Dementia is a type of Organic brain disorder . Mainly Alzheimer's type is described in the given ppt . Warning signs and nursing management and also treatment modalities have discussed in the ppt .
Dementia introduction slides by swapnakishore released cc-by-nc-saSwapna Kishore
Dementia awareness presentation intended for general public/ patients/ potential and existing caregivers/ volunteers interested in spreading dementia awareness.
Visit my site for more information: http://dementiacarenotes.in
Dementia is a type of Organic brain disorder . Mainly Alzheimer's type is described in the given ppt . Warning signs and nursing management and also treatment modalities have discussed in the ppt .
Dementia introduction slides by swapnakishore released cc-by-nc-saSwapna Kishore
Dementia awareness presentation intended for general public/ patients/ potential and existing caregivers/ volunteers interested in spreading dementia awareness.
Visit my site for more information: http://dementiacarenotes.in
Dementia is an umbrella term used to cover several conditions that all result in the decline of a patient's cognitive abilities. Learn about the different types of Dementia.
The somatoform disorders are a group of psychological disorders in which a patient experiences physical symptoms that are inconsistent with or cannot be fully explained by any underlying general medical or neurologic condition. Medically unexplained physical symptoms account for as many as 50% of new medical outpatient visits. [1] Physical symptoms or painful complaints of unknown etiology are fairly common in pediatric populations. [2] Many healthy young children express emotional distress in terms of physical pain, such as stomachaches or headaches, but these complaints are usually transient and do not effect the child's overall functioning. The somatoform disorders represent the severe end of a continuum of somatic symptoms.
Somatization in children consists of the persistent experience and complaints of somatic distress that cannot be fully explained by a medical diagnosis. They can be represented by a wide spectrum of severity, ranging from mild self-limited symptoms, such as stomachache and headache, to chronic disabling symptoms, such as seizures and paralysis. These psychological disorders are often difficult to approach and complex to understand. It is important to note that these symptoms are not intentionally produced or under voluntary control.
In somatoform disorders, somatic symptoms become the focus of children and their families. They generally interfere with school, home life, and peer relationships. These youngsters are more likely to be considered sickly or health impaired by parents and caretakers, to be absent from school, and to perform poorly in academics. Somatization is often associated temporarily with psychosocial stress and can persist even after the acute stressor has resolved, resulting in the belief by the child and his or her family that the correct medical diagnosis has not yet been found. Thus, patients and families may continue to seek repeated medical treatment after being informed that no acute physical illness has been found and that the symptoms cannot be fully explained by a general medical condition. When somatization occurs in the context of a physical illness, it is identified by symptoms that go beyond the expected pathophysiology of the physical illness.
Recurrent complaints often present as diagnostic and treatment dilemmas to the primary care practitioner (PCP) who is trying to make sense of these symptoms. The PCP may feel poorly prepared and/or may have little time to assess or treat the somatic concerns. While the more disabling somatic complaints are more likely to be referred to a mental health professional, these youngsters presenting with these disabling physical symptoms bridge both medical and psychological domains and present a puzzling quandary for professionals from either field if working with them alone. [3] The nature of these symptoms requires an integrated medical and psychiatric treatment approach to successfully decrease the impairment caused by these disorders.
This PPT contains all the important guidelines that are needed to manage a patient of Dementia. It involves diagnosis, psychosocial treatment, non-pharmacological management and pharmacological management. This PPT is prepared from NICE, APA and SIGN guidelines.
Dementia is a broad term which describes symptoms affecting memory, thinking ability that creates hindrance in performing daily activities. Two important brain functions are badly hit namely- memory and judgement.
COGNITIVE DISORDER ,DEMENTIA NURSING DIAGNOSES, NURSING PROCESS FOR COGNITI...selvaraj227
COGNITIVE DISORDER, DELIRIUM, DEMENTIAAMNESTIC DISORDERS, NURSING PROCESS FOR COGNITIVE DISORDERS, CLIENT AND FAMILY EDUCATION, MEDICATION MANAGEMENT OF COGNITIVE DISORDERS, CLINICAL FEATURES (FOR ALZHEIMER'S TYPE)TREATABLE AND REVERSIBLE CAUSES
Depression is the leading cause of disability world wide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of diseases .At its worst depression can cause suicide .
