Cognitive Impairment Flashcards
Cognitive function
Brain function involving the memory, thinking, reasoning, understanding, judgement, and behaviour functions of the brain.
Cognitive impairment
The loss of the ability to remember, think, reason, understand, or live independently.
Confusion (4)
- disorientation to person, place and/or time.
- Confusion may increase with a change in environment.
- Acute confusion may result from many causes, most of which are NOT permanent.
- Confusion associated with dementia generally has a gradual onset, increases over time and is permanent.
Delirium
a severe state of disorientation that can also include hallucinations and delusions. It usually has a sudden onset
Dementia
Deficits in memory and at least one other cognitive function
Confusion Support (7)
- state their name each time they encounter the client
- ensure there are clocks and calendars in the clients room
- open the drapes to allow them to see what time of day and what season it might be
- give information one step at a time (do not tell the client the plan for the entire day all at once, for example)
- encourage adequate sleep
- encourage fluids
- watch for signs of infection or other physical change
Delirium Support (3)
- all of the strategies for confusion
- do not challenge false beliefs (delusions) or hallucinations
- ensure safety through additional supervision, redirection, providing an area where they feel safe, etc
Responsive behaviour
- sundowning
- wandering
- agitation
- aggression
- hoarding
- repetitive behaviour
- sexual behaviour
sundowning (3 supports)
confusion and unwanted behaviours increase as the sun goes down during the late afternoon or early evening.
- Allow independence by encouraging completion of tasks prior to when the sundowning starts (ensure basic needs are met),
- be available to provide additional support as needed, 3. minimize shadows
wandering (4 supports)
walking aimlessly, often into inappropriate areas.
- Increase supervision,
- involve in activities of choice,
- try to determine if they are looking for something or someone and
- ensure basic needs (food, washroom, etc) are met
agitation (4 supports)
restlessness and irritability:
- try to determine and address the reason,
- avoid overstimulation,
- involve in activities of choice.
- Move closer to the door to ensure you are not trapped if the situation escalates
aggression (7 supports)
a physical or verbal attack on another person.
- If safe to do so, allow them some time alone to work through their feelings
- never challenge an angry person, do not tell them to calm down.
- Validate their feelings (not necessarily their thoughts),
- do not try to reason with them until they are calmer - they will not hear what you are saying
- always watch for signs of anger.
- Do not allow yourself to become trapped in a room. Your safety is most important.
- Remove others in the area if possible, seek assistance immediately
hoarding (4 supports)
- observe for dangers (food spoiling, etc),
- monitor for safety (clutter, tripping hazards),
- try to negotiate to improve safety (trade spoiling food for fresh for example).
- You cannot remove a persons belongings (including food given to them by staff) without their permission
Repetitive behaviour (3 supports)
- treat each instance as if it was the very first occurrence,
- never remind that they just asked that question,
- attempt to distract if needed with preferred activities
inappropriate sexual behaviour (3 supports)
- if inappropriate place, assist to find an appropriate place.
- If directed toward the worker, never act flattered or laugh, always let them know that it is inappropriate or unwanted
