What is the primary focus of mental health promotion programs?

A. Providing companionship can help reduce feelings of isolation and agitation that may be exacerbated by sundown syndrome. Presence and interaction with a supportive person can provide comfort, reassurance, and a sense of security, which may help manage anxiety and agitation during the late hours.
B. Engaging in stimulating activities in the late afternoon or evening can sometimes worsen symptoms of sundown syndrome. Instead, activities should be calming and relaxing as excessive stimulation can
increase agitation and confusion. It’s better to plan stimulating activities earlier in the day.
C. Maintaining a familiar routine helps provide structure and predictability, which can be comforting for individuals with dementia. Consistent routines can help reduce confusion and anxiety, especially during the times when sundown syndrome symptoms are most pronounced.
D. While reminding the client about bedtime may seem like a good strategy, it can sometimes lead to frustration or increased agitation if the client is not ready for sleep or is confused. It is generally more effective to create a calming environment and use soothing routines rather than directly reminding the client of bedtime.
E. Reducing environmental stimulation, such as minimizing noise, bright lights, and other distractions, can help create a calm and peaceful environment. This approach can help prevent overstimulation, which is known to exacerbate sundown syndrome symptoms.

A. While it might be helpful to reduce distractions, forcing someone to sit down can be counterproductive and stressful. It's important to respect the client's needs and preferences.
B. Changing key words might confuse the client further, as they may lose the context of the conversation. It's better to rephrase the sentence using simpler language.
C. This is the most effective communication technique for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. As the disease progresses, language skills deteriorate, and simple communication is easier to understand.
D. While hand gestures can be helpful in some cases, they should be used in conjunction with verbal communication, not as a replacement. Overreliance on gestures can be confusing for the client.