DR. YU AND HER DAUGHTER SHARE A PASSION TO CARE FOR THOSE COPING WITH DEMENTIA
2 min read
Caring for others with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other diagnoses associated with aging is often a multi-generational affair. Such is certainly the case with Dr. Melissa Yu, the Clinical Operations Director of Baylor College of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center and an Amazing Place referring physician, and her daughter Marguerite who is one of our 2022 STARS summer volunteers. Marguerite is a sophomore in college and is anticipating a career in the medical field, with many specialties from which to choose.
Something mother and daughter both agree on is that everyone deserves dignity and respect. The two offer up a few insights here from their experience working with those coping with dementia and Alzheimer’s at Amazing Place.
Those Who Stay Engaged Slow Progression of Dementia / Alzheimer's.
“People who are around others do better for longer,” says Dr. Yu. In fact, the earlier they get involved with social activities following a diagnosis, the better.
No Matter What Stage, the Individual is the Same Person.
Marguerite, who has worked with both ends of the age spectrum, understands that while someone may be cognitively impaired, they are still the same person you know. They may have new constraints, but finding things—music, puzzles, food, nature—that they have always loved helps find shared joy that allows you to move away briefly from the challenges that occur.
Find New Ways of Encouraging Activity.
In getting a loved one to try new activities that encourage interaction with others, Dr. Yu suggests finding interesting ways of presenting it. For example, for someone with mild to moderate dementia who may initially be hesitant to join an offering such as Amazing Place’s Day Program, position it to them as a social club, a gym for the brain, or an activity center instead of a day camp for those having challenges remembering people, places, and things.
Consistency Is Your New Best Friend.
Marguerite, who welcomes Day Program participants and gets them started in activities, finds that participants engaged in activities such as music and art programs are comforted when they stick to an expected schedule. Who knew sticking to a schedule could be so powerful?
Look for programs that are holistic in nature.
Both mother and daughter applaud any program that is multidisciplinary. Dr. Yu, in particular, knows that slowing the progression of dementia requires that many facets of one’s life must be addressed simultaneously. So, programs that integrate cognitive, physical, emotional, nutritional, and spiritual elements into the day are best for everyone’s well-being.
The lessons learned from the Yu household about treating and caring for those with dementia are many. Three important lessons stand out:
- Caregiving crosses many generations.
- Social interaction introduced early after a diagnosis is crucial in slowing the progression of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
- A holistic approach to care is to everyone’s benefit.