce wandering so People with dementia may feel the urge to leave the house.
article_snippet.sent: Painting the walls and doors a matching colour makes the walls less likely that the person with dementia will find dementia way out.
article_snippet.sent: Worrying for no reason or displaying physical symptoms such as palpitations are signs that the dementia patient may be suffering with anxiety.
article_snippet.sent: Often people with dementia have good and bad days but also good and bad times during a given day - and often people with dementia may display more symptoms and anxiety as the light starts to fade, becoming confused, agitated, restless or showing repetitive behaviours.
article_snippet.sent: Two-thirds of those with Alzheimer's disease experience sundowning.
article_snippet.sent: With dementia, the parts of the brain that normally deal with understanding, thought processing and language deteriorate.
article_snippet.sent: Adapted by LUCY ELKINS from Your Guide To Understanding And Dealing With Dementia by Dr Keith Souter, published by Summersdale, £8.99.
highlights_snippet.sent: This is the final week of our major Good Health series on dementia .
  