The numbers are staggering . Two out of every fifteen Americans 71 and older are diagnosed with dementia. And, worldwide , at least 35 million people live with dementia. The numbers are projected to increase to 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050! With statistics like these, it is more important than ever for nursing assistants to be armed with information about dementia. Here are some of the basics that you can share with your CNAs :
What is Dementia ?
When you hear the word “dementia”, you probably think of Alzheimer’s disease. And, it’s true. Alzheimer’s disease is Edione of the forms of dementia. However, there are many other types of dementia.
What exactly is dementia? It is a slow, progressive loss of mental functions, including: memory, thinking, judgment and the ability to learn. Dementia is not considered a disease by itself. Rather, it is a syndrome-or group of symptoms- which are caused by various diseases. The symptoms of dementia are often severe enough to keep people from performing normal daily activities .
Estimated 5 million of Americans are suffering from dementia . The risk of dementia increases with age and most people affected by dementia are over the age of 65 . Does it mean that everyone over the age of 65 will get it ? No way! Consider this: more that half of all people over age 100 do not have dementia.
It’s true that the brain undergoes changes as people get older . But these normal age-related changes, such as a decrease in both short-term memory and the ability to learn, do not affect a person’s ability to function. Dementia does.
What Causes Dementia?
There are multiple causes of dementia, including:
- Diseases that affect the nerve cells in the brain, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Pick’s disease.
- Vascular disorders such as a stroke.
- Toxic reactions from excessive alcohol or drug use.
- Brain tumors.
- A lack of specific nutrients in the diet, such as vitamin B12 and folate.
- Infections that affect the brain and spinal cord.
- Head Injuris and Traumas .
- Radiation therapy to the head.
- Cardiac arrest.
- Chronic illnesses of the kidneys , liver or lungs.
For Your Clients with Dementia, Remember…
Focus on strengths! Most cases of dementia inevitably cause decline of a person’s memory, intellect and personality-usually during the middle to late stages of the disease. During the early stage of dementia, it is especially important to focus on the person’s remaining strengths…and not on what he or she is losing. For example, Mr Jones has trouble remembering what he hears, but does quite well with visual cues. So, his aide put simple written instructions and pictures on the walls of Mr. Smith’s living area.
Stimulate, don’t overwhelm. There is a fine line between providing stimulation to people with dementia and overwhelming them . Get to know each client as an individual so you learn what their limits are . For example, Mr Brown becomes agitated by all the sights and sounds after a ten minute walk, but Mrs Smith is content to sit and watch her neighbors for over an hour.
Last in, first out! For most people with dementia, the things they learned most recently are the most easily forgotten . Allow your clients to focus on what they do remember.
Childlike, not childish. Clients with moderate to severe dementia may lose the ability to care for themselves. Just like small children , they need help with eating, dressing, walking and toileting . But, keep in mind , just because some of their needs and behaviors may be childlike, they are not children. Be sure to treat them as adults; don’t patronize or “talk down” to them.
Personality Plus! Typically, dementia tends to exaggerate personality traits that already existed In some cases dementia exhagerates personality traits that are already present. For example, someone who was bossy in his younger years may be completely domineering due to dementia. Or, dementia may make a person who was always tidy become obsessed with neatness.
Ten Warning Signs of Dementia
Be mindful of these ten warning signs of dimentia, especcialy if you work with a lof of elderly clients. . If you notice these signs developing in any of your clients, report the situation to your supervisor . Your observations may help them receive an early diagnosis-and treatment- for dementia.
- Loss of Memory
- Problems performing everyday jobs
- Difficulty with language
- Confusion about time and place
- Poor or impaired judgment
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Misplacing items
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Changes in personality
- A loss of initiative
Keep in mind that depression, side effects of medication and alcohol abuse are among the problems that can mimic dementia .