The numbers are staggering . More then 10% of Americans 71 and older are diagnosed with dementia. And, worldwide , at least 35 million people live with dementia. That number is expected to hit 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 facts you should share with your CNA :
What Exactly 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 that you should be aware of.
So what 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- that can be caused by many different diseases. The dementia symptons are often severe enough to seriously undercut people’s ability to perform normal daily activities .
In the United States, an estimated 5 million people have dementia . The risk of dementia increases with age and most people affected by dementia are over the age of 65 . Does that mean that all senior citizens “lose their minds” at some point? Absolutely not ! 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.
- Improper diet nd nutrition, such as lack of B12 and folate
- Infections that affect the brain and spinal cord.
- Head injuries .
- Radiation therapy to the head.
- Cardiac arrest.
- Chronic kidney deceases , liver or lungs.
If Your Client Has Dementia…
Focus on strengths! Most types of dementia inevitably cause decline of a person’s memory, intellect and personality- which becomes evident in the middle to late stages of the disease. During the early stage of dementia, it is particulary 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 notes and pictures on the walls of Mr. Smith’s living area.
Stimulate, don’t overwhelm. it is important to keep in mind the fine line between stimulating people and overwhelming them . Get to know each client as an individual so you learn what their limits are . For example, Mr Brown may become agitated by all the sights and sounds after a ten minute walk, but Mrs. Hall 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. People 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, remember , 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
Keep these ten warning signs in mind as you go through your work day-especially if you care for a number of elderly clients . Don’t hesitate to report to your supervisor if you see your clients developing these signs . Your observations may help them receive an early diagnosis-and treatment- for dementia.
- Loss of Memory
- Difficulty performing everyday jobs
- Difficulty with language
- Confusion about time and place
- Poor or impaired judgment
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Misplacing items
- Noticable changes in behaviour or mood
- Changes in personality
- A loss of initiative
Keep in mind, however, that sometimes side effects of medications or alcohol may mimic the dimentia .