1. HOW CARE PROFESSIONALS WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA 2. General practitioner-If a person is worried or concerned about memory the first contact would be a GP. If the GP suspect the patient to have dementia they may suggest referral to a consultant doctor or a memory clinic. If a doctor suspects someone to have dementia they might give the person the mini mental state examination which is abbreviated to MMSE this is to assesses a number of different mental, abilities, including: short and long term memory, attention span, concentration, language and communication skills, ability to plan, ability to understand instructions. What the MSSE is looking for a can a patient memorize short list of objects and then repeat the list. Moreover, can …show more content…
If the general practitioner diagnose someone with dementia early it will beneficial to carers and individuals because it will give them a better chance of benefiting from treatment. More time to plan ahead and lessened anxieties about unknown problem. Increased chances of participating in clinical drug trials, which in turn can help, advance research. An opportunity to participate in decisions about care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters, time to develop a relationship with doctors and care partners. Benefit from care and support services, making it easier for them and their family to manage the disease. Alzheimer’s Navigator can help identify needs and create actions plans. 26. An occupational therapists may have one adaptation for making a cup of tea such as put the kettle on, put the tea bag in the mug, get milk from fridge, wait until the water has boiled pour it in mug, wait for 3-4 minutes, pour the milk and add one teaspoon of sugar. When in fact the person does it totally different as they do it by; boil the kettle on the hob, boil a bit of milk in saucepan, wait until the water is boiled, but the water in a teapot with a teabag, but the milk in a jug and put the sugar cubes in the sugar dish with the …show more content…
If the doctor won’t pass any information to patient’s carers and families they won’t be in the loop. So if the person is confused they can’t ask them to repeat the information for them and they would feel helpless. In turn this means if the patients have got personal things to say about the carer the carer won’t find out and get hurt with emotional pain. Overall the advantage outweigh the disadvantage, the doctors should protect both individuals and should talk to the carer if the patient can’t make decisions for themselves and disoriented. Further on if the patients says hurtful things about the carer the doctor should NOT discuss that matter with the carer as it would cause further distress for them. When a doctor discuss what happens at the appointments it helps the cares how they can help the patient such as has the patient might need to take a medication the carer know when to take the medication how much and when. This would support the individual knowing the carer is there to help and this would help the carer to feel supported and very
I have been in care for a while and started out as a health care support worker so I have seen all different levels of progression with all different types of dementia. However the importance of early diagnosis is the same.
A proper diagnosis of dementia is essential, in order to rule out other conditions that may have symptoms similar to dementia and that may be treatable, including depression, chest and urinary infections, severe constipation and brain tumours . Also to rule out other possible causes of confusion, such as poor sight or hearing; emotional changes and upsets, such as moving or bereavement; or the side-effects of certain drugs or combinations of drugs. Folllow up diagnosis can enable a patient to access advice, information and support
Prior to diagnosis the individual may show signs of forgetfulness due to an incline in memory functions. They may even show signs of a decline in reasoning and communication
Individuals diagnosed with dementia have to face with the prospect of gradual loss of the capacity to make their own decisions. They need to think about and make their choises about care, treatment and money when they are not able to speak for themselves at some time in the future.
There are many types of dementia, causing many different symptoms and treatments, it may take time to find the appropriate treatment/medication to suit the individual.
Focusing on dementia, it is not constantly possible to involve the dementia sufferers in the decision making course of their care without encouragement and assistance by
Early diagnosis helps a person and their family prepare, they may want to learn about what they about to face increase awareness of dementia, its implications and Integrated Care Pathway. They would be able to look at benefit and legal implication such any benefits entitlements and power of attorney. The person and their family would
Working in a hospital setting predominantly with older people, I have encountered many who have been diagnosed with dementia. Dementia is a term used to describe the symptoms caused by certain diseases or conditions of the brain of which there are two main types; Alzheimer’s disease and Multi Infarct dementia more commonly known as Vascular dementia. Dementia is caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain which cannot be replaced which means that dementia is a progressive condition that gets worse over time and cannot be reversed. It is also a long term condition because it takes months or even years to progress and there is no actual cure. (Alzheimer’s Society 2014) This degenerative condition is more common in older people, however,
The term dementia is used to describe an illness that affects the memory. Patients can suffer from forgetfulness, loss of memory and the inability to remember new information. As well as being unable to speak and be understood by others and be unable to carry out general tasks. Patients can also suffer from mood changes and all reasoning. This all has an effect on daily routines and people become unable to look after themselves properly and manage their own personal care.
The main motives include providing more knowledge and understanding of dementia and also its effect on behaviour as well as it progression rate. Provide carers with an impressive understanding of available local support services and how they can be accessed. It also aims at assisting in surpassing the shock relating to an initial diagnosis of dementia as well as ways to maximize life and well-being.
Receiving an early diagnosis is better for the Alzheimer’s patient. An early diagnosis helps families plan for the future, make arrangements, care of financial matters, and develop support networks. Developing the disease early provides a greater opportunity to get involved with clinical trials. Diagnosing the disease early prolongs the time a patient can be managed at home (“A Treatment Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease”). Early diagnosis can help retain function in the victim for months to years (“Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet” 4). With an early diagnosis, scientists can start finding the best treatment for the victim (“A Treatment Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease” 1). Doctors find the patients tolerance for medicines and therapies with an early diagnosis. Doctors also ask the patients opinions and preferences when the patients are first diagnosed.
The requirements of an individual with dementia can fluctuate for many reasons. One of the side effect of dementia is sleeping problems, according to Alzheimer's Association (2016) , when an individual is tired after a disturbed nights sleep, their ability to function properly is diminished and may need more support than normal. They can become frustrated and confused which make their conditions worse that day.
Dementia is characterized as a condition where the mental processes of cognition and memory start to deteriorate. It is described as a syndrome that hinders the daily lives of those who have it and is characterized by memory and thinking impairment. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and the second most common is vascular dementia. Dementia is a syndrome occurring usually, but not limited, to people over the age of 40 and is due to brain damage caused by natural deteriorating, stroke or can be brought on by factors such as excessive drinking or drug abuse. Dementia is best cared for in its early stages and, therefore, an early diagnosis is essential. Recognizing the symptoms by both the dementia patient and the
Sex and Dementia. Should People with Dementia Be Able To Consent To Having Sex With Their Loved Ones?
After Alzheimer's is diagnosed in a parent, or other elderly family member, the caregiver has the task of deciding what the best form of care for the patient is. In order to do this they have to fully understand what the disease is, and