Dementia Process

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The process and experience of Dementia Causes of dementia: Alzheimer’s, There is still a lot to learn about what causes Alzheimer's. Scientists know that during Alzheimer’s two abnormal proteins build in the brain. They form clumps called either ‘plaques’ or ‘tangles’. These plaques and tangles interfere with how brain cells work and communicate with each other. The plaques are usually first seen in the area of the brain that makes new memories. A lot of research is focused on finding ways to stop these proteins in their tracks and protect brain cells from harm. Vascular dementia, Vascular dementia is caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain. Blood carries essential oxygen and nourishment to the brain and without it, brain…show more content…
This can occur in distinct parts of the brain, leaving other areas relatively unaffected. It is sometimes difficult to tell whether people have Alzheimer's or vascular dementia. It is also not unusual to have a mixed form. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia may progress in a 'stepped' manner. Symptoms may suddenly worsen due to stroke and then remain the same for some time. Months or years later, if another stroke occurs, symptoms may worsen again. However, when vascular dementia has been caused by several smaller strokes, a more gradual progression of symptoms is likely to be experienced. Importantly, if the person does not experience any additional strokes their symptoms may not worsen over time. People with vascular dementia tend to maintain their personality and more normal levels of emotional responsiveness until the later stages of the disease. This sometimes means that people with vascular dementia are more aware of their condition and more prone to depression than people with Alzheimer's disease.Each person will experience dementia differently. On average, people with vascular dementia live for around five years after symptoms begin. In many cases, the person's death will be caused by a stroke or heart…show more content…
Seniors with dementia experience the same prevalence of conditions likely to cause pain as seniors without dementia. Pain is often overlooked in older adults and, when screened for, often poorly assessed, especially among those with dementia since they become incapable of informing others that they're in pain. Beyond the issue of humane care, unrelieved pain has functional implications. Persistent pain can lead to decreased ambulation, depressed mood, sleep disturbances, impaired appetite and exacerbation of cognitive impairment and pain-related interference with activity is a factor contributing to falls in the elderly. Although persistent pain in the person with dementia is difficult to communicate, diagnose and treat, failure to address persistent pain has profound functional, psychosocial and quality of life implications for this vulnerable population. Health professionals often lack the skills and usually lack the time needed to recognize, accurately assess and adequately monitor pain in people with dementia Family members and friends can make a valuable contribution to the care of a person with dementia by learning to recognize and assess their
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