Dem 301
Understand the process and experience of dementia
DEM 301
Outcome 1
Describe a range of causes of dementia syndrome.
Alzheimer's disease
This is the most common cause of dementia. During the course of the disease, the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, leading to the death of brain cells.
Vascular dementia
If the oxygen supply to the brain fails, brain cells may die. The symptoms of vascular dementia can occur either suddenly, following a stroke, or over time, through a series of small strokes.
Describe the types of memory impairment commonly experienced by individuals with dementia
Memory problems are usually the most obvious symptom in people with dementia. Someone with dementia may not know common facts when questioned. Language problems can also develop. For example, someone with dementia may have difficulty understanding what is said to them or understanding written information. New surroundings and new people may confuse a person with dementia: they can become easily disorientated. Even clever people who develop dementia find it difficult to grasp new ideas or learn new skills. Changes in mood, behaviour and personality and problems carrying out day-to-day activities.
We have two types of memories that may be affected episodic memory where we store events in reference to time, individuals with dementia may find it hard to remember events that have happed or of which have been planned. We also have semantic memory, where we store facts; with a individual with dementia they would find it hard to store facts for day to day lives.
So far, no one single factor has been identified as a cause for Alzheimer's disease. It is likely that a combination of factors, including age, genetic inheritance, environmental factors, diet and overall general health, are responsible. In some people, the disease may develop silently for many years before symptoms appear and the onset of clinical disease may require a trigger.
People with conditions such as high blood
DEM 301
Outcome 1
Describe a range of causes of dementia syndrome.
Alzheimer's disease
This is the most common cause of dementia. During the course of the disease, the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, leading to the death of brain cells.
Vascular dementia
If the oxygen supply to the brain fails, brain cells may die. The symptoms of vascular dementia can occur either suddenly, following a stroke, or over time, through a series of small strokes.
Describe the types of memory impairment commonly experienced by individuals with dementia
Memory problems are usually the most obvious symptom in people with dementia. Someone with dementia may not know common facts when questioned. Language problems can also develop. For example, someone with dementia may have difficulty understanding what is said to them or understanding written information. New surroundings and new people may confuse a person with dementia: they can become easily disorientated. Even clever people who develop dementia find it difficult to grasp new ideas or learn new skills. Changes in mood, behaviour and personality and problems carrying out day-to-day activities.
We have two types of memories that may be affected episodic memory where we store events in reference to time, individuals with dementia may find it hard to remember events that have happed or of which have been planned. We also have semantic memory, where we store facts; with a individual with dementia they would find it hard to store facts for day to day lives.
So far, no one single factor has been identified as a cause for Alzheimer's disease. It is likely that a combination of factors, including age, genetic inheritance, environmental factors, diet and overall general health, are responsible. In some people, the disease may develop silently for many years before symptoms appear and the onset of clinical disease may require a trigger.
People with conditions such as high blood