dementia

Question 1

how many people are living with dementia in Scotland?

Answer 1

90,000 (as of 2017)

Question 2

dementia data

Answer 2

gender
- 67% of those with dementia are women, likely because they live longer and dementia is more common as we age

learning disabilities;
- up to 75% of people with DS over the age of 50 develop dementia, three times higher for this to occur in this group of people

ethnicity
- early on-set dementia (before the age of 65) and vascular dementia is more prevalent in the ethnic community

Question 3

what scotland’s national dementia strategy and when was it launched?

Answer 3

launched in 2010 by the Scottish government, this strategy set out of a range of commitments in relation to dementia care, support, and educated. it was updated in 2017.

Question 4

what is promoting excellence?

Answer 4

launched by the Scottish government in 2011 it describes the minimum knowledge/skills healthcare pros in Scotland require for caring for potential dementia patients.

Question 5

what is dementia

Answer 5

a condition which affects the brain and the way people behave, act and think. no two people will have the same experience of dementia. it will not progress at the same rate or have the same effect.

dementia is not a disease but a syndrome caused by diseases of the brain. it can effect memory, orientation, thinking, comprehension, language, learning capacity and judgement.

Question 6

signs/symptoms of dementia;

Answer 6

people living with dementia may;

• have problems remembering things from the day or week, and things previously said
• repeat things and get lost
• can feel confused, uncertain and anxious, distressed by their symptoms
• need more time to process things and to think
• need support

Question 7

dementia and age

Answer 7

people can live with dementia for many years, particularly if diagnosed over the age of 65. those diagnosed under this age can progress through stages of dementia quicker (in some cases).

Question 8

is there a cure for dementia

Answer 8

there is not cure for dementia, but support from loved ones and encouragement for a better quality of life can improve the person’s experiences.

Question 9

risk enablement

Answer 9

where the risk of harm is measured against diminishing positive benefits. E.g. it may not be safe for a dementia patient to go for a walk alone, as this could be harmful if they become lost/distressed, etc. however it will also be harmful to encourage them to stay in their room, as this could cause harm in the form of boredom, lonliness, depression, etc.

Question 10

signs & symptoms of abuse;

Answer 10

injuries
bruises
weight loss
behavioural changes such as being withdrawn, depressed, anxious
self harm
self-neglect, forced neglect, unkept looking

Question 11

relevant legislation

Answer 11

the adults with incapacity act (2000)

mental health (care and treatment) act (2003)

human rights act (1998)

adult support and protection act (2007)