Dementia is a group of symptoms that cause a progressive decline in a person's ability to function. It is a terminal illness that causes loss of memory, intellect, rationality and social skills. Failing brain function and increasing physical disability lead to total dependence on others.
Causes of Dementia: Alzheimer's Disease, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, HIV, Brain Tumors, Lack of Oxygen, Heart and Lung Disease
Risk Factors: There are many factors that can lead to the development of dementia. The risk factors that cannot be changed include: Age, Down‘s Syndrome and Family History. The other factors that can be controlled are: Alcohol and drug abuse, Atherosclerosis, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Depression, Diabetes, Increased Estrogen Levels, Obesity and Smoking.
Common Signs & Symptoms: Memory Loss or Confusion, Difficulty Communicating, Personality Changes, Difficulty with Motor Function, Inappropriate Behavior, Agitation, Paranoia, Hallucinations, Inability to reason, Impaired Judgement, Difficulty With planning & coordinating tasks
Complications: Dementia affects many body systems and decreases the ability to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADL's). Potential problems that can occur include: Inadequate nutrition; Clients with dementia may forget or lose the desire to eat or drink.
Reduced hygiene; With advancing of the disease, clients will eventually lose the functions of bathing, dressing and toileting.
Deterioration of emotional health: Dementia causes changes in the brain that can lead to depression, aggression, confusion, frustration, anxiety and disorientation.
Difficulty taking medication; Clients often have trouble remembering to take correct dosage of medication at the correct time.
Difficulty communicating; As the disease progresses, the ability to remember names of . people and objects decreases.
Delusions and Paranoia; Clients may have false ideas about people or situations. 5 eep Challenges, Clients have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or wake up very early, Safety Challenges: Because of decrease in decision making and problem solving ability cooking, falling and wandering can put the client at increased risk for injury.
Prevention: Although there is no sure way to prevent dementia, the following are steps to take that may help.
Keep an active mind. Participate in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, and word games
Be Active. Being physically active and socially involved can reduce symptoms.
Quit Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of dementia development. Lower Blood Pressure. Hypertension increases vascular changes. Maintain a healthy diet by consuming fruits, vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids.
Caring for the client: People with dementia will have progression of symptoms over time and therefore the following suggestions may need to be adapted for each individual client.
Enhance communication by maintaining eye contact, speaking slowly in simple sentences, don't rush responses and point to objects when needed.
Encourage exercise and activity. Short walks if tolerated can slow the progression of cognitive function, lesson symptoms of depression, provide a calming effect and help retain motor skills.
Encourage puzzles, crosswords or other games that require thinking skills. Establish a routine for day and night. Limit caffeine intake and discourage daytime napping Keep a calendar or schedule for activities and provide medication reminders. Reduce clutter and help to maintain a safe environment. Reassure and validate the client's concerns to help avoid agitation. Maintain structure and routine when possible to minimize confusion.
Causes of Dementia: Alzheimer's Disease, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, HIV, Brain Tumors, Lack of Oxygen, Heart and Lung Disease
Risk Factors: There are many factors that can lead to the development of dementia. The risk factors that cannot be changed include: Age, Down‘s Syndrome and Family History. The other factors that can be controlled are: Alcohol and drug abuse, Atherosclerosis, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Depression, Diabetes, Increased Estrogen Levels, Obesity and Smoking.
Common Signs & Symptoms: Memory Loss or Confusion, Difficulty Communicating, Personality Changes, Difficulty with Motor Function, Inappropriate Behavior, Agitation, Paranoia, Hallucinations, Inability to reason, Impaired Judgement, Difficulty With planning & coordinating tasks
Complications: Dementia affects many body systems and decreases the ability to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADL's). Potential problems that can occur include: Inadequate nutrition; Clients with dementia may forget or lose the desire to eat or drink.
Reduced hygiene; With advancing of the disease, clients will eventually lose the functions of bathing, dressing and toileting.
Deterioration of emotional health: Dementia causes changes in the brain that can lead to depression, aggression, confusion, frustration, anxiety and disorientation.
Difficulty taking medication; Clients often have trouble remembering to take correct dosage of medication at the correct time.
Difficulty communicating; As the disease progresses, the ability to remember names of . people and objects decreases.
Delusions and Paranoia; Clients may have false ideas about people or situations. 5 eep Challenges, Clients have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or wake up very early, Safety Challenges: Because of decrease in decision making and problem solving ability cooking, falling and wandering can put the client at increased risk for injury.
Prevention: Although there is no sure way to prevent dementia, the following are steps to take that may help.
Keep an active mind. Participate in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, and word games
Be Active. Being physically active and socially involved can reduce symptoms.
Quit Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of dementia development. Lower Blood Pressure. Hypertension increases vascular changes. Maintain a healthy diet by consuming fruits, vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids.
Caring for the client: People with dementia will have progression of symptoms over time and therefore the following suggestions may need to be adapted for each individual client.
Enhance communication by maintaining eye contact, speaking slowly in simple sentences, don't rush responses and point to objects when needed.
Encourage exercise and activity. Short walks if tolerated can slow the progression of cognitive function, lesson symptoms of depression, provide a calming effect and help retain motor skills.
Encourage puzzles, crosswords or other games that require thinking skills. Establish a routine for day and night. Limit caffeine intake and discourage daytime napping Keep a calendar or schedule for activities and provide medication reminders. Reduce clutter and help to maintain a safe environment. Reassure and validate the client's concerns to help avoid agitation. Maintain structure and routine when possible to minimize confusion.
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