Dementia: its effects on patients, family and carers Flashcards
Identify the main types of dementia.
- AD
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- Vascular Dementia
- Lewy Body dementia
Which of men or women are more at risk of dementia ?
WOMEN
Define dementia.
Progressive:
- Cognitive/Intellectual function loss (concentrating, planning, organising, memory, visuospatial skills, orientation, language/comm problems)
- Loss in ability to do day to day activities
- Changes in personality and social behaviour (mood)
Identify the main features of ‘early’ AD.
Forgetful Mislaying items Struggle to find words Slower cognitive capacity Confusion/losing track of day Poor judgement, hard to make plans/decision Judging distance/seeing objects in 3D Lose interest
Identify the main features of ‘moderate’ AD.
More forgetful Fail to recognise people Time/place/events/getting lost Need help w/ personal care Diff in daily activities Behaviour changes Safety
Identify the main features of ‘late’ AD.
(usually total dependency)
Unaware of time/place Confusion/ comprehension Not recognise familiar faces Behaviour changes Mobility problems Increased need in self care Incontinence Need assistance in eating
Describe the role of caregivers in the early stage.
• Caregivers become aware of their caregiving role (often as a result of diagnosis)
• Provide emotional support following diagnosis and when
the person is depressed or anxious
• Prompt and remind the person about events, tasks and
other things to help them maintain involvement and
independence
• Provide assistance with instrumental activities (e.g.
personal finances, shopping)
Describe the role of caregivers in the middle stage.
Use communication strategies to aid
understanding
• Provide help with carrying out personal care
• Provide help with other activities of daily living
such as food preparation, dressing appropriately
• Respond to and manage behavioural disturbance
and inappropriate behaviour.
Describe the role of caregivers in the late stage.
• Provide care, support and supervision around the
clock
• Provide full assistance with eating and drinking
• Provide full physical care (bathing, toileting,
dressing, mobilizing)
• Manage behavioural problems.
How many people in the UK live with dementia ?
850 K
Which of M or W are more likely to develop dementia ?
Women
Identify the main people/organisations which ‘care’ for people with dementia.
- Primary family caregivers
- Family members, relative and friends
- Neighbours and community
- Local and national governments, and NGOs
- International organisations
Identify the main consequences of caregiving.
• A second patient in the making
• Needs of primary caregiver are crucial in the long-term care of the patient
• Consequences for psychological, physical health, quality of life
– Depression/anxiety
– Lower quality of life/wellbeing
– Worse health outcomes: e.g., obesity, higher metabolic risk, higher levels of stress hormones, compromised immune system, cognitive decline, less preventive health behaviours
– Sleep problems
– Social isolations
– Family conflict
– Financial strain (providing dementia care can be full time job)
– Sense of loss/grief
– Guild/resentment/anger
– Role strain (trying to manage multiple caring duties)
Identify barriers to diagnosis of dementia and receipt of good quality care.
Public and professional knowledge and attitudes are a barrier:
-Stigma of dementia prevents discussion \+ -False belief: normal part of aging \+ -False belief: nothing can be done = Inactivity in seeking and offering help
Identify sources of support for dementia patients.
• Social services department of local authority/council
• Community psychiatric nurse –> For long-term care plan
• Physiotherapist: issues around mobility
• Occupational therapy:
– Helps with reminiscing and how to make a life story book – Recommending suitable exercise/changes around home
– Assist with personal care training
– Improving safety at home
– Info support on accessing other support
– Advising carers