There are effective psychological and pharmacological treatments for depression
Relapse – in a broader sense, is the return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a remission.
In the case of some psychiatric disorders, relapse is the worsening of symptoms or the re-occurrence of unhealthy behaviors, such as avoidance or substance use, after a period of improvement.
Relapse Prevention – A set of skills designed to reduce the likelihood that symptoms of the illness in question will worsen or that a person will return to an unhealthy behavior, such as substance use.
Skills include, for example, identifying early warning signs that symptoms may be worsening, recognizing high risk situations for relapse, and understanding how everyday, seemingly mundane decisions may put you on the road to relapse (for example, skipping lunch one day may make you more vulnerable to get in a bad mood).
Relapse can be prevented through the use of specific coping strategies, such as identifying early warning signs.
Early Intervention is simply bridging the gap between prevention and treatment. Early intervention is essential to reducing drug use and its costs to society
Dementia is an umbrella term used to cover several conditions that all result in the decline of a patient's cognitive abilities. Learn about the different types of Dementia.
The somatoform disorders are a group of psychological disorders in which a patient experiences physical symptoms that are inconsistent with or cannot be fully explained by any underlying general medical or neurologic condition. Medically unexplained physical symptoms account for as many as 50% of new medical outpatient visits. [1] Physical symptoms or painful complaints of unknown etiology are fairly common in pediatric populations. [2] Many healthy young children express emotional distress in terms of physical pain, such as stomachaches or headaches, but these complaints are usually transient and do not effect the child's overall functioning. The somatoform disorders represent the severe end of a continuum of somatic symptoms.
Somatization in children consists of the persistent experience and complaints of somatic distress that cannot be fully explained by a medical diagnosis. They can be represented by a wide spectrum of severity, ranging from mild self-limited symptoms, such as stomachache and headache, to chronic disabling symptoms, such as seizures and paralysis. These psychological disorders are often difficult to approach and complex to understand. It is important to note that these symptoms are not intentionally produced or under voluntary control.
In somatoform disorders, somatic symptoms become the focus of children and their families. They generally interfere with school, home life, and peer relationships. These youngsters are more likely to be considered sickly or health impaired by parents and caretakers, to be absent from school, and to perform poorly in academics. Somatization is often associated temporarily with psychosocial stress and can persist even after the acute stressor has resolved, resulting in the belief by the child and his or her family that the correct medical diagnosis has not yet been found. Thus, patients and families may continue to seek repeated medical treatment after being informed that no acute physical illness has been found and that the symptoms cannot be fully explained by a general medical condition. When somatization occurs in the context of a physical illness, it is identified by symptoms that go beyond the expected pathophysiology of the physical illness.
Recurrent complaints often present as diagnostic and treatment dilemmas to the primary care practitioner (PCP) who is trying to make sense of these symptoms. The PCP may feel poorly prepared and/or may have little time to assess or treat the somatic concerns. While the more disabling somatic complaints are more likely to be referred to a mental health professional, these youngsters presenting with these disabling physical symptoms bridge both medical and psychological domains and present a puzzling quandary for professionals from either field if working with them alone. [3] The nature of these symptoms requires an integrated medical and psychiatric treatment approach to successfully decrease the impairment caused by these disorders.
This PPT contains all the important guidelines that are needed to manage a patient of Dementia. It involves diagnosis, psychosocial treatment, non-pharmacological management and pharmacological management. This PPT is prepared from NICE, APA and SIGN guidelines.
Dementia is a broad term which describes symptoms affecting memory, thinking ability that creates hindrance in performing daily activities. Two important brain functions are badly hit namely- memory and judgement.
