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III. Crime Victims Who Have
Alzheimer’s Disease
Background
Alzheimer's disease breaks down the connections between
nerve cells in the brain. Outward signs of the disease may not
be apparent in a person until the disease reaches its advanced
stages. Initially, Alzheimer's causes one to forget recent events
or familiar tasks. Eventually, people with the disease are unable
to care for themselves.
First responders may observe the following common symptoms
in people with Alzheimer's disease:
- Use of nonsensical words in speaking.
- Disoriented sense of time and place.
- Wandering or becoming lost and not knowing where
one lives.
- Blank facial expression.
- Poor judgment. For example, wearing winter clothes in
summer or a nightgown to go shopping.
- Rapid mood swings for no apparent reason.
- Walking manner characterized by slow, sliding movements
without lifting the feet.
Although the disease can occur during a person's 30s, 40s,
and 50s, most people with Alzheimer's disease are older than
65. Ten percent of people over age 65 and nearly 50 percent of
those over 85 have the disease. The vast majority of these people
live in the community, not a caregiving facility. Thus, as the
elderly are the fastest growing U.S. age group, the number of
people with Alzheimer's disease is increasing, as is the likelihood
that you will encounter victims who have this disability.
Tips on Responding to Crime Victims
Who Have Alzheimer's Disease
Approach victims from the front and establish and maintain
eye contact (when you know in advance that the victim has
Alzheimer's disease). Introduce yourself as a law enforcement
officer and explain that you have come to help. Due to their
impaired short-term memory, victims may repeatedly ask who
you are. Thus, you may need to reintroduce yourself several
times.
- Ask for identification if you suspect that victims have
Alzheimer's disease. In addition, observe for a Safe Return
bracelet, necklace, lapel pin, key chain, or label inside their
clothing collar. Safe Return identification provides the first
name of a person bearing this ID, indicates that he or she
has a memory impairment, and gives the 24-hour toll-free
number for the Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return
Program. The program includes a nationwide participant
registry that contains the full name of the registrant, a
photograph, identifying characteristics, medical information,
and emergency contact information. When you call the program's
crisis number at (800) 5721122, a Safe Return clinician
will contact the registrant's caregivers.
- Treat victims with dignity. The deterioration of their mental
abilities does not mean victims are without feelings.
- Remove victims from crowds and other noisy environments
as this can cause restlessness, pacing, agitation, and panic in
people with Alzheimer's. Also, turn off your car's flashing
lights and lower the volume on your radio.
- Establish one-on-one conversation. Talk in a low-pitched,
reassuring tone, looking into the victim's eyes. Alzheimer's
shortens attention span and increases suspicion. Your calm
support can make victims less agitated and panicked. Speak
slowly and clearly, using short, simple sentences with familiar
words. Repeat yourself. Accompany your words with gestures
when this can aid in communication, but avoid sudden
movements.
- Include victims in all conversations, out of respect and so
you will not arouse their suspicion.
- Explain your actions before proceeding. If victims are agitated
or panicked, gently pat them or hold their hand, but
avoid physical contact that could seem restraining.
- Expect difficulties making yourself understood. Do not
assume victims understand you or are capable of answering
your questions and complying with your instructions.
- Give simple, step-by-step instructions and, whenever possible,
a single instruction. For example, "Please sit here. I'll
take care of everything." Avoid multiple, complex, or wordy
instructions, such as: "Please sit here, don't get up or go anywhere,
and wait for me to come back." Also, substitute nonverbal
communication by sitting down if you want victims to
sit down.
- Ask one question at a time. "Yes" and "no" questions are
better than questions that require victims to think or recall
a sequence of events. Be prepared for answers that are confusing
and keep changing. If victims' words are unintelligible,
ask them to point, gesture, or otherwise physically communicate
their answer.
- Never argue with victims or challenge their reasoning.
- Do not leave victims alone; they may wander away.
- When victims' caregivers are located, encourage them to
contact the Safe Return Program's nonemergency number
at (888) 5728566 to register victims not already listed in
the program's registry.
- Find emergency shelter for victims with the help of a local
Alzheimer's Association chapter if no other caregivers can
be found.
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First Response to Victims of Crime Who Have a Disability |
October 2002
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