ABSTRACT
The processes of dementia make the experience of day-today living an acute challenge. These stressful experiences of living with dementia create an intolerable strain upon psychological and physical body systems and, eventually, through the continuing attack upon its resources, these systems and the attendant immune defences of the body begin to fail. The premise of the adaptive response model is that armed with the knowledge of human systems and their ability to adapt and adjust, and with a firm application and emphasis on person-centred approaches to dementia care, the experience can be enhanced and living with one of the dementias can be made less traumatic. The chapter focuses on a dissertation presented for the Leeds Metropolitan University Post Graduate Diploma in Dementia Care. It outlines the theories and practical application of the adaptive response model. External environments include the physical, psychological and social affects the person with dementia. Negative and threatening environments can acutely afreet an individual.
