awake
What are the three main stages of dementia?
Early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe).
How can HCAs support family members of someone with dementia?
Provide updates, listen empathetically, involve them in care, and offer resources when needed.
Why is routine important for dementia clients?
It reduces confusion and provides a sense of security.
How can HCAs help prevent falls in dementia clients?
Ensure clear walkways, proper lighting, non-slip shoes, and use of mobility aids.
how can HCAs support clients with communication difficulties
Use clear, simple language, non-verbal cues, and active listening.
Name three common types of dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Through medical history, physical exams, neurological tests, cognitive assessments, and brain imaging like CT or MRI.
What cognitive changes occur during the early stage of dementia?
Mild memory loss, difficulty with planning, losing track of time, and trouble finding the right words.
What strategies can HCAs use for clients who are hallucinating?
Remain calm, validate feelings without confirming the hallucination, redirect attention.
How does dementia in Parkinson’s disease differ from other types?
Motor symptoms occur first (tremors, stiffness), with memory and cognitive issues developing later.
what are the early signs and symptoms of dementia?
Memory loss, confusion with time or place, difficulty performing familiar tasks, poor judgment, and changes in mood or personality.
What are some reversible conditions that may mimic dementia?
Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, depression, infections, or medication side effects.
What role does brain structure play in different types of dementia?
Different types of dementia affect different areas of the brain, causing varying symptoms (e.g., frontal lobe damage affects behavior and decision-making).
A dementia patient refuses to bathe. What should the HCA do?
Remain calm, try again later, offer choices, explain the steps, and ensure the patient feels safe.
What is frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
A group of disorders caused by degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
What is Lewy body dementia and how does it typically present?
It is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, causing visual hallucinations, movement issues, and cognitive fluctuations.
How does behavior typically change during the middle stage of dementia?
Increased confusion, restlessness, wandering, aggression, and needing help with personal care.
What physical and functional declines occur in the late stage of dementia?
Loss of mobility, incontinence, inability to speak, eat independently, or recognize loved ones.
What is vascular dementia?
A type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to strokes or small vessel disease.
What symptoms are common in Lewy body dementia?
Visual hallucinations, Parkinsonism (tremors, stiffness), sleep disturbances, and cognitive fluctuations.
Can dementia be cured? Why or why not?
Most types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, are progressive and currently incurable, though some medications and therapies can manage symptoms.
Which dementia is most strongly linked to hallucinations
Lewy body dementia
Which type of dementia is most associated with language loss early on?
Primary progressive aphasia, a subtype of frontotemporal dementia.
Can alcohol abuse cause dementia?
Yes, chronic alcohol use can lead to alcohol-related dementia or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
What is within an HCA’s scope when caring for someone with dementia?
Assisting with personal care, encouraging independence, observing and reporting changes, promoting safety.