Wandering associated with the disease a little more complicated the management of this neurodegenerative pathology. Return on a very specific symptom.
The dramatic lengthening of life expectancy gained over the last century shows today its corollary: the pathologies associated with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. 860,000 people currently suffer from asthma in France and within ten years, forecasts estimate that 1.3 million patients concerned. The necessary support should be considered a phenomenon peculiar to the disease: that of the wanderings. What means of prevention? What policy during a fugue?
Conducive to disease wanderings
Several factors explain the significant risks of wandering in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive impairment and confusion of the patient cause impaired judgment and thinking. A scary environment sometimes just room temperature, light or noise bother the patient, may give the person a desire elsewhere.
This may be to seek solace in the birthplace or however long left to find a long-lost family. So the sight of a cloak, a ring may awaken the patient’s desire to leave. Causing confusion or distress, or “walk” can become a means of relief. In short, an environment and the difficulties inherent in the pathology explain the very high rate about 60%, risk of wandering, because of boredom, anxiety, envy more or less accurate.
Prevent the risk of runaway
Therefore, several actions are recommended by the associations to reduce the risk of running away. In addition to limiting conditions angoissent the patient including ensuring lighting and temperature conditions in the room, and avoid any sudden change of environment, short and varied activities offered to the patient should allow it to relieve all or part of their anxieties and to spend.
It is best to hide anything, coat, keys, which could trigger the urge to wander. Short guided outings also decreases the risk of envy elsewhere. However, it is difficult to fully safeguard of a fugue, while many patients are accompanied by a near daily basis, whether an elderly spouse or family member involved also in working life. For prevention, it is advisable to wear a garment to the patient registered or an accessory bracelet for example, can be identified quickly. And even if the subject is sometimes taboo, warn the neighbors and local shops can end quickly run away. Have a recent photo in case of research will prove useful.
If the patient has eloped, what means of action?
In runaway cases, if the patient is found in the immediate vicinity, it is necessary to inform the police or gendarmerie closest to the worrying disappearance, specifying in their patient’s condition. Do not hesitate to contact either the associations involved in assisting patients and their relatives. But also by the helplessness, the feeling of abandonment on the part of authorities and lack of resources put in place when running away, while a large Alzheimer’s plan began in 2008. Thus the family of Prothais Design, with the disease of Alzheimer, denounces the indifference that has surrounded the disappearance of the charming wife of 82 years.