The Villages - April 2018 - 13

When it comes to cognitive decline, dogs bring muchneeded doses of solace to those struggling with dementia.
"Language is the first to go," explained Julie Fernandez, corporate
trainer for Serenades by Sonata
Memory Care Assisted Living.
Clicking through a slideshow
of photos showing healthy versus Alzheimer's-affected brains,
Fernandez described the progression of the chronic and debilitating disease. She pointed to images
Julie Fernandez
of a healthy brain - a plump and significantly larger organ in comparison to the shriveled, diseased brain.
"There is no cure," she noted.
More than 50 Dynamic Dog Club members attended the
special presentation at SeaBreeze Recreation Center, eager
to learn about the most devastating and prevalent form
of dementia - Alzheimer's disease. Fernandez delivered
her candid chat with the goal of educating therapy dog
handlers on varying types of dementia and the potential
dangers of working with memory care residents.
"We want to make sure you're safe," Fernandez said.
"No one intends to harm you, but people can get hurt
using the wrong approach on individuals with brain
failure."
Frustration, agitation and fear are common reactions
among dementia patients struggling to understand their
environment. Individuals with Alzheimer's may suffer
motion blindness, which makes them unable to sense
movement.
"If they can't see you, you're screwed," Fernandez
warned, before encouraging attendees to stand and
learn a song. The catchy tune serves as a reminder about
dementia.
"Language on the left; rhythm on the right. Lose on the
left; retain on the right." The entire room repeated each
verse in unison.
"The left temporal lobe is the first area of the brain to
be affected," Fernandez said. "You'll notice problems with
word-finding and communication."
Because dogs are masters at interpreting body language
and expressing love through nonverbal interactions,
people with dementia can relax and enjoy their company
without the pressure of navigating social barriers.
"Many (residents) don't have surviving friends,"
Fernandez said, "so your visits mean so much."

Cathy hamby & Zoe
Volunteers
like
Cathy
Hamby
began
volunteering after dementia hit home.
"My mother had it," Hamby said. "I started
doing research and learned about Teepa Snow and
her training methods."
Snow is a leading educator and dementia care
advocate, whose strategies integrate personal
approaches and effective, structured techniques.
Fernandez and other Serenades by Sonata staff
are certified in Snow's Positive Approach to Care
tactics. Among the topics Fernandez teaches are:
* What abilities a patient loses as dementia
progresses
* Approaching residents within their field of
vision
* Visual cues
* Sudden movements, which can be scary for
residents with impaired understanding
* Seeking permission
* Avoiding questions - making statements
instead when communicating

MAGAZINE

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - April 2018