COGNITIVE DISORDER ,DEMENTIA NURSING DIAGNOSES, NURSING PROCESS FOR COGNITI...selvaraj227
COGNITIVE DISORDER, DELIRIUM, DEMENTIAAMNESTIC DISORDERS, NURSING PROCESS FOR COGNITIVE DISORDERS, CLIENT AND FAMILY EDUCATION, MEDICATION MANAGEMENT OF COGNITIVE DISORDERS, CLINICAL FEATURES (FOR ALZHEIMER'S TYPE)TREATABLE AND REVERSIBLE CAUSES
Depression is the leading cause of disability world wide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of diseases .At its worst depression can cause suicide .
There are effective psychological and pharmacological treatments for depression
Relapse – in a broader sense, is the return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a remission.
In the case of some psychiatric disorders, relapse is the worsening of symptoms or the re-occurrence of unhealthy behaviors, such as avoidance or substance use, after a period of improvement.
Relapse Prevention – A set of skills designed to reduce the likelihood that symptoms of the illness in question will worsen or that a person will return to an unhealthy behavior, such as substance use.
Skills include, for example, identifying early warning signs that symptoms may be worsening, recognizing high risk situations for relapse, and understanding how everyday, seemingly mundane decisions may put you on the road to relapse (for example, skipping lunch one day may make you more vulnerable to get in a bad mood).
Relapse can be prevented through the use of specific coping strategies, such as identifying early warning signs.
Early Intervention is simply bridging the gap between prevention and treatment. Early intervention is essential to reducing drug use and its costs to society
what is dementia and why it is considered only for old age and how it goes to misdiagnose buy the health care professionals and what is infact. in nepal this issues is given low priority in both hospital and public
Homeopathic Doctor - Dr. Anita Salunke homeopathic clinic for DimentiaShewta shetty
Homeopathic Doctor Anita Salunke practices in Chembur, Mumbai, India in her homeopathic clinic Mindheal. Find more information about homeopathic treatment at Mindheal. Welcome to safe, sure and effective homeopathic treatment Dimentia
Dementia is a condition where you experience a decline in your mental abilities, impacting your daily life. It can lead to difficulties with memory, thinking, and planning. The progression of dementia varies from person to person, with some individuals remaining stable for years, while others may experience a rapid decline. The important point is prevention for dementia and what one can do to manage it. Prevention for dementia can be easily acquired if we do some activities that will be mentioned in this article.
Dementia is a general decline in the cognitive function of the brain caused by various disorders. It is not a normal part of ageing. Dementia symptoms (and Alzheimer's symptoms) can include difficulty with concentration, spatial and temporal confusion, memory loss, mood changes, struggling with conversations, and withdrawal from social interactions.
Dementia is a general decline in the cognitive function of the brain caused by various disorders. It is not a normal part of ageing. Dementia symptoms (and Alzheimer's symptoms) can include difficulty with concentration, spatial and temporal confusion, memory loss, mood changes, struggling with conversations, and withdrawal from social interactions.
The H1N1 flu, sometimes called swine flu, is a type of influenza A virus.
During the 2009-10 flu season, a new H1N1 virus began causing illness in humans. It was often called swine flu and was a new combination of influenza viruses that infect pigs, birds and humans.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 flu to be a pandemic in 2009. That year the virus caused an estimated 284,400 deaths worldwide. In August 2010, WHO declared the pandemic over. But the H1N1 flu strain from the pandemic became one of the strains that cause seasonal flu.
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms (microbes), which are defined as any living organism that is either a single cell (unicellular), a cell cluster, or has no cells at all (acellular). This includes eukaryotes, such as fungi and protists, and prokaryotes
Business Models in Strategic Management.PPTXAhmad Thanin
A business model is a company's core strategy for profitably doing business. Models generally include information like products or services the business plans to sell, target markets, and any anticipated expenses. The two levers of a business model are pricing and costs.
R3 Stem Cells and Kidney Repair A New Horizon in Nephrology.pptxR3 Stem Cell
R3 Stem Cells and Kidney Repair: A New Horizon in Nephrology" explores groundbreaking advancements in the use of R3 stem cells for kidney disease treatment. This insightful piece delves into the potential of these cells to regenerate damaged kidney tissue, offering new hope for patients and reshaping the future of nephrology.
