We have all kinds of information on how useful environmental interventions can be for the client with dementia but use of these interventions seems spare. Why do you think this is and what can be done to correct the problem? PS as a provider interested in having an evidence-based practice, any links would be welcome

When you say evidence-based practice, are you referring to a healthcare private practice or a facility?

Studies show that about 90% of behavior problems in dementia are caused by the envirnment and caregiver approach to the person. One recent study revealed that the facilities' "home-like" environment made no difference in the frequency of agitation and combative behavior in persons with dementia. So simply providing a home-like environment is not enough to prevent or manage behavior problems.

My experience has been that caregivers in facilities have not been trained to understand dementia fully, so they do not know when or how to use environmental interventions effectively. Dementia is complex, and individuals vary in their behaviors, so not every intervention will work for every person with the disease. So when caregivers are provided with "tips" to manage behaviors, and the tips don't work, they get frustrated and can't problem-solve to figure out another strategy.

Knowledge about how the brain works and how dementia affects the brain's function are necessary to know when, where, and how to intervene to manage behavior problems, particularly in long term care facilities.

I'll get off my soapbox now...

Jen: There are numerous aspects of environmental intervention as you most likely already know.

One that is very serious and is being neglected on many levels is the issue of low level, chronic, prolonged EMF/EMR exposure -- particularly at night.

I am copying a couple of paragraphs FYI below. I also have lots of other information regarding the importance of melatonin as well as family health problems relating to EMF/EMR exposures from high voltage powerlines as well as bedroom appliances and electric meters (wall opposite bed).

Below is the item I mentioned:

Melatonin in Alzheimer's Disease
Very recent studies have found reduced levels of melatonin in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer’s disease compared to age-matched control subjects [Tohgi, 1992; Skene, 1990]. Since circadian rhythms are disrupted in Alzheimer’s disease, it is interesting to speculate whether restoration of melatonin to normal levels in these patients would alleviate other symptoms as well.


Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields
Sunlight is the primary environmental influence that regulates the internal clock and the associated late-night melatonin pulse. There is some evidence that the earth’s magnetic field may also be an environmental signal affecting circadian rhythms in humans. When shielded from the earth’s ambient magnetic field, human circadian rhythms can become disrupted [Tohgi, 1992].

Exposure to electromagnetic fields from appliances and from powerlines may be even more significant than we think. There are reports of altered neural function from exposure to ELF (extremely low frequency) fields, as found near high-voltage powerlines, including suppressed melatonin levels [Lovely, 1988]. Supplemental melatonin may help to overcome the negative health consequences of these fields.



[jcm note 10 17 06......above is only a portion of the Melatonin info from site shown below[

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://ceri.stor...6ie%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DG

* *

That is a very long item to cc and paste. If problems locating entire article go to google.com and type melatonin and alzheimers or electromagnetic radiation -- think I used "Alzheimers...."

I always recommend Dr. Russel Reiter's book, "Melatonin."

While my husband was most likely also severely affected by taking statins (Lipitor) for many years -- a "dealy combo" -- close, "toxic EMF exposure" combined with Lipitor (statins deplete vital Co-enzyme Q-10 as do EMF's -- plus cholesterol offers "protection to cells and especially the brain." See Dr. Duane Graveline's site: www.spacedoc.net

Below is Dr. Russel Reiter's 2003 Melatonin study access info:

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cmciema/2003/...03/00000001/art00006

I don't like to repeat what I have written in my other posts so perhaps you can check my post regarding EMF/EMR and nighttime appliances. I mention my grandsons' rare immune and guinea pig studies.

Feel free to contact me for additional information otherwise. Best wishes and take care - Joanne

My name is lavonee and i have found something about your topic in this site. So, I would like to share you.
Please respond me just you thing this is helpful for you.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Bird.lavonee

Looking to perform an intervention on a loved one who is abusing drugs or alcohol? This site can definitely help.

www.druginterventions.net