While there is still much to learn about Alzheimer’s, we know one thing for sure: dementia is not a normal part of aging. Alzheimer’s is a disease that is caused by damaged brain cells and it causes a person to gradually lose cognitive abilities, causing memory loss and degradation of motor skills. The Brain Change Model presents a new way for caretakers to think about people with Alzheimer’s and is supported by the Positive Approach to Care movement.
The Brain Change Model: Finding the Beauty Within
Alzheimer’s changes a person inside and out, and it is all outside the individuals’ control. While it can be alarming to see these shifts occur in someone you know or yourself, these changes are often predictable. The Brain Change Model categorizes these transitions by comparing each stage of Alzheimer’s to a type of gem. These include:
- Sapphire: True Blue – a person who has a healthy brain without any cognitive dysfunction.
- Diamond: Clear and Sharp – aperson who is just beginning to experience cognitive dysfunction and occasionally becomes distressed or irritable.
- Emerald: On the God With a Purpose – a person who is starting to lose touch with reality and is beginning to forget details from recent conversations.
- Amber: Caught in a moment – a person whose nervous system is changing and uncomfortable, making them intolerant.
- Ruby: Deep and Strong in Color – a person who is losing fine motor skills and struggling to complete everyday activities.
- Pearl: Hidden Withing a Shell – a person in the final stages of dementia whose mind and body has experienced profound change.
How This Model Support a Positive Approach to Care
Turnagain Social Club practices a Positive Approach to Care, which involves understanding The Brain Change Model. This system allows caretakers to better understand how Alzheimer’s progressively alters a person’s functioning while still recognizing the beauty of the person – inside and out. To read more about this model, click the link below.
Read More About What Is the Brain Change Model?