Dementia and Palliative Care

Question 1

what is dementia

Answer 1

‘Dementia’ is a generic term, referring to a loss of intellectual and cognitive function, often including memory loss, loss of ability to carry out daily activities and changes in social behaviour. “
dementia is an umbrella term, referring to many types of dementia. the most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease

Question 2

what are the 10 actions in Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy: 2013-16

Answer 2

Identify a leadership structure within NHS Boards to drive and monitor improvements
Develop the workforce against the Promoting Excellence KSF
Plan and prepare for admission and discharge
Develop and embed person-centred assessment and care planning
Promote a rights-based and anti-discriminatory culture
Develop a safe and therapeutic environment
Use evidence-based screening and assessment tools for diagnosis
Work as equal partners with families, friends and carer
Minimise and respond appropriately to stress and distress
Evidence the impact of changes against patient experience and outcomes

Question 3

what will Scotland’s National Dementia Strategy: 2016-19 focus on

Answer 3

human-rights based approach to improving dementia diagnosis rates and services
supporting the roll out and embedding of good quality and consistent post-diagnostic support for dementia
prioritise and design specific dementia palliative and end of life care
support and challenge the new Integrated Joint Boards in re-designing local dementia care systems now and for the future
approaches to education & training and service improvement,
strategic approaches to promote and complement bottom-up, community-led Dementia Friendly Community initiatives and utilise these assets as part of service and support re-design

Question 4

what does the 8 Pillars Model of Community Support include

Answer 4

dementia practice coordinator
support for carers
personalised support
community connections
mental health care and treatment
general health care and treatment
therapeutic interventions to tackle symptoms of the illness

Question 5

what are early warning signs of early signs

Answer 5

Subtle changes in behaviours & mood
Depression
Visual changes
Difficulty in acquiring, processing and retaining new information

Initial symptoms can be mistakenly associated with stress or age.

Question 6

describe mild dementia

Answer 6

Cognitive decline evident.
May become more forgetful of recent events or personal details.
Other problems include impaired mathematical ability (for instance, difficulty counting backwards from 100 by 9s),
A diminished ability to carry out complex tasks like throwing a party or managing finances,
Moodiness.
Irritable.
Social withdrawal.

Question 7

describe moderate dementia

Answer 7

Some assistance with daily tasks is required.
Problems with memory & thinking quite noticeable, inability to recall one’s own contact information or key details about one’s history.
Disorientation to time and/or place.
Decreased judgment and skills in regard to personal care.
Even though symptoms worsening, people in this stage usually; still know their own name & the names of key family members; can eat; use the bathroom without assistance.

Question 8

describe severe dementia

Answer 8

The most difficult stage for carers as it is characterized by personality & behaviour changes.
Memory continues to decline.
Assistance required for most daily activities.
Reduced awareness of one’s surroundings & recent events
Problems recognizing spouse & other close family members, although faces still distinguished between familiar & unfamiliar
Sundowning :- restlessness & agitation in late afternoon & evening.
Difficulty using the bathroom independently.
Incontinence.
Suspicion.
Repetitive behaviour (verbal and/or nonverbal).
Wandering.
Displaying stress & distressful behaviours.

Question 9

describe advanced dementia

Answer 9

The person may be –
Unable to respond to the surrounding environment.
Able to speak words or short phrases, but communication is extremely limited.
Basic functions begin to shut down, such as motor coordination and the ability to swallow.
Total care is required around the clock.

Question 10

What can we do to provide meaningful Dementia Care?

Answer 10

Listen to what the person wants.
Respect the person’s autonomy and choice.
Person centred approach, taking into account the person’s past life experiences and present position.
Care, which includes both the person and those who matter to them.
Engage in open and honest conversations throughout the person’s journey.