Issue link: http://kusm-wichita.uberflip.com/i/1510906
Very Severe Decline Many people die before they reach this final stage of dementia, often as a result of other health conditions. At this stage, they'll experience severe loss of speech, will need assistance with day-to-day living and feeding. Severe Decline When it comes to the final stages of dementia, constant supervision is needed at home. They may need help with washing and dressing and may also become incontinent. This stage can last on average around 2.5 years. 21 "It was interesting to be in a study that might have a helpful benefit. It was a good experience for both of us. We enjoyed being with the sta at KU Wichita Center for Clinical Research." — Bill Ester ComfortCare Homes to boost its outreach and have a greater impact on the community they collectively serve. The more people who know about the diseases and the resources available to treat or at least mitigate them, the more people who can be helped. Schwasinger- Schmidt noted that police ocers or EMTs "are often going to be the first people responding when there's an instance of frustration or agitation" by a person with dementia outside of a care facility. They are one of the audiences on the list for future outreach programs. "Just educating people on how to interact with patients, how to diuse situations, and being able to share resources can really make a profound impact on our community," she said. Ester is grateful for the school's focus on Alzheimer's. He was started on one of the two drugs in the combination therapy he was introduced to during the clinical trial — the other isn't covered by Medicare — and has seen improvement in his symptoms. resources and understand what to expect as the disease progresses, Martin said. Families can benefit from adapting their interaction styles and modifying environments to better manage the symptoms of those with dementia. For example, Martin said, "research has demonstrated that listening to familiar music can reduce agitation. Family members can also help by setting up a comfortable environment and by learning how to react when their loved one doesn't remember something." Spreading the word Educating the general public, first responders and others about Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia is another goal of the school. KU Wichita Center for Clinical Research is partnering with "Family members can help by setting up a comfortable environment and by learning how to react when their loved one doesn't remember something." — Phillip Martin, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, associate professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences