Dementia Care 1
What is the most common form of dementia, characterized by memory loss and difficulty with thinking and reasoning?
Alzheimer's disease
What is the most common mental health disorder that affects individuals worldwide, often leading to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest?
Depression
When working with a dementia patient, what communication technique is most effective to reduce confusion?
Use simple language, speak slowly, and provide clear instructions.
This type of dementia is related to Parkinson’s disease and involves symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slow movement, combined with cognitive decline.
Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
What is the PSW’s role when a family member asks about their loved one’s mental health condition?
PSWs should encourage open communication, but always respect patient confidentiality and follow legal and ethical guidelines.
Which early symptom of dementia involves forgetting recently learned information?
Short-term memory loss
What mental health disorder is characterized by persistent worry or fear, often leading to panic attacks and physical symptoms like sweating or a racing heart?
Anxiety disorder
As a PSW, when assisting someone with a mental health condition, which approach is essential to foster trust?
Active listening and showing empathy.
This type of dementia is often seen in people with a history of alcohol abuse and is characterized by memory issues due to thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
True or False: A PSW should always encourage family members of a dementia patient to provide caregiving support at home, even if they are overwhelmed.
False. PSWs should provide resources and support to families to avoid caregiver burnout and encourage professional help when needed.
True or False: Dementia is a normal part of aging.
False. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, it is a medical condition
Which mental health disorder involves alternating periods of extreme emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression)?
Bipolar disorder
Which technique helps PSWs manage challenging behaviors in dementia patients?
Redirection (shifting their attention to something else) and remaining calm.
Which type of dementia is caused by repeated strokes or blockages in the brain's blood vessels?
Vascular dementia.
In what way can PSWs help reduce the stigma around mental health in their workplace?
By promoting understanding, compassion, and offering non-judgmental support to patients with mental health conditions.
What are common behavioral symptoms of dementia, often observed in patients?
Agitation, aggression, confusion, and hallucinations.
Which disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe anxiety, accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and dizziness?
Panic Disorder
In emergency situations, what is the PSW’s role in a mental health crisis, such as when a patient is at risk of harming themselves?
Ensure patient safety, stay calm, and immediately alert healthcare professionals.
The type of dementia is marked by the presence of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, with some hallucinations that may occur
Lewy body dementia
How can a PSW help a family member of a patient with mental health issues cope with the stress and emotional burden of caregiving?
offer active listening to validate the caregiver’s feelings, provide respite care to give family members time to rest, and educate them about the patient’s condition. PSWs can also direct caregivers to support services like counseling, caregiver support groups, and community resources, helping them manage their own mental health and prevent burnout.
What type of dementia is associated with brain blood vessel problems and often occurs after a stroke?
Vascular dementia
What is the mental health disorder characterized by persistent eating patterns that negatively affect physical health and psychological well-being?
Eating Disorders (such as Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa)
When assisting a patient with mobility issues and using a transfer belt to move them from a bed to a wheelchair, what safety precautions should a PSW take to ensure the patient's comfort and avoid injury?
Ensure the patient’s feet are flat on the floor, the transfer belt is snug but not tight, and the wheelchair is locked. Use proper body mechanics, bending at the knees and keeping a straight back, to avoid injury to both the PSW and patient. Always communicate clearly with the patient during the transfer to ensure their comfort.
This type of dementia is marked by changes in mood and personality, as well as progressive problems with executive functioning, judgment, and impulse control.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
resources that PSWs and family caregivers can use to support individuals with mental health conditions and dementia, as well as resources for the caregivers themselves
Alzheimer's Society of Canada
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)