WEEK 11 topic - behaviours

Question 1

Definition of Responsive Behaviours

Answer 1

Responsive behaviours are not just random reactions but are often expressions of unmet needs or responses to stimuli that the individual with dementia may not understand or can no longer process in the same way.

Question 2

What are Physiological and Psychological Responses to Stress

Answer 2

General Adaptation Syndrome, Psychological Adaptive Behaviours

Question 3

What is an alarm reaction

Answer 3

The initial response to stress, where the body mobilizes its defences.

Question 4

What is the resistance stage

Answer 4

The body adapts to the stressor, but prolonged resistance can lead to decreased ability to cope

Question 5

What is the Exhaustion Stage

Answer 5

Prolonged exposure to stress leads to depletion of resources, resulting in burnout or physical breakdown.

Question 6

explain Psychological Adaptive Behaviours

Answer 6

They are acquired from personal experiences and learning, coping mechanisms can be positive (constructive coping strategies) or negative (maladaptive, harmful behaviours).
and Negative coping mechanisms may manifest as confusion, poor problem-solving, personality changes, and reduced functioning.

Question 7

explain New Perspective on Dementia Behaviours

Answer 7

Behaviours that arise in dementia, like agitation, depression, or aggression, are seen as meaningful expressions of unmet needs

Question 8

explain the unmet needs approach

Answer 8

It challenges the idea of treating the behaviour as a problem itself, urging caregivers and healthcare workers to identify the root cause.
Examples of unmet needs might include pain, hunger, or frustration due to impaired communication.

Question 9

explain Responsive behaviours

Answer 9

These are behaviours that individuals with dementia may exhibit as their cognitive function declines. They include a wide range of actions such as physical aggression, physical non aggression, verbal aggression, verbal non aggression

Question 10

what are the causes of Responsive behaviours

Answer 10

Disease progression, Communication difficulties, physical discomfort, mental health factors and environment triggers

Question 11

explain disease progression

Answer 11

Its when specific brain regions may be damaged, leading to inability to process information or regulate emotions and behaviour

Question 12

explain Communication difficulties

Answer 12

Dementia often results in a reduced ability to communicate effectively, leading to frustration and misunderstood behaviour

Question 13

explain physical discomfort

Answer 13

Unaddressed pain or discomfort (e.g., infections, constipation) may lead to reactive behaviours