Attention/Concentration (lack of) | Management Strategies
- The person you care for may have problems with attention and concentration. Try to avoid situations and tasks which take a long time or have many parts to them. However, when these tasks are necessary, break them down into smaller tasks which may be completed in steps. This will make them more manageable.
- A person's environment can affect their ability to concentrate. Many people with Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease
A neurological disease that affects memory and behaviour. It is characterized by beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. There is no known cause but genetics and lifestyle are thought to play a role. are easily distracted. Therefore, try to minimize noise, visual distraction and clutter to help improve their concentration.
- Try to have the person you care for perform more complex activities during times of the day when their energy is at a peak. Exercise, nutrition and a good night's sleep all may help to their improve energy and concentration.
- People with Alzheimer disease also often have good times and bad times throughout the day, as well as good days and bad days. If more complex tasks can be worked around these good times, a better performance can result.
- The person you care for may enjoy some activities over others. Find out what these activities are and encourage the person you care for to do them. They may be more likely to complete an activity that they take interest in.
- If the person you care for becomes distracted or uncertain about what to do next, you can prompt them step-by-step. The need for more prompting is often a sign Sign
In medicine a sign is what a physician finds by examining a patient. For example, a patient with the symptom of pain might have signs of a fast heart rate, a pale face, a clammy touch and tenderness. that the condition is worsening, and the need for less prompting, that is improving.
- If you notice the person losing interest in TV shows they enjoy, the noise, complex plot, rapid scene cutting, and commercial breaks may simply be too much to follow for them. Try introducing slower paced nature shows or ball games that don't require following along too closely to enjoy.
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