Unit 33 Understand the process and experience of dementia 1. Understand the neurology of dementia 1.1Describe a range of causes of dementia syndrome There is still so much unknown about what causes dementia and the 4 main types of dementia which are Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, dementia with lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia. Alzheimer’s as far as we know is caused when two abnormal proteins build in the brain, they form a plaque which disrupts the way the brain and its cells work to enable them to communicate to each other. Some believe that Alzheimer’s is caused by genetic factors or lifestyle, age, downs syndrome or cardio vascular disease. Vascular dementia is caused when there is a reduction in the blood flow to the brain.
The lower motor neuron degeneration disrupts nerve contact with the muscles and leads to deterioration or muscle atrophy. Early symptoms of ALS include trouble breathing, muscle weakness, and muscles spasms. Eventually a person affected by ALS will be unable to use their arms or legs, speak or swallow. When the
Scientists are learning new important about this disease. Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior problems that affect the ability to work, and social life. As this disease worsen over time and it is fatal. It is characterized by progressive loss of memory and other mental function (Carlson, 2008). Alzheimer’s is the fourth leading cause of death among adults, behind heart disease, cancer, and strokes (Taylor,
In addition to this, the connections between affected nerve cells deteriorate. As the disease progresses, it spreads and affects cells in other parts of the brain. Day to day memory problems are first noticed but other symptoms include not knowing the right words anymore, problem solving, decision making or 3 dimensional perception. * Vascular dementia is caused when the brain is deprived of oxygen. This happens when the arteries which carry oxygenated blood to the brain can't get there and the brain, or part of it, dies.
Understand the neurology of dementia Dementia is a term used to describe a wide range of brain diseases, the most common one being Alzheimer’s disease. There are a number of contributing factors to the causes of dementia, some being; * Various types of brain injuries that cause irreversible impairment. * Neurological disorders - i.e. Huntington’s disease, this affects muscle coordination and leads to cognitive decline and behavioral problems. * Infections – i.e.
A Critical Evaluation of Current Practices, Interventions and Treatments In Relation to Dementia Introduction ‘Dementia’ in its broad sense, is defined as a set of symptoms including mood changes, memory loss, and problems with communicating and reasoning. These symptoms are likely to occur as a result of brain damage by diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. Dementia is a progressive disease, meaning that the symptoms would get worse as time progresses (Alzheimer’s Society, 2012). In other words, the term Dementia is used to describe symptoms of a wide range of illnesses, which cause a gradual, progressive decline in the cognition of a person, and his ability to function. The changes that occur affect the social,
Alzheimer's disease affects the brain through exponentially greater cell death and tissue loss, resulting in a decreased brain size. As a result, behavior, memory and thinking are affected. Vascular dementia is caused by blockages and breaches in the brain's blood supply that damage the brain and can be caused by any condition which results in an interruption to the blood flow to the brain, and as well as strokes, this could include diseased arteries, heart attacks, high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, diabetes, furred arteries and irregular heart rhythms. Any condition causing damage to the circulation of blood to the brain carries a risk to mental functioning. People experiencing vascular dementia will, like those with Alzheimer’s disease, have problems with learning, remembering, recognition, planning and problem solving.
Diener HC, Kronfeld K, Boewing G, et al; GERAC Migraine Study Group. Efficacy of acupuncture for the prophylaxis of migraine: a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial [published correction appers in Lancet Neurol. 2008;7(6):475]. Lancet Neurol. 2006;5(4):310-316.
Unit: Dementia Awareness This unit must be assessed in accordance with Skills for Care and Development’s Assessment Principles. Learning Outcome 1: Understand what dementia is Assessment Criteria 1.1. Explain what is meant by the term ‘dementia’ Dementia is a term used to describe a range of signs and symptoms that occur when the brain is affected. Chemical and structural changes in the brain damage and kill brain cells, dementia is a progressive disease and this simply means that the symptoms will gradually get worse. Neurons and synapses become damaged by dementia they may be unable to carry messages that tell a section of the brain what to do.
It is important to encourage to maintain independence. Know the most common types of dementia and their causes. 3.1) The most common causes of dementia are neurodegenerative disease where the brain cells die more quickly than normal which leads to a decline in the persons mental and physical abilities. Dementia can be caused by strokes, brain damage, old age, or it can be hereditary. 3.2) Symptoms of Alzheimer’s; Becoming more confused and forgetful, Mood swings, Becoming withdrawn due to loss of confidence, Having difficulty completing every