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Level 3 Health and Social BTEC : Unit 17 Caring with Individuals with Dementia
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UNIT 17Caring for Individuals with Dementia
By Mercy Babalola-Ojo
,LEARNING AIM A : EXAMINE TYPES, CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA
In this assignment the importance of the different types of dementia will be highlighted. Specifically,
Alzheimer’s dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal lobe dementia. This assignment will
include the causes and symptoms and the physical, intellectual, emotional and social impact of
dementia.
Dementia is the main term used to specify a group of progressive conditions that can affect an
individual's brains. However, it can be often seen as one disorder. Dementia causes nerve cell
damage in the brain, preventing messages from being transmitted effectively and preventing the
brain from operating correctly (What is dementia?, 2015).
General symptoms for dementia include mood swings, memory loss, increase in confusion,
difficulties socialising (struggle to hold a conversation), lack of focus and finding daily task and
activities complicated (Symptoms of dementia, 2020). However, depending on the type of dementia
the symptoms may vary.
Doctors/GPs have a high level of certainty in determining whether or not a service user has
dementia. However, determining the particular form of dementia is more difficult since the
symptoms and brain alterations of different dementias might overlap. A doctor may diagnose
"dementia" without specifying the type in some instances. If this occurs, a GP may refer the service
user may need to visit a specialist such as a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or geriatrician
(Alzheimer’s Association, 2022)
Doctors initially determine whether a service user has an underlying, possibly treatable condition
that may be related to cognitive impairments before diagnosing dementia. A physical exam to assess
blood pressure and other vital signs, as well as laboratory testing of blood and other substances to
examine levels of different chemicals, hormones, and vitamins, can assist identify or rule out
potential causes of symptoms. A review of a service user's medical and family history can give
valuable information regarding dementia risk. Typical inquiries may include if dementia runs in the
family, how and when symptoms began, changes in behaviour and personality, and whether the
individual is taking any medications that may cause or aggravate symptoms (NIA, 2011).
Individuals suffering from dementia may experience physical, intellectual, emotional, and social
impacts. Some of the physical effects of dementia include poor hygiene and diet, which may
necessitate assistance with personal care. Dementia has intellectual consequences such as difficulty
learning new things, inability to concentrate, and communication difficulties (Krivec, 2021).
Individuals suffering from dementia may experience emotional affects such as a loss of control over
their emotions and how they express themselves. For instance, individuals may be irritable or prone
rapid mood changes or hypersensitivity to things They may also appear disinterested or distant, and
they may suffer from low self-esteem (The psychological and emotional impact of dementia, 2021).
Furthermore, the social impact of dementia is becoming more isolated, making it difficult for family
and friends to cope. This includes forgetting people's names, which can be frustrating for both the
individual and the dementia patient (Dementia and relationships, 2021).
Types Of Dementia
Alzheimer's Dementia
,Alzheimer's disease is a neurological progressive condition which affects the brain. It was named
after the psychiatrist who initially described it, Alois Alzheimer (Alzheimer’s disease, 2021).
Alzheimer’s is caused by neurodegeneration in the brain, this result in the abnormal build-up of
proteins in and around brain cells (Alzheimer’s disease - Causes, 2021).
According to Alzheimer Associating (2021), some of the symptoms include memory loss that
interferes with daily living. Forgetting freshly gained information is one of the most prevalent
symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, especially in the early stages. Planning or problem-solving
difficulties. Some dementia patients may have changes in their ability to establish and follow a plan
or work with numbers. Completing familiar chores is difficult. People suffering from Alzheimer's
disease frequently struggle to execute daily duties. Confusion about time or location. People
suffering from Alzheimer's disease may lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. Visual
imagery and spatial interactions are difficult to comprehend. Vision issues can be an indication of
Alzheimer's disease in certain persons. This may result in difficulties with balance or reading.
A GP/doctor will conduct tests to examine memory impairment and other thinking skills, judge
functional abilities, and identify behavioural abnormalities to diagnose Alzheimer's dementia. They
might also do a set of tests to rule out any other possible causes of impairment. The GP/doctor may
ask the service user to answer questions or perform exercises related to memory, abstract thinking,
problem-solving, language usage, and related abilities in order to assess the symptoms. A GP may
refer the service user to a specialist, such as a neurologist, for additional laboratory tests, brain
imaging examinations, or memory testing. These tests can provide important information to doctors
and GPs for diagnosis, such as ruling out other illnesses that cause similar symptoms (Mayo Clinic,
2019).