Welcome to Secret Tantric, London’s finest VIP Massage agency. Since we first opened our doors, we have provided the ultimate erotic massage experience to innumerable clients, each one searching for the very best sensual massage in London. We come by this reputation honestly with a dynamic team of the city’s most beautiful masseuses.
Navigating Challenges: Mental Health, Legislation, and the Prison System in B...Guillermo Rivera
This conference will delve into the intricate intersections between mental health, legal frameworks, and the prison system in Bolivia. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current challenges faced by mental health professionals working within the legislative and correctional landscapes. Topics of discussion will include the prevalence and impact of mental health issues among the incarcerated population, the effectiveness of existing mental health policies and legislation, and potential reforms to enhance the mental health support system within prisons.
Global launch of the Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index 2nd wave – alongside...ILC- UK
The Healthy Ageing and Prevention Index is an online tool created by ILC that ranks countries on six metrics including, life span, health span, work span, income, environmental performance, and happiness. The Index helps us understand how well countries have adapted to longevity and inform decision makers on what must be done to maximise the economic benefits that comes with living well for longer.
Alongside the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 28 May 2024, we launched the second version of our Index, allowing us to track progress and give new insights into what needs to be done to keep populations healthier for longer.
The speakers included:
Professor Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health, Italy
Dr Hans Groth, Chairman of the Board, World Demographic & Ageing Forum
Professor Ilona Kickbusch, Founder and Chair, Global Health Centre, Geneva Graduate Institute and co-chair, World Health Summit Council
Dr Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director, Country Health Policies and Systems Division, World Health Organisation EURO
Dr Marta Lomazzi, Executive Manager, World Federation of Public Health Associations
Dr Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health and Healthcare and Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum
Dr Karin Tegmark Wisell, Director General, Public Health Agency of Sweden
Defecation
Normal defecation begins with movement in the left colon, moving stool toward the anus. When stool reaches the rectum, the distention causes relaxation of the internal sphincter and an awareness of the need to defecate. At the time of defecation, the external sphincter relaxes, and abdominal muscles contract, increasing intrarectal pressure and forcing the stool out
The Valsalva maneuver exerts pressure to expel faeces through a voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles while maintaining forced expiration against a closed airway. Patients with cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, increased intracranial pressure, or a new surgical wound are at greater risk for cardiac dysrhythmias and elevated blood pressure with the Valsalva maneuver and need to avoid straining to pass the stool.
Normal defecation is painless, resulting in passage of soft, formed stool
CONSTIPATION
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Improper diet, reduced fluid intake, lack of exercise, and certain medications can cause constipation. For example, patients receiving opiates for pain after surgery often require a stool softener or laxative to prevent constipation. The signs of constipation include infrequent bowel movements (less than every 3 days), difficulty passing stools, excessive straining, inability to defecate at will, and hard feaces
IMPACTION
Fecal impaction results from unrelieved constipation. It is a collection of hardened feces wedged in the rectum that a person cannot expel. In cases of severe impaction the mass extends up into the sigmoid colon.
DIARRHEA
Diarrhea is an increase in the number of stools and the passage of liquid, unformed feces. It is associated with disorders affecting digestion, absorption, and secretion in the GI tract. Intestinal contents pass through the small and large intestine too quickly to allow for the usual absorption of fluid and nutrients. Irritation within the colon results in increased mucus secretion. As a result, feces become watery, and the patient is unable to control the urge to defecate. Normally an anal bag is safe and effective in long-term treatment of patients with fecal incontinence at home, in hospice, or in the hospital. Fecal incontinence is expensive and a potentially dangerous condition in terms of contamination and risk of skin ulceration
HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids are dilated, engorged veins in the lining of the rectum. They are either external or internal.
