DEMENTIA Flashcards
How does Alzheimer’s effect the brain?
proteins build up causing structures called plagues and tangles to form
this leads to the loss of nerve connections and eventually the death of nerve cells and brain tissue
common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
people may:
lose items
struggle to find words to use in sentences
forget about recent conversations or events
get lost in a familiar place or journey
describe some more developing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
reasoning, perception and communication issues such as:
language
visuospatial (judging distance, seeing objects in 3D etc)
concentration (indecisive, problem solving etc)
orientation (confusion)
delusions
what is mixed dementia?
suffering from more than one type of Dementia
the most common type of mixed dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular Dementia
basic description of vascular dementia
this is caused by a lack of blood supply to the brain
this deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients
basic description of dementia with Lewy Bodies
characterised by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy Bodies which appear in the brain stem and nerve cells
basic description of Parkinson’s disease
a chronic, progressive neurological condition
symptoms include:
tremors, muscle stiffness, speech problems
basic description of frontotemporal dementia
this disease affects the front and temporal lobes of the brain, which can cause declines in social skills, emotional apathy and behavioural changes
define apathy
lack of interest or concern
what do people associate ‘home’ with?
a peaceful, safe and idyllic place where they were happy and comfortable
why may a person with dementia want to ‘go home’
because of feelings of anxiety, depression, fear or insecurity
key techniques for comforting someone who wants to ‘go home’
don’t argue about whether they are home or not
reassure them of their safety
find the root cause behind their feelings (address them)
try diverting the conversation
4 steps to the Vera framework
validate
emotion
reassure
action
Vera validate
a genuine acceptance of the person at face value
Vera emotion
listening and acknowledging the emotional content of the communication, and matching the an emotional response to it
Vera reassure
seek to reduce a persons distress by practicing optimism and kindness
Vera action
provide a solution to offer a degree of occupation
why is it important to offer occupation to people with Dementia?
people who carry out occupation can promote a sense of self worth and fulfilment
what is important to remember when people with dementia experience a different reality?
appreciate that most of the time, these experiences and feelings often have a deeper meaning behind them.
for example: thinking a lost relative is coming to see them later on. This could be a call for companionship.
top 3 Dementia communication tips
eye contact from the front
speak slowly in clear sentences
close the conversation
top 3 Dementia mealtime tips
slow down, there’s no rush
sit and chat with residents
equal service for rooms
top 3 Dementia engagement tips
offer occupation
use motivating conversations
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