Unit 12 – Understanding the Process and Experience of Dementia

1.1. Describe a range of causes of dementia syndrome.

Dementia is an illness that impairs thinking, memory, and social skills to the point where it interferes with daily tasks. Several illnesses can lead to dementia. Memory loss is frequently a symptom of dementia, but it can also be brought on by a number of other conditions. The most prevalent early indication of dementia is memory loss. Although there are several additional causes of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most prominent one in older persons.

Alzheimer’s Dementia

The brain shrinks and brain cells die as a result of Alzheimer’s disease, a neurologic degenerative illness. The most frequent cause of dementia, which is characterized by a steady deterioration in mental, behavioural, and sociability and restricts one’s ability to function independently. The sickness starts with forgetting conversations or occurrences, then advances to severe memory loss, which leaves the person unable to carry out daily tasks.

Taking medications might reduce the rate at which the disease progress temporarily. For a while, these medicines may enable persons with Alzheimer’s disease to preserve independence while maximising function. There is currently no medication for Alzheimer’s disease that can stop the illness’s progression in the brain. In extreme stages of the illness, significant loss of brain function-related problems, such as dehydration, hunger, or infections, can cause death.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular Dementia is a health condition that affects judgement, reasoning, planning and other process of thoughts, this is affected by brain damage from impaired blood flow to the brain. Vascular dementia can be developed after an episode of stroke, it blocks an artery in the brain however, this is not always caused by stroke.it can as well emanate from various conditions that damages the blood vessels and reduce the flow, it denied the brain of vital nutrients and oxygen. Stroke risk is increased by variables including high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and a number of others; vascular dementia risk can be prevented if these factors are under control.

Other answers covered in the full document

• 1.2. Describe the types of memory impairment commonly experienced by individuals with dementia.
• 1.3. Explain the way that individuals process information with reference to the abilities and limitations of individuals with dementia.
• 1.4. Explain how other factors can cause changes in an individual’s condition that may not be attributable to dementia.
• 1.5. Explain why the abilities and needs of an individual with dementia may fluctuate.
• 2.1. Describe the impact of early diagnosis and follow up to diagnosis.
• 2.2. Explain the importance of recording possible signs or symptoms of dementia in an individual in line with agreed ways of working.
• 2.3. Explain the process of reporting possible signs of dementia within agreed ways of working.
• 2.4. Describe the possible impact of receiving a diagnosis of dementia on:
  – The Individual
  – Their Family and Friends
• 3.1. Compare a person-centred and a non-person-centred approach to dementia care.
• 3.2. Describe a range of different techniques that can be used to meet the fluctuating abilities and needs of the individual with dementia.
• 3.3. Describe how myths and stereotypes related to dementia may affect the individual and their carers.
• 3.4. Describe ways in which individuals and carers can be supported to overcome their fears.