Module 11 - Mental Health Issues

Handout - Dementia
Adapted from Alzheimers Disease: A Handbook for Caregivers

HD 11-2

D E M E N T I A

Drugs and Alcohol Use Eyes and Ears Decits Metabolic and Endocrine Disease Emotional Disorders (paranoia and mood disorders) Nutritional Deciencies Tumours and Trauma Infection (pneumonia and urinary tract infection) Arterio Sclerosis (Pseudo-Dementia and strokes)

Stages of Dementia
Mild (Early Stage) Level of Independence Mental Abilities Independent Mild forgetfulness Difculty concentrating Problems performing everyday tasks Moderate (Middle Stage) Restricted Independence Further memory loss - cant recognize family and friends Disorientation of time & place Poor judgement & decisions Severe (Late Stage) Complete Dependence on Nursing Care Loss of ability to remember, communicate or function Severe speaking difculties Seizures Inability to swallow Withdrawal from conversations

Moods and Emotions

Blaming others for mistakes, forgetfulness Mood Shifts Symptoms of depression Passive Withdrawn from usual activities Restless Mild coordination problems

Loss of impulse control Mood shifts Anger/hostile behaviour Sadness or depression Declining ability to concentrate Delusions Restlessness Repetitive words/phrases Bowel and bladder incontinence Req help with ADLs Language difculties

Behaviours

Nonverbal communication (eye contact, crying, groaning) Inability to speak (groaning, grunting, or screming) Immobility Loss of ability to speak Inability to dress or bathe Difculty eating or swallowing
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Physical Abilities