Read the behavior scenarios below and indicate the letter next to it for what you should consider about this individual who has dementia. Choose the best answer.
Analysis of Behaviors and Possible Causes:
Maybell Wiggin
Possible Cause:
Vascular dementia can impair memory and reasoning, leading Maybell to forget she is married or disregard social norms related to her marital commitment.
Sonny Tricket
Possible Cause:
Discomfort, such as tight clothing or irritation, may cause Sonny to remove his pants. Alternatively, cognitive decline may make it difficult for him to discern appropriate behavior.
Zachary Yard
Possible Cause:
Middle-stage Alzheimer's often causes individuals to lose awareness of social norms, leading to behaviors that may seem inappropriate to others.
_____ 1. Maybell Wiggin just celebrated her 78th birthday and has Vascular Dementia. She is married and has been living in an assisted living facility for over a year. When she moved into the facility she showed interest in Lance, a male resident at the facility. Lately, she has been flirting a lot with other males in your care.
_____ 2. Sonny Tricket, now age 76, has been experiencing more frequent changes in his behaviors related to Alzheimer’s disease. For the last few days, he has been taking his pants off routinely in the dining room.
_____ 3. Zachary Yard is 54 with middle stage Alzheimer’s. Earlier this year, he started following another resident around asking her to kiss him and fondle his genitals. Recently you have found him masturbating in public spaces.
a. Clothing may be restraining or painful
b. May have forgotten social rules or etiquette
c. The person may have forgotten their marital status
Analysis of Behaviors and Possible Causes:
Maybell Wiggin
Behavior: Flirting with other males despite being married.
Possible Cause:
c. The person may have forgotten their marital status.
Vascular dementia can impair memory and reasoning, leading Maybell to forget she is married or disregard social norms related to her marital commitment.
Sonny Tricket
Behavior: Taking his pants off routinely in the dining room.
Possible Cause:
a. Clothing may be restraining or painful.
Discomfort, such as tight clothing or irritation, may cause Sonny to remove his pants. Alternatively, cognitive decline may make it difficult for him to discern appropriate behavior.
Zachary Yard
Behavior: Public masturbation and inappropriate sexual advances.
Possible Cause:
b. May have forgotten social rules or etiquette.
Middle-stage Alzheimer's often causes individuals to lose awareness of social norms, leading to behaviors that may seem inappropriate to others.
