Dementia Awareness

Questions 4222-237/DEM 201
Dementia Awareness
Outcome 1
1. Explain what is meant by the term ‘dementia’
Dementia is a long term condition that mainly affects people over the age of 65 although there are forms of dementia that can affect people younger than this. The term dementia covers a range of symptoms, the combination of which depends on the type of dementia and the parts of the brain that are affected.
2. Explain what the key functions of the brain are that are affected by dementia
Frontal lobe – Movement, emotional behaviour, personality, interpretation and feeling
Parietal Lobe – Language, spacial awareness and recognition
Temporal Lobe – Long term memory, speech and hearing
Occipital Lobe – Vision
Cerebellum – Balance, posture, muscle co-ordination( movement )
3. Explain why depression, delirium and age related memory impairment may be mistaken for dementia
These conditions can have a similar effect on an individual’s behaviour and communication skills as a dementia related illness would have
Outcome 2
1. Explain what the ‘medical model’ of dementia means
This model views dementia as an incurable physical illness, therefore signs and symptons are used to make a diagnosis and drugs are prescribed that are considered appropriate for the type diagnosed

2. Explain what the ‘social model’ of dementia means
This model places its centre on carers building a relationship with the individual concerned and maintain a positive and supportive social environment for individual with dementia
3. Explain why dementia should be viewed as a disability
Dementia as a disability model is person focused, concentrating on the effects of an individual’s dementia on their ability to function and developing ways in which they can adapt and overcome the problems that they face in their own life, it helps them to manage their dementia
Outcome 3
1. List the most common causes of dementia
Alzheimer’s disease – This is the most common cause of dementia, general loss of brain cells, significant shrinkage of brain matter, tangles and plaques, which both cause brain cells to die of at a faster rate than normal ageing.
Lewy Body Dementia – These are tiny spherical structures that are found on the base of the brain, these abnormalities contribute to the death of brain cells.
Vascular Dementia – This type is caused when the brain is starved of oxygen, blood vessels become damaged either by diseased or blockage, possibly a blood clot the cells become starved and then die, this then leads to the symptoms of dementia, the most common cause of vascular dementia is a stroke.
Fronto-temporal dementia -This type of dementia is caused by a number of conditions and is rare, (the most common being Picks Disease) these conditions cause damage to the frontal lobe and temporal parts.
2. Explain the likely signs and symptoms of the most common causes of dementia
Alzheimer’s disease – Lapses in memory, especially recent memories, mood swings, personality changes, wandering , particularly at night
Lewy Body Dementia – memory loss, hallucinations, problems with attention and alertness, loss of facial expression, confusion and delirium with nightmares, tending to faint or fall, decline in problem solving skills
Vascular Dementia – problems with communication and concentration, stroke symptoms ie. Leg and arm weakness, acute confusion, memory loss, dizziness, slurred speech, loss of bladder and bowel control, rapid shuffling steps and stepped progression ie symtoms level off and then condition deteriorates
Fronto-temporal dementia – lack of insight, inability to empathise, changing or inappropriate behaviour, loss of inhibitions, compulsive rituals, increased interest in sex, agitated or blunted emotions, a decline in personal hygiene and language difficulties.

3. Explain the risk factors for the most common causes of dementia
Individuals aged 65 or over are at a higher risk
Environmental and lifestyle factors
Head injury
Some physical conditions
Genetics
Learning disabilities
4. Explain how prevalence rates may change for different types of dementia
As more people are living longer the prevalence rates may change as the over 65 population grows larger in number. Lifestyle will also contribute to changing the rates… ie diet.. more fast food, busier lives lack of correct nutrition, lack of exercise.
Outcome 4
1. Explain how different individuals may experience living with dementia depending on age, type of dementia, and level of ability and disability
All individuals will experience dementia differently, the symptons may be more severe in some, progress faster in others, it may be they have decided not to tell anyone or that they don’t recognise the symtoms, early stages of dementia will display some or all of these symtoms, memory loss, problems with recalling names and words, language difficulties, loss of hearing, visual acuity and changes in behaviour, mood swings
2. Explain the impact that the attitudes and behaviours of others may have on an individual with dementia
In the past some professionals may have felt that nothing could be done for individuals suffering with dementia, these attitudes have a negative impact on the standard and quality of care that was provided for sufferers, leading to individuals being left vulnerable to neglect and abuse. This attitude fails to recognise the capabilities and needs of people with dementia or the safeguarding responsibilities of those who care for them, in recent years things have changed and dementia is now recognised as a serious disabling condition, by learning and understanding an individual’s life experiences, these can be used to tailor the care and support so it’s as unique as the individual you are caring for.