Table of Content

Introduction 1

1.1 Describe a range of causes of dementia syndrome. 1

1.2 Describe the types of memory impairment commonly Experienced by individuals

with dementia. 1

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1.3 Explain the way that individuals process information with reference to the abilities
and limitations of individuals with dementia. 2

1.4 Explain how other factors can cause changes in an individual’s condition that may
not be attributable to dementia. 2

1.5 Explain why the abilities and needs of an individual with dementia may

fluctuate. 2

2.1 Describe the impact of early diagnosis and follow up to diagnosis. 3

2.2 Explain the importance of recording possible signs or symptoms of dementia in an

individual in line with agreed ways of working. 3

2.3 Explain the process of reporting possible signs of dementia within agreed ways of
working. 3

2.4 Describe the possible impact of receiving a diagnosis of dementia on: the individual,
their family and friends. 4

3.1 Compare a person-centred and a non-person-centred approach to

dementia care. 4

3.2 Describe a range of different techniques that can be used to meet the fluctuating
abilities and needs of the individual with dementia. 5

3.3 Describe how myths and stereotypes related to dementia may affect the individual
and their carers. 5

3.4 Describe ways in which individuals and carers can be supported to overcome their
fears.

Conclusion 5

References 6

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Introduction: The term "dementia" refers to a substantial impairment in mental
processes such as memory, language, orientation, and judgment. However, the
underlying reasons are yet unknown. A variety of kinds of dementia and their causes
have been identified via research in this field. This report contains information on the
neurology of dementia, including the causes, challenges, and demands of the dementia
patient. This will aid your knowledge of how people may suffer from dementia.

1.1 Describe a range of causes of dementia syndrome.

Alzheimer's disease is caused by gradual brain alterations and damage. The death of
brain cells and the degeneration of the interconnections have an impact on how a
person communicates, remembers, and thinks. Vascular dementia, on the other hand,
is caused by a shortage of oxygenated blood reaching the brain, which causes some
sections of the brain to die. Heart disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, and
excessive cholesterol are some of the reasons of blood deprivation in the brain.
Alzheimer's disease with Lewy Bodies (DLB) Lewy body proteins can be discovered in
the brain stem. These proteins, which can be detected in persons with Parkinson's
disease and/or dementia, change the way the brain operates. Doctors have failed to
identify a precise etiology of dementia with Lewy bodies.

1.2 Describe the types of memory impairment commonly experienced by

individuals with dementia

There are four typical areas where people with memory loss have difficulty, there is
remembering events, taking in new information, recognizing people and places and
separating fact from fiction. For a person with dementia memory impairments are
normally the most obvious symptoms but sometimes it can be quite difficult to
differentiate the difference between normal memory loss and early stages of dementia.
One of the most common examples used that I can personally say that I do myself is
walk into a room and completely forget what I went in there for. To misplace or lose
things is a completely normal part of life which is why it can be so hard to differentiate
from what is normal from what could be dementia. As dementia progresses it can
become more distinct and severe like when a someone with dementia seems to living in
the past and can't remember recent events. One of the most frequently experiences
types of memory loss a dementia patient suffers is forget who people are and not just
that but knowing them as a different age, like on day the sufferers family may visit and
say hello I am your son, and the patient would be confused as they would remember
them as being much younger.

1.3 Explain the way that individuals process information with reference to the
abilities and limitations of individuals with dementia

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The human brain is made up of around 100 billion cells and individuals process pieces
of information through the main cells in the brain called neurons. When a neuron is
'switched on' it sends electrical pulses down the axon, the body of the neuron, which is
like a fibre. At the end of the 'fibre' is a small part where chemicals are released, these
chemicals are called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters then travel over the
synapse which is a small gap between the neurons, to then turn on another neurons.
The 100 billion cells are then split into two halves of the brain, the left and the right
hemisphere.

Individuals with dementia who suffer damage to the right hemisphere of the brain will
experience difficulty putting pieces of information together so they may be able to see
and object or a person but they are unable to make the association with them. Whereas
individuals with dementia who have damage to the left hemisphere commonly have
difficulty being organized and/or using language, they also tend to suffer from
depression.

1.4 Explain how other factors can cause changes in an individual’s condition that
may not be attributable to dementia

Some of these factors that can have an impact on an individual’s condition are: Brain
injury, stroke, diet, medication, Parkinson's disease, stress, lack of sleep, magic
encephalomyelitis, Multiple sclerosis, staff change over and inadequate staff training.
These factors can change an individual’s condition for example when an individual
suffers from a lack of sleep it can cause fatigue, this fatigue can effect there
coordination, social skills, cognitive abilities can cause the individual to become more
uncoordinated with tasks. Also a change over in staff may affect the condition if an
individual is used to a certain staff members routine or they may be familiar or have built
trust with a staff member. Another factor could be medication as some medications can
cause side effects that could cause the individual to become disorientated or may effect
their memory in a negative way.

1.5 Explain why the abilities and needs of an individual with dementia may
fluctuate

The abilities and needs of the individual may fluctuate because of the progression of the
disease or being at a later stage of the disease. The needs of the individual may also
fluctuate because of stress or lack of sleep these can also be known as 'good or bad
days'. If an individual is having a 'bad day' this may affect them by having increased
memory difficulties or causing them to be frustrated. In the later stages of dementia the
individual may become more dependent on those caring for them for reasons such as
communication, where some individuals gradually lose the ability to speak or may have
problems with continence. They could also exhibit 'unusual behavior', an individual with

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dementia may become more agitated or confused later in the afternoon or early
evening, this is sometimes called 'sun downing'.

