Caregivers of Older Adults Blog | Dementia Activities

Caregivers of the elderly often refer to the SLUMS Exam and the GDS in evaluating the health and condition of their patients. The SLUMS Examination is a screening tool for dementia developed by Saint Louis University geriatricians that identifies mild cognitive problems, and the GDS is a 30-item self-report assessment used to identify depression. Both are designed for use with the elderly.

There is no single, definitive test to determine whether an individual is suffering from dementia. Rather, the healthcare team considers all potential causes while conducting a comprehensive assessment of the patient. Doctors often use the SLUMS Examination in order to determine whether further testing might be necessary. Let's take a closer look at this widely used, clinician administered diagnostic tool.

As dementia progresses, people living with the disease are often impeded in their abilities to carry on their usual activities. However, remaining active can be an essential part of enjoying a decent quality of life. While coming up with purposeful, age-appropriate activities for people with dementia can be a challenge for caregivers, a surprising number of household items are up to the task. Let's count down four easy, accessible, and affordable ways to keep people with dementia occupied and engaged.