FLATULENCE
As gas accumulates in the lumen of the intestines, the bowel wall stretches and distends (flatulence). It is a common cause of abdominal fullness, pain, and cramping. Normally intestinal gas escapes through the mouth (belching) or the anus (passing of flatus)
FECAL INCONTINENCE
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control passage of feces and gas from the anus. Incontinence harms a patient’s body image
PREPARATION AND GIVING OF LAXATIVESACCORDING TO POTTER AND PERRY,
An enema is the instillation of a solution into the rectum and sig
2. Introduction
the word ‘dementia’ describes a set of symptoms that can
include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-
solving or language, and can also affect mood and behavior.
Dementia occurs when the brain is damaged, and certain
symptoms will depend on which parts of the brain are
damaged.
Dementia is progressive, so symptoms will get worse over
time. Around one million people in the UK may be living
with dementia. There is currently no cure.
3. Dementia
from the
inside
Dementia is caused by damage to
the brain.
Damage usually starts slowly and
gets worse over time, as cells begin
to die.
If you don’t have dementia, it’s hard
to imagine what it’s like.
4. Common signs and symptoms of dementia
Confusion
Memory
problems
Disorientation Hallucinations
Physical
coordination
problems
Lapses (or
jumps) in time
Feelings of
fear and
distress
Feelings of
low self-
esteem
5. What other problems do people experience
with dementia?
• A person’s likes, dislikes and interests might change; they may lose their inhibitions and behave in new
and surprising ways.
Changes in behavior
• A previously sociable person might become withdrawn and depressed, or suddenly become frustrated
and angry.
Personality changes
• Speaking and understanding speech could be affected.
Difficulties with communication
• Problems with use of tools and equipment.
Difficulties with problem-solving and decision-making
6. Why might a person living with dementia behave
differently, or seem to change personality?
Changes in the brain can be
frightening, causing feelings of
distress
Experiencing dementia can be
frightening at times.
When this happens it’s the job as
care-givers to help the person feel
safe and not anxious.
Dementia might also liberate a
person from previous ways of
thinking, so they decide to try new
hobbies and activities.
8. Alzheimer’s
This is the most common type of dementia. Six
out of every 10 people with dementia have
Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s caused by build-up of proteins in the brain and
is characterised by progressive loss of memory
(especially recent memories), and the ability to
carry out everyday activities.
This can often result in people becoming
depressed, confused and irritable as they struggle
to understand what is happening.
9.
10. Causes and
symptoms
• Build-up of proteins in the brain
Primary cause
• Memory problems
• Loss of problem-solving skills
• Confusion and restlessness.
• Speech and movement difficulties
General symptoms
11. Vascular Dementia
Vascular Dementia is the second most common
form of dementia and is caused by loss of blood
flow to the brain, often as a result of a stroke. It
can start suddenly or progress slowly over time.
The main symptoms, as the condition develops,
are increasing difficulty with concentration,
reasoning and planning, memory loss and
sometimes mood or changes in behaviour
12. Causes and
symptoms
• Loss of blood flow to the brain
Primary cause
• Memory problems
• Loss of problem-solving skills
• Confusion and restlessness.
• Speech and movement difficulties
• Depression
• Problems with urination
General symptoms
13. Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia is caused by a build-up of proteins in the brain. It is
characterised by unexpected swings in behaviour, from alertness to confusion
or tiredness.
People often suffer from sleep problems and hallucinations, which can be
highly distressing, and movement problems can also occur that are similar to
Parkinson’s disease.
Memory is often less affected with this dementia in its early stages.
14. Causes and
symptoms
• Build-up of proteins in the brain
Primary cause
• Confusion and restlessness.
• Hallucinations
• Sleep disorder
• Speech and movement difficulties
• Dizziness
General symptoms
15. Mixed Dementias
Some people develop mixed dementias, where one or more of the dementias occur.
• A person with an existing disease such as Parkinson’s or Huntingdon’s may be more likely to develop
dementia.
• Korsakoff’s Syndrome results in dementia-like symptoms brought on by alcohol misuse; unlike all other
forms of dementia, it can be stopped.
Fronto-temporal Dementia, including Pick’s disease, is caused by damage to parts of
the brain most commonly associated with speech, language and behaviour.