2.1 Describe the impact of early diagnosis and follow up to diagnosis.

Early detection is critical since it may rule out other disorders with symptoms similar to
dementia, such as Parkinson's disease, alcoholism, hypoglycemia, and brain cancer,
among many others. Early diagnosis can greatly assist the individual and their family in
planning for the future. Early diagnosis might also help with therapy since, though there
is no cure for the condition, there are medications that can delay the course of the
condition. It may also provide them with access to information, such as how you can
assist the individual in coping with day-to-day living with deteriorating symptoms.

2.2 Explain the importance of recording possible signs or symptoms of dementia

in an individual in line with agreed ways of working.

Recordings are significant because they can aid in the tracking of habits and patterns of
behavior. It might also be beneficial because you can monitor whether the individual's
symptoms are improving or increasing as a result of it. It is critical to document signs
and symptoms of dementia since they may aid a doctor in determining what sort of
dementia the individual has.

2.3 Explain the process of reporting possible signs of dementia within agreed
ways of working.

Under our duty of care, we must notify any changes in a patient's condition. If a patient
appeared to be suffering from dementia, we would document the specifics of any
behaviors, such as confusion or memory loss, in our care rounding notes, and I would
notify the nursing staff. The patient would be sent to the mental health assessment team
for an evaluation, followed by a referral to a consultant/GP for a diagnosis.

2.4 Describe the possible impact of receiving a diagnosis of dementia on

• The individual

• Their family and friends

Receiving a dementia diagnosis may be highly stressful for the individual and their
family. For example, family members may be feeling guilty because they may have lost
their temper with the one who has been diagnosed, which they now recognize might
have been a sign, or because they believe they do not want to or cannot deal with
caring for the individual with dementia.

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It is possible for both the family and the individual to be experiencing grief and loss,
since the individual who has recently been diagnosed with dementia may be mourning
the loss of their future and maybe any life that they had planned for the future. Also, the
family may be grieving for the person and the bond they formerly had with the individual.
The stages of mourning include denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance,
and it is assumed that both the family and the person encounter these stages on their
way to acceptance. A person is not need to go through the stages in that order; they
may even skip or repeat steps numerous times before reaching acceptance.

3.1 Compare a person centred and a non-person centred approach to dementia

care.

A person-centered approach differs from a non-person-centered approach in that the

non-person-centered approach is more focused on staff and making their job easier, so
instead of eating, going to bed, and getting up at the same time, it is a plan to ensure
that the individual's needs are met and that they are supported throughout their care.
Instead, a person-centered strategy is developed in collaboration with the individual and
family to best meet the individual and their unique requirements. Every person has
various requirements; whether it's due to cognitive difficulties, physical limitations,
religion, or any of the many other facets of care that make each person unique. A
person-centered approach is a deliberate strategy and objective that is tailored to each
individual's requirements.

3.2 Describe a range of different techniques that can be used to meet the
fluctuating abilities and needs of the individual with dementia

There are a variety of techniques that can be used to help support and meet the
fluctuating needs of individuals with dementia. These techniques vary depending on the
individual's behavior, for example, if the individual has a tendency to wonder, it could be
because they have pent up energy or because they are bored, so introducing physical
activity may be a good idea. Individuals may also wonder if they can't recall or are
seeking for the toilet, so having it plainly marked may assist. Some persons with
dementia may also suffer from incontinence, which may be unpleasant and distressing
for the individual, therefore incontinence pads, catheters, and sheaths may be useful.It
may also assist to wear a variety of clothing, since specific types of fastenings or belts
might make it difficult for the individual to go to the restroom on time. Some persons
with dementia may feel agitated, especially if they are surrounded by a big number of
people.

3.3 Describe how myths and stereotypes related to dementia may affect the
individual and their carers.

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Dementia has a stigma; others may believe that it causes you to lose your mind and
your freedom. This may have an impact on the individual since it may delay them
getting a medical diagnosis even when symptoms become obvious. If they are not
already diagnosed, this might be because they are terrified of being perceived
differently than who they are. Some people who have been diagnosed with dementia
may lose friends because their friends believe the popular myth that the person will
become hostile or violent. These misconceptions and prejudices may also discourage
caregivers from requesting help from family and friends. This can be harmful to the
caregivers since it can lead to stress, physical illness, and depression. Research has
also revealed that without the necessary assistance for the caregiver, the individual's
placement in care homes increases.

3.4 Describe ways in which individuals and carers can be supported to overcome
their fears

Individuals with dementia and their professions can be helped to overcome their fear of
dementia by learning about what can happen in the future and how to plan for it,
preparing themselves both materialistically and emotionally. There are various locations
where people may get information on dementia, including the internet, their physicians,
books, health centers, and libraries. One of the primary concerns for caregivers is that
the individual would be unable to cope when on their own, however there are various
ways to address this, such as labeling objects, notes, and lists. They may also install
grab bars in the toilets and on the stairwells. It could also be beneficial to install call
bells so that the careers know when there is an emergency or when the

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client needs assistance. These items can benefit both the individual and the caregivers
since they have made steps to ensure the individual's safety while also ensuring that the
individual retains their independence.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates a mechanism through which people with

dementia's living space shrinks with time.The significance of being aware of dementia
patients' experiences and the geographical elements of their life-world. To maintain
person-centered care and promote the maintenance of continuity and identity, it is
necessary to recognize not just the physical and social surroundings, but also space as
an existential experience for people living with dementia.

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