Support for Patients
For patients who are experiencing the early stages of dementia—memory loss, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and confusion—the awareness of these symptoms and their impact on daily life can cause anxiety and depression.
Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health offers a holistic approach designed for patients who are experiencing the emotional effects of early dementia. Treatment often includes talk therapy to identify the patient’s concerns, and suggestions for creating an environment around the patient that’s structured and predictable.
Support for Caregivers
Princeton House also offers programs for caregivers to help them understand changes in a patient’s behavior as dementia symptoms progress, identify the patient’s unmet needs, and find ways to create structure and consistency so the patient feels a sense of emotional safety.
“We provide caregivers with support as they grapple with changes in the patient's personality and functioning. Even simple interventions such as soothing music or strategies to decrease sensory overload from loud noises or bright light can be effective to decrease agitation,” says Meera Balasubramaniam, MD, the Associate Medical Director of Princeton House in Hamilton.
Dr. Balasubramaniam suggests that friends and family members be aware of how caring for a patient with dementia is affecting their mood. It’s important that caregivers not ignore their feelings and seek resources for support if they feel overwhelmed.