SeizureSafe™ Dementia Caregiver Guide
Target Audience: Direct Care Staff, Nurses, Families, Administrators
This guide is designed to help staff and families recognize seizure risks in residents with dementia. It translates clinical evidence into practical, easy-to-follow steps that improve observation, reporting, and safety outcomes.
Introduction
Residents with dementia are at significantly higher risk for subtle seizure activity that often goes unnoticed. The Dementia Seizure Guide is intended as a quick-reference tool to help caregivers identify patterns, document observations, and escalate concerns for clinical review. It complements the SeizureSafe™ Hub modules and is a core component of your seizure risk management approach.
About This Guide
- How dementia increases the likelihood of unrecognized seizure activity.
- Why subtle signs are often misinterpreted as symptoms of dementia.
- Early warning behaviors such as staring spells, sudden confusion, or unusual repetitive movements.
- Factors that can trigger seizure activity (medications, infections, metabolic changes).
- Strategies to strengthen observation, documentation, and communication.
- References to additional SeizureSafe™ tools and modules.
Accessing the Guide
The guide is available in two formats for convenience:
Download for Printing and Offline Use
View in Browser
Key Takeaways
- Subtle seizures are common in Alzheimer’s and related dementias but are often mistaken for behavioral changes.
- Early recognition can reduce the risk of falls, prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, and enhance care planning.
- Staff and family observations play a crucial role in identifying seizure patterns.
- Documentation of timing, duration, and behavior before and after an episode is critical for clinical follow-up.
Related Resources
Next Steps
- Download the PDF version of this guide for team use and family meetings.
- Pair this guide with the Seizure Observation Checklist for daily observation.
- Use this guide as a training supplement during staff huddles or in-service sessions.
- Review Module 1 (Recognition) for additional training on seizure signs and risks.