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, people's physical abilities begin to deteriorate. The brain forgets
how to make the muscles work to walk, making it more difficult to feed oneself, which may lead to a
lack of independence (Esther Heerema, 2021).
Alzheimer's disease will make it more difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks due to memory loss and
other factors, which may result in difficulties learning new skills/information and expressing needs
(Dementia, 2015; Wilson, 2019).
Alzheimer's individuals frequently experience changes in their emotional responses. They may have
less control over how they feel and express themselves. Someone might be irritable, or prone to
mood swings or overreacting to situations. They could also appear distant or uninterested in things
(How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?, 2021).
Alzheimer's disease has a social impact since, Increased anxiety is a common sign of Alzheimer’s
dementia. Someone with Alzheimer’s may become more apprehensive is less likely to be social, and
may even hate engaging with others (Importance of Maintaining Social Interactions & Activities with
Dementia or Alzheimer’s, 2021).
Vascular dementia
Vascular dementia is caused by a decrease in blood supply to the brain, which causes brain cells to
be damaged and eventually killed. This can occur due to the following shrinkage and blockage of the
small blood vessels within the brain. a single stroke in which the blood flow to a portion of the brain
is suddenly cut off (vascular dementia - NHS, 2020).
, Some vascular dementia symptoms include the following: Slower thinking entails spending more
time processing information and forming thoughts and phrases. Personality changes; people may
become depressed, emotional, or lose interest in what is going on around them. Problems with
movement, such as difficulties walking or changes in a person's walking style. Stability ( unsteadiness
and falls) . However, The symptoms of vascular dementia get worse over time (Symptoms, 2015).
There is no standard test that can be used to detect or diagnose vascular dementia. The Doctor/GP
must first rule out other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms, including depression. Infections,
vitamin and thyroid deficits (as determined by a blood test), and pharmaceutical side effects may
also produce symptoms. This could be achieved by asking about the individual's medical history as
well as the medical history of his or her family. However, getting brain scans such as CT and MRI
scans may reveal changes in the brain such as infarcts or damages (Diagnosis of vascular dementia,
2021).
The physical impact of vascular dementia includes difficulties with movement such as walking.
Vascular dementia's intellectual affects becoming more confused with life and difficulties with
planning and understanding (vascular dementia - NHS, 2020). Many individuals with vascular
dementia exhibit odd or out-of-character behaviour. Irritability, agitation, aggressive behaviour, and
a disturbed sleep pattern are among the most common. Some individuals may also act in socially
inappropriate ways (Symptoms of vascular dementia, 2021). Social impact of vascular dementia is
loss in relationships and time with friends and family. A reduction in social activities or need to
relocate leads to the individual becoming more isolated(SPEECH NOTES THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
IMPACT OF DEMENTIA ON AN AGEING POPULATION, 2021).
Frontotemporal Lobe Dementia
Frontotemporal dementia is caused by the damages of nerve cells in the frontal and/or temporal
lobes of the brain, as well as changes in the pathways that connect the lobes (Alzheimer’s Society,
2016). It can also be caused by other health conditions such as CJD, HIV and AIDS, alcohol abuse,
head injury, Down’s syndrome, and leading to aphasia (difficulties with language).
According to Alzheimer’s Society (2022), symptoms of frontotemporal lobe dementia: Loss of
inhibitions - Loss of inhibitions can manifest as being disrespectful, saying inappropriate things (for
example, that someone is overweight), talking to strangers, undressing in public, and obvious sexual
disinhibition (for example touching themselves inappropriately in public). Impulsive behaviour
includes failing to contemplate the repercussions of their conduct before acting. Difficulty finding
words which may be quite irritating since, owing to memory loss, an individual may be unable to
locate the words, leading to them being frustrated or agitated. Easily distracted. This suggests that
an individual is easily distracted and has difficulty focusing.
Frontotemporal lobe dementia is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of
other disorders. However, there are other tests that can aid in the diagnosis, such as performing a
physical and inquiring about symptoms. Examining the personal and family medical history, to help
rule out other illnesses, use laboratory tests. Order genetic testing, perform memory, thinking,
language, and physical functioning tests, and order brain imaging (What are frontotemporal
disorders? Causes, symptoms, and treatment, 2017).
The physical effects of frontotemporal lobe dementia include slow and stiff movements, loss of
bladder and bowel control, and trouble swallowing, all of which increase difficulties in daily activities
such as personal care (Frontotemporal dementia, 2020). Intellectual effect are difficulties in
understanding/processing information as well as communicational issues (unable to speak in
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