Topic 2 DQ 1

Identify a common perceptual, neurological, or cognitive issue and discuss contributing factors. Outline steps for
prevention or health promotion for the patient and family.

One of the common perceptual, neurological, or cognitive issue is Dementia. According to

(DEMENTIA.ORG, 2020), Dementia is an awful disease that makes severe damage to the brain.
This is an irreversible condition that causes a lot of physical and mental weakening that can
strain relationships and damage the memories we have of our friends and family. Dementia is
generally common in older patients however it can really happen at about any age – in which
case it may be alluded to as 'early-onset dementia'. Dementia is definitely not a usual part of
aging and should not be confused with age-related cognitive decline. Most common symptom
associated with Dementia are trouble completing everyday tasks like cooking or cleaning;
Inability to find things that have been misplaced; Decreased ability to focus and pay attention;
Confusion or disorientation, especially about the day or time; Personality and mood changes;
Struggling to communicate verbally or in writing; Decreased judgment and reasoning; Inability
to adapt to change; Problems with visual perception (i.e., accurately judging distances); Loss of
motivation, apathy, and withdrawal (DEMENTIA.ORG, 2020).
Despite the fact that there is no cure for dementia, researcher and new development of
medications can temporarily improve mental capacities. In the event that the individual with
dementia is still in the beginning periods of dementia, they can profit by cognitive training.
Cognitive training represses the individual to perform specific assignments with a particular goal
in mind. Another treatment might be behavior modification which is rewarding positive behavior
and paying no mind to negative behavior. Additionally, occupational therapy can help an
individual with dementia since they can teach the individual to deal with certain behaviors and
circumstances in an increasingly adequate manner (WHO, 2020). As a nurse, we can educate
patient and family and health promotion by encouraging exercise, encouraging socialization,
encouraging mental stimulation, encouraging meaningful activity and cognitive stimulation,
encouraging patient with dementia to maintain independence, providing support for patient and
family. Nurses can spend intensive periods with clients and family providing intimate care
through the development of a therapeutic relationship and delivery of evidence-based practice
that produces optimal outcomes for patients (Draper, 2005).

References:

DEMENTIA.ORG. (2020). Does Someone You Know Have Dementia? Retrieved January 22, 2020, from
https://www.dementia.org/what-is-dementia

World Health Organization. (2020). Dementia. Retrieved January 22, 2020, from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia

Draper, B. (2005). Dealing with dementia: a guide to Alzheimers disease and other dementias. Crows
Nest, N.S.W.: Allen & Unwin.