Dementia Flashcards
What is dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe symptoms associated with damage to the brain, such as memory loss.
What can cause dementia?
A stroke may cause dementia when the brain’s blood supply is restricted, causing brain cells to die.
• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise, can increase the risk of dementia.
• The risk of dementia increases with age.
What is the most common form of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease.
Is dementia a progressive disease?
Yes, dementia is progressive, meaning more parts of the brain are damaged over time.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It mainly affects people over the age of 65.
What happens in the brain of someone with Alzheimer’s disease?
Plaques and tangles build up in the brain, leading to a shortage of chemicals that affects the transmission of signals.
What are the effects of Alzheimer’s disease in the early stage?
• Decline in short-term memory.
• Difficulty completing routine tasks.
• Impairment in thinking/problem solving.
What are the effects of Alzheimer’s disease in the later stage?
• Language impairment.
• Lack of judgement.
• Emotional outbursts.
• Changes in behaviour.
• Agitation.
What are the effects of Alzheimer’s disease in the final stage?
• Unable to recognise family members.
• Unable to feed or care for self.
• Loss of control of bodily functions.
• Almost total loss of memory.
• Death.
What support is needed for someone with Alzheimer’s in the early stage?
• Informal help with everyday tasks.
• Medication.
• Counselling.
• Memory clinics.
What support is needed for someone with Alzheimer’s in the later stage?
• Community/specialist nurse visits.
• Respite care.
• Medication.
• Support in the home with personal care.
What support is needed for someone with Alzheimer’s in the final stage?
• Residential/hospice care.
• Personal/continence care.
• End-of-life care.
