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A F F O R D A B L E A D V E R T I S I N G F O R A L L
Helen Crawford, Alzheimer’s Society Services Manager
for Northamptonshire
When someone has dementia, it's important
that they remain as fit and healthy as possible
- both physically and mentally. The better they
feel, the better life will be for them and those
around them. Each person will have interests,
preferences and routines, as well as different
physical needs and abilities. Being able to
follow their routines and continue to enjoy
their interests will impact on a person's
wellbeing as much as some physical factors, so
it is important to remember to treat them as
an individual.
Try to find a form of exercise that will be
enjoyable - ask the GP, occupational therapist
or physiotherapist for suggestions. There are
lots of seated exercises for people who have
difficulty walking. For carers looking after
someone with dementia, many other
challenges can present themselves as we head
towards winter. The person you are caring for
may feel the cold far more but they may not
realise it or may be unable to tell you.
Being cold for any length of time is a serious
health risk - particularly for older people and
those who are inactive and have poor
circulation.
Some simple steps can help such as providing
a hot drink, encouraging regular movement or
wearing extra layers of clothes particularly
cotton and wool.
Staying healthy whilst
living with dementia
49
We all need a good night's rest, but dementia
can cause people difficulties in getting to
sleep. People can become confused about
night and day, and may get up in the middle of
the night, thinking that it is morning.
Disrupted sleep can also occur when the
clocks change and regular routines are
altered.
Things that can help include limiting daytime
naps, avoiding caffeinated drinks such as tea
and coffee (particularly in the evening), taking
some form of exercise during the day and
finding soothing and relaxing ways to
encourage the person to sleep, such as giving
them a warm milky drink at bedtime.
Finally, eating too little or missing out on
essential nutrients will reduce a person's
resistance to illness and can make someone
with dementia feel more confused. Eating lots
of sugary foods can cause peaks and troughs
in energy levels, making mood swings worse.
If a person is struggling to use cutlery to eat,
offer finger foods that can be eaten without a
knife and fork.
It is very important to drink enough fluids.
Dehydration is a health risk and can increase
confusion in someone with dementia. Older
people should drink about 1.6 litres or six to
seven glasses a day.
For further advice, visit alzheimers.org.uk, call our helpline on
0300 222 11 22 or our local office on 01832 736670
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