What 's the best way to travel with dementia?

Getting from place to place with a person who is pleasant but cognitively impaired is difficult enough but traveling with an abusive dementia patient has an abundance of added difficulties. See also:
11 Kinds of Music to "Soothe the Savage Beast" of Dementia

See all 660 questions about Alzheimer's and Other Dementias The most immediate question would be "When is it no longer a viable option to spend winter months in FL?" For most folks with AD, traveling can actually do more harm than good as it leads to increased frustration and confusion. When this occurs, the patient acts out and becomes extremely difficult to manage as you have already experienced. Trying to deal with these issues logically is to no avail since her reasoning power has been dramatically affected by the disease and you can not rationalize with someone who has lost the ability to be rational. People in the early stage of the disease have often articulated a feeling of great relief when traveling has been eliminated from their schedule. All say that changing venues is very confusing and the confusion sometimes lasts the duration of the trip. Returning home instills more confusion and those who are able have insisted that being in one familiar environment is the most helpful to their level of function. If these trips between MI and FL can not be halted, I would make the following suggestions hoping that some may be helpful: * Alert airline staff to her condition * Use a medication to 'take the edge off' and to help her rest during the long trip. * Have another companion or family member accompany you on the trip * Bring something familiar for her to look at or hold while traveling - a photo album is good * Audio books are often a great means for calming the distraught AD person. Something simple (religious, humorous, etc) work well and comfortable ear phones help block out other sounds that may be adding to the confusion. * Special little snacks and familiar 'goodies' help promote positive feelings. I wish you well and reiterate that no longer making these yearly excursions will probably be far more efficacious than the change of scenery will. Bless you for your determination to make this a more positive scenario. People in the early stage of the disease have often articulated a feeling of great relief when traveling has been eliminated from their schedule. All say that changing venues is very confusing and the confusion sometimes lasts the duration of the trip. Returning home instills more confusion and those who are able have insisted that being in one familiar environment is the most helpful to their level of function. If these trips between MI and FL can not be halted, I would make the following suggestions hoping that some may be helpful: * Alert airline staff to her condition * Use a medication to 'take the edge off' and to help her rest during the long trip. * Have another companion or family member accompany you on the trip * Bring something familiar for her to look at or hold while traveling - a photo album is good * Audio books are often a great means for calming the distraught AD person. Something simple (religious, humorous, etc) work well and comfortable ear phones help block out other sounds that may be adding to the confusion. * Special little snacks and familiar 'goodies' help promote positive feelings. I wish you well and reiterate that no longer making these yearly excursions will probably be far more efficacious than the change of scenery will. Bless you for your determination to make this a more positive scenario.

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Dear Traveling With an Abusive Dementia Patient,

Been there done that, now add the additional complication that the patient use to be a career pilot and thinks the regular pilot doesn't know what he's doing and wants to go up to the flight deck and have some words with the regular flight crew. I was provided meds by the patients medical provider to help take the edge off the patient in flight should the need arise but I got mixed up with the time zones flying from the East coast to the West cost and the patient came off the effects of his meds from the morning on schedule according to the running time but not by east coast, west coast time. What travellors need to remember is to work off the running clock between meds regardless of what time it is where you are. Also remember to factor in that it might take as much as 20 min. or more for the meds to start taking effect so you might have to give them early so they start working on time. As for everyone elses safety, I would agree that if there is any chance that your patient might become upset during the flight, You owe it to the flight crew and the other passenger to let the flight crew know once you arrive at the aircraft what the situation is. Then the flight crew can help you if something does happen, if the flight crew doesn't know what the situation is, then they have to take the time to figure out what is going on when they could have been helping you...the Sky Marshals will be a little more understanding as well if they know what's going on in advance.

Sincerly, Traveler from Tucson

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My 57 yr old husband is developing Dementia/Alzheimer's as a result of a Traumatic Brain Injury 2 1/2 yrs ago. Last Summer, he flew unaccompanied after visiting family. Last month he collapsed from what appears to have been multiple strokes. Since then, I have found that even transporting him from the skilled facility to the Burger King around the corner is dangerous and scary - for us both. He tries to open the car door while in transit. The last trip, he was in and out of the car and the inside of the restaurant - at least a half dozen times, endangering himself because his balance is now terrible. Impulsive, Compulsive,Agitated. He wanted to eat his shake and burger, but seemed unable to control his activity. My heart was in my throat. Our short outing seemed like an eternity. Once back at the facility, he seemed to calm down, and I could finally breath again. I want to give him little outings, but after 3 attempts, I don't believe it is possible anymore. When he travels by Van to Doctor appointments, he is calm. But, once in the doctor's office, he becomes aggitated, - getting out of his wheel chair repeatedly and leaving the office. Also having anger outbursts.

Over the last 2 months, I now see that this is a pattern that he can't control. Prior to the strokes, we traveled to Fl. the previous 2 yrs. I drove, and he was fine. We were in the process of selling our home and relocating there. Now everything has changed. The required relocation car or air trip is now out of the question. His recent change is shocking. I have heard about the loss of memory that accompanies Dementia/Alzheimer's. I was totally ignorant of the additional signs of anger, agitation, and impulsiveness - and that these are aggravated by unfamiliar surroundings and stimulation. Based on my experience, I agree with the poster that the time for the Florida trips may be over.

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We drove from MI to FL. Of course I did all the driving and we took five days, only traveling from about 11 am to 4 pm each day. Took a walk each day of travel too after arrival at motel. Informed desk staff at each stop re spouse with dementia. Placed a chair in front of door in each motel also.

Because there are so many respite places in Sun City Center, I would hate to pass on going to Florida. Yes, there is confusion. But I constantly remind spouse that "home" is whenever, wherever we are together. That always seems to soothe his anxiety.

I will admit that my spouse is very docile: lucky me. And yes, the new location is confusing to him. But to me the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

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