Dementia Awareness Unit 237 Dementia is a condition which is the gradual loss of brain function, this also makes it degenerative. It can include symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, problems with speech and understanding. Dementia at the moment has no cure, as it has a number of diseases that coincide with it. Alzheimer’s is part of dementia. Functions that are affected by dementia are; Short term Memory loss, Language skills, the ability to interpret information, spatial skills, judgement and attention.
There are arguments to support that many older people leave hospital less able to function or mobilise than when they were admitted (de Morton, Keating & Jeffs 2007). This is due to the occurrence of deconditioning, a risk for many elderly patients admitted to an acute hospital setting. Deconditioning refers to the significant decline in the functional ability of patients, and is generally associated with prolonged bed rest and immobility (Kortebein, 2008). The term is used to describe the physiological changes caused by inactivity, with virtually every body system affected (Eliopoulos, 2010), and it also incorporates functional losses in mental status, ability to accomplish activities of daily living (ADLs) and a decrease in muscle mass and strength (Gillis, MacDonald & MacIsaac 2008). Hospitalisation is often the cause of deconditioning, particularly due to the focus on bed rest in order to recover from illness, or the limited mobility resulting from surgery.
Mr Lusk is a seventy eight year old male who has been admitted to hospital because of wandering, Mr Lusk’ wife has reported progressive memory loss and an inability for him to perform daily tasks like shopping. Mr Lusk was given a mental status exam which did show problems with memory, insight, orientation, judgement and language skills which may help in the diagnosis of Dementia. This essay will define what Dementia is and also investigate the signs and symptoms that Mr Lusk has presented with and ways in which health organisations would be able to help Mr Lusk and his family deal with his illness. 1. Discuss the deficits Mr Lusk has presented with.
Dementia is the term used to describe the condition which results in brain cells dying more quickly than the normal aging process, therefore commonly causing memory loss and a decline in the individuals mental and physical abilities. A build up of abnormal proteins on the brain is the most common cause however other heath factors can contribute to whether an individual is likely to be affected by dementia. Depending on the type of dementia the symptoms can differ. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, this currently affects 62% of people diagnosed with dementia. Alzheimer's is caused by a gradual loss of brain cells.
Understand the process and experience of dementia Definition of dementia is a syndrome usually of a chronic or progressive nature in which there is deterioration in cognitive function, thinking, orientation, comprehension, and calculation, learning capacity, language and judgement. Dementia is caused by damage in brain. The most common cause of dementia is called neurodegenerative diseases that include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Huntington disease, Front temporal dementia and dementia with lewy bodies. With this disease the brain cell degenerate and die more quickly than normal ageing process, these decline a persons mental and some times physical abilities. The gradual changes and damage to the brain cells are caused by a build up of abnormal proteins in the brain.
1. Write a reflective account detailing an example of how you have, or could have, used a person centred approach in a sensitive or complex situation. The account must contain a description of how person centred values were or could be put into practice in the situation. Suggested word count: 350 – 500 words Pat is a new resident and she suffers from Parkinson’s disease Because of her condition she can experience some very upsetting And often what she thinks are embarrassing side affect such as Not being able to always keep her eyes open, not always being Steady on her feet, occasional, episodes of incontinence and Occasional Slurred speech. Pat is also finding it hard to adjust to being in The home as up to a weeks ago she was living alone with carer’s Popping in a couple of times a day to assist her with her personal Needs .Pat is very depressed and doesn’t really understand why she is now in her home so is refuse’s to leave her room To mix with the other residents in the communal lounges she has Also Been choosing to eat her meals alone but often hides her left over’s food in napkins I was asked to be Pats key worker so the first thing I Did was try to take time to spend with Pat and her daughters when they visited in her room.
Holahan (2004) also adds that “decades of exposure and use take their toll on the body as wrinkles develop, organs no longer function as efficiently as they once did, and lung and heart capacities decrease. Other changes include decreases in strength, coordination, reaction time, sensation, and fine motor skills” (p. 298). There are some physical changes that affect women and men differently. A hormonal change in women through middle adulthood is known as menopause.
Recently Mrs A mobility needs have changed due to her Arthritis which has developed more causing pain in her legs, arms and hands. Mrs A Dementia has also deteriorated as she will now very often be sleeping and conversations have become less, Mrs A can answer questions if asked but does not generally initiate conversations like she used to. Due to the deterioration of Mrs A health needs the doctor examined Mrs A and a Palliative care plan was put into place with the agreement of Mrs A and her family, NCS Care homes for older people 17.2 “You know that the staff will explain, justify and record any limits on your independence in your personal plan and know that these will be reviewed regularly” you can relate to the National care standards here for involved in her care needs. The palliative care plan and risk assessments now consist of Mrs A needs to have 2 carers to assist her in most daily activities of her daily living such as attending to her personal hygiene, supporting Mrs A with her daily meals and supporting her with her mobility NCS Care homes for older people 13.9 “ You must be able to eat and enjoy your food. If you need any help to do so (for example, a liquidised diet, adapted cutlery or crockery,
Dementia and Alzheimer disease Mearon Azmera Tompkins Cortland Community College Abstract This paper investigates the phenomenon of Alzheimer’s disease one of the most dreadful disease which is affecting from the adulthood up to aged people on nervous systems present in brain. Major symptoms and associated symptoms with the diseases, theories of the development of the Alzheimer disease and different causes of the disease, factors that contribute to the development of the diseases, distribution of Alzheimer’s disease among developing and developed countries, and diagnosis and current treatment of the disease have been explained neatly and legibly with proper diagrams and easy to understand. The study by Maria shiver on women and Alzheimer’s
Psychology 10 February 2013 Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that gradually gets worse over time and affects memory, thinking, & behavior. People that are older, have a close relative with AD, or certain genes like APOE epsilon4 allele are more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease . Some other factors that may increase your risk are being a female, have a history of high blood pressure, and history of head trauma. There are two known types of Alzheimer’s disease- early onset and late onset. Early onset appears before the age of 60 and is less common than late onset but gets worse quicker.