Dementia

“Dementia is an acquired global impairment of

intellect, memory and personality but without
impairment of consciousness”
Dementia was first described in
a book about mental illness in
183. In 1894, Dr. Alois
Alzheimer, a German
neuropathologist who has a
particular interest in “nervous
disorders” described changes in
the brain caused by vascular
disease (now known as vascular
dementia).
Common Types of Dementia and Their Typical
Characteristics

Alzheimer’s Disease
 Is the most common type of dementia; accounts for 60 to 80 percent
of cases. Difficulty remembering names and recent events is often an
early clinical symptom; later symptoms include impaired judgment,
disorientation, confusion, behavior changes, trouble speaking,
swallowing and walking.
Frontotemporal Dementia
 Involves damage to brain cells, especially in the front and side regions
of the brain. Typical symptoms include changes in personality and
behavior and difficulty with language.

Vascular Dementia
 Is considered to be the second-most-common type of dementia.
Impairment is caused by decreased blood flow to parts of the brain,
often due to a series of small strokes that block arteries.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies
 Pattern of decline may be similar to Alzheimer’s, including problems with
memory, judgment and behavior changes.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

 Is caused by the buildup of fluid in the brain. Symptoms include difficulty
walking, memory loss and inability to control urine.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
 is a condition in which a person has problems with memory, language or
another essential cognitive function that are severe enough to be noticeable
to others and show up on tests, but not severe enough to interfere with daily
life.

Mixed dementia
 Is characterized by the presence of the hallmark abnormalities of
Alzheimer’s and another type of dementia, most commonly vascular
dementia, but also other types, such as dementia with Lewy bodies,
frontotemporal dementia and normal pressure hydrocephalus.
 Signs and Symptoms of Dementia

 Memory loss  Problems with abstract thinking

 Difficulty performing familiar tasks  Misplacing things
 Problems with language  Changes in mood or behavior
 Disorientation to time and place  Changes in personality
 Poor or decreased judgement  Loss of initiative

Sometimes, people fail to recognize that these symptoms indicate that something is wrong. They
may mistakenly assume that such behavior is a normal part of the ageing process. Symptoms may
also develop gradually and go unnoticed for a long time. Also, some people may refuse to act, even
when they know something is wrong.
 Treatment for Dementia
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
 These medicines prevent an enzyme from breaking down a substance called
acetylcholine in the brain, which helps nerve cells communicate with each
other. Donepezil (also known as Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine
(Reminyl)
Memantine
This medicine is given to people with moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease,
dementia with Lewy bodies and those with a combination of Alzheimer's
disease and vascular dementia. It works by blocking the effects of an excessive
amount of a chemical in the brain called glutamate.
 Treatments that don't involve medicines

Medicines for dementia symptoms

are important, but are only one part
of the care for a person with
dementia. Other treatments,
activities and support – for the
carer, too – are just as important in
helping people to live well with
dementia.
Cognitive stimulation therapy
Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST)
involves taking part in group activities
and exercises designed to improve:
•Memory
•Problem-solving skills
•Language ability
Reminiscence and life story
work
Reminiscence work involves talking
about things and events from your past.
It usually involves using props such as
photos, favorite possessions or music.
Life story work involves a compilation
of photos, notes and keepsakes from
your childhood to the present day. It can
be either a physical book or a digital
version.
Nursing Management for Patient with Dementia
Reduce environmental confusion
Approach patient in a pleasant, calm way.
Introduce yourself t the patient and greet Him/Her.
Keep the environment simple and pleasing, remove all unwanted
utensils from the room.
Maintain a regular daily living schedule, so that the patient will get
touch with daily living activities.
Provide memory device like, list o activities , reminding notes, labels on
items; pictures, diagrams that will assist the patient to remember.
Increase environmental cues
It will enhance orientation to time, place and person by
filling memory gaps and serving as reminders.
Identify yourself when interacting with the patient.
Address patient by name facilitate orientation to self.
Offer environmental cues for orientation to time, place and
person.
Conclusion:

Dementia is a serious cognitive disorder all together dementia is a

far common in the geriatric population, it may be occur in any
stage of childhood.
So as a nurse we need to get aware about the preventive measures
of dementia and educative the individuals about its signs and
symptoms with its treatment.