• People with this condition often confuse or forget words, and can develop unusual behaviours from a loss
of inhibition, develop repetitive behaviour or overeat, or become subdued and withdrawn.
• They may eventually stop talking altogether and become mute.
• People living with this dementia may also develop physical symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
16. Mixed
Dementias
Causes and
symptoms
• Alzheimer's, Lewy Body & Vascular Dementia
Primary cause
• Memory problems
• Loss of problem-solving skills
• Confusion and restlessness
• Hallucinations
• Sleep disorder
• Speech and movement difficulties
• Depression
• Dizziness
General symptoms
17. Fronto-
temporal
Causes and
symptoms
• Shrinkage of lobes in the brain
Primary cause
• Speech and movement difficulties
• Compulsive and socially
inappropriate behaviour.
• Overeating
General symptoms
19. Similar conditions
• is characterized by movement problems (tremor and difficulty with walking) and speech problems.
• Some people with Parkinson's disease go on to develop dementia.
Parkinson's disease
• when a person becomes confused due to conditions such as dehydration and infection their confusion can be
misdiagnosed as dementia.
Delirium
• lack of B-Vitamins, thyroid problems, low blood sugar and sodium or calcium imbalance can all cause
symptoms that might be misinterpreted as indicating dementia.
Other medical conditions
• memory generally deteriorates as we get older.
• If our memory deteriorates that doesn’t mean we have dementia.
Poor memory
20. Diagnosis of dementia
Most people, or carers, will initially see their GP to discuss concerns.
A doctor may offer a preliminary diagnosis before referring the person to a
memory clinic or specialist.
It gives people an opportunity to plan for the future.
Diagnosis can result in treatment that controls symptoms and delays
progression.
21. Reducing the risk
Identifying and managing health conditions (such as diabetes,
high cholesterol and high blood pressure) can reduce your risk.
Living a healthy lifestyle, by exercising and reducing or cutting
out alcohol and cigarettes can reduce your risk.
Eating fresh (unprocessed) foods like wholegrains, pulses,
fruits, vegetables and fish can reduce your risk.
22. Remember
Memory loss does not indicate dementia and is a normal part of ageing.
Dementia isn't a normal part of the ageing process – it's caused by significant changes in
the brain.
Memory loss varies with the type of dementia.
It might not be the first symptom, or even the worst symptom experienced by a person.
23. Meaningful activity in care homes
People don’t stop
enjoying hobbies and
interests just because
they have dementia.
We all need to be
involved in activities we
enjoy to give our lives
meaning.
Meaningful activity is an
essential aspect of living
well.
24. Activities for people living at
home
Many people living with dementia in their own homes
can still engage in the activities they enjoy and continue
to be active.
At some point, they will probably need support in
adapting their homes to enable them to keep safe, and
promote their independence.
Individuals can also be supported to avoid isolation by
maintaining a social life and involvement in their local
community.
25. The Impact of Dementia
• Dementia affects not only a person's
health, but the number of choices they
can make about their daily lives.
• Mrs. Munslow's care worker (in the
photo) made the effort to offer a choice
about whether to communicate.
• She said "May I?" before joining in
the 'conversation’.
• This might seem a small thing to do,
but if you have limited choices small
things are very important!
26. The Impact of
Dementia
• The majority of care for people
with dementia happens within the
family.
• However, many family carers
report that this results in high
levels of stress, depression and
social isolation.
27. The Impact of Dementia
• Dementia is the most significant health
and care issue of our age.
• Helping increasing numbers of patients
puts pressure on our health and care
services but the way we care for people
with dementia says a great deal about
who we are as a society (i.e. our values
and compassion for people who cannot
care for themselves).
28. Supporting carers
Most people with dementia are cared for at home.
• Typically, family carers want to continue in their caring role, despite any
challenges they face.
• So, it’s important that they are supported to maintain their own health
and wellbeing.
Making family carers aware of, and offering them the
opportunity for respite, education, training, emotional and
psychological support, will help them to provide good care.
• It will also help them to understand they are valued partners to you and
other professional care staff
29. Communication in dementia care
People living with dementia face particular challenges around communication.
Dementia may affect a person's ability to understand and use language.
• Language skills may vary from day to day and decline as the condition progresses.
• Effective communication depends on understanding the needs and abilities of each individual.
• Non-verbal communication may become increasingly important as verbal abilities decline.
• Health and care professionals need to be aware of non-verbal communication, such as body language, facial expression and
touch.
The behaviour of a person with dementia (including distressed behaviour and behaviour that challenges)
is also an important form of communication – possibly indicating a person’s feelings and perceptions.
• Recognising this can be a key component of effective communication
30. The importance of talk
• It's important to keep talking with people about their
lives and the things or people that are important to
them.
• Lack of conversation and interpersonal connection with
others can leave a person feeling isolated and lonely.
• By adapting your communication style, it is possible to
communicate with most people until very late stages of
dementia.
31. Adapting communication – I
• Basic guidelines for adapting communication:
• Minimize sensory overload by:
• making sure the room is calm and not noisy (and the
lighting is not too low or too bright)
• Check the person is wearing spectacles and hearing aid (if
necessary)
• Make sure you have the person's attention before talking
to them
• Use calm tones, display no anxiety or impatience
• When explaining instructions, use short sentences
• Speak slowly, don't hurry
• Make time for people to reply
32. Adapting
communication
– II
Communication is a two-way process. Listen
actively, with the intention of understanding the
person better:
• Be warm – both verbally and non-verbally
• Observe and listen…with care
• Be understanding of the person, what's important to them
and their likely needs
As much as 90 per cent of communication with
people with dementia is non-verbal.
You can often grasp a person's meaning by
carefully observing their behaviour and paying
attention to your own non-verbal communication.
33. Adapting communication – III
• As dementia progresses, you will
need to adapt your style and level
of communication to the ability
level of the person.
• Look at the questions and
statement below, and – in your
mind – put them into the order of
difficulty for a person with
moderate to advanced dementia
to understand (and respond to).
• (Start by putting the easiest at
number one, and make a list,
placing the most difficult at
number four.)
34. Severe distress – I
All distressed behavior is a form of communication.
•When a person can't explain what's wrong, they 'act out' their
distress.
•Distress is an indicator of 'unmet need'. ‘Unmet need’ means that the
person needs something before they can be happy, calm and relaxed.
•If you can work out what the person needs, then you can manage the
distress.
Managing severe distress from pain and discomfort is
generally easy if you know what to look for.
•Managing severe distress from confusion, fear and frustration involves
understanding the person well enough to know why they are
confused, fearful and frustrated.
35. How can you get to know a person and why they are in
distress?
Talk to the person to find out as much as possible about their life before they came to the
home.
• A person who used to be afraid of snakes, might be hallucinating snakes now.
• A person who used to enjoy their job, might be frustrated because they are not able to engage in work activities
now.
Talk to the person’s family and friends.
• They may hold the key to understanding why the person is in distress.
Read the person’s care plan and health record.
• This may hold a clue to why the person is in distress and how you can help them now.
36. Severe distress – II
•This is 'redirection,' where you suggest an alternative action.
•It might work, but only if you know you can reach his daughter.
•If you can't reach her, Mr. Banerjee would become more upset, because you've lied to him.
•Beyond redirection, you also need to understand why Mr. Banerjee is upset and trying to leave. Perhaps he is lonely and
wants to go to his home or is afraid of something or someone.
•Or, perhaps he just needs some exercise.
Ask him if he wants you to phone his daughter, so he can speak to her.
•This is 'redirection,' where you suggest an alternative action.
•It might work (and would give you an opportunity to get to know Mr Banerjee while you help him calm down).
•Beyond redirection, you also need to understand why Mr Banerjee is upset and trying to leave. Perhaps he is lonely and
wants to go to his home or is afraid of something or someone.
•Or, perhaps he just needs some exercise.
Tell him you're making a pot of tea and invite him to join you in the communal kitchen.