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What is it called when person with Alzheimer's overreacts to something (has a heighted response beyond what would be expected).
Catastrophic reaction
Why might music therapy be helpful in residents with Alzheimer's?
They may have a positive response to songs they are familiar with due to the sensory stimulation.
What memories do individuals with Alzheimer's tend to keep the longest?
Old memories/childhood/long-term memories
List 3 tips when assisting individuals with Alzheimer's with dressing.
•Help with grooming.
•Avoid delays or interruptions.
•Show resident clothing to put on.
•Provide privacy.
•Encourage resident to pick out clothes to wear. Lay out clothes in order to be put on.
•Break task down into simple steps. Do not rush the resident.
•Use a friendly, calm voice when speaking. Praise and encourage.
How long can a person live after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's?
Up to 20 years.
What type of voice should you use when speaking with a confused resident?
Slow, clear, adequate volume
What are 2 ways to assist residents who experience sundowning?
Avoid stress, limit activities during this time, play soft music, set bedtime routine, plan calming activity, remove caffeine from diet, provide snacks, give back massage, distract, and maintain daily exercise.
List 2 causes of delirium.
•Infections
•Disease
•Fluid imbalance
•Poor nutrition
•Drugs
•Alcohol
Which stage of Alzheimer's may be difficult to diagnosis because symptoms look like common signs of aging?
Mild or early stage
What are 2 signs of severe (late stage) Alzheimer's disease?
•May be unable to communicate with others, control movement, or respond to surroundings
•Needs significant help with ADLs, including eating and eliminating
•Ability to walk, sit and swallow may be affected
Name 2 normal changes that people experience as they age, related to the brain.
•It is normal for a person to lose some ability to think logically and clearly as he ages.
•Elderly residents may lose memory of recent events.
•Reaction time may slow and it may be harder to find the right word.
•Elderly people tend to sleep less.
What are 3 signs/symptoms of moderate Alzheimer's disease?
•Generally the stage with the longest duration
•May forget some past experiences and personal background
•Personality and behavior may change
•May be moody or withdrawn
•Can experience changes in sleep patterns, confusion about time and place
•May need help with some ADLs, such as choosing appropriate clothing
What is a state of severe confusion that occurs suddenly and is usually temporary.
Delirium
List 2 causes of dementia.
•Alzheimer’s disease
•Multi-infarct or vascular dementia (a series of strokes causing damage to the brain)
•Lewy body dementia
•Parkinson’s disease
•Huntington’s disease
When a nursing assistant notices that a particular activity is calming for or accepted by a resident with dementia, who should she share this with?
Name 2 things the book discusses that CNAs should remember about confusion.
•Interferes with ability to make decisions
•Personality may change
•Anger, depression, and irritability are other signs.
•Can be temporary or permanent
What are the terms for going through personal items such as drawers and closets (their own or others) and collecting and guarding items in a guarded way.
Rummaging and hoarding
What type of therapy involves
encouraging residents to remember and talk about the past
focusing on a time of life that was pleasant
Reminiscence therapy
What are 3 tips to assist residents with Alzheimer's regarding bathing.
•Schedule bathing when resident is least agitated.
•Give resident supplies before bathing to serve as visual aid.
•Take a walk with resident down the hall and stop at tub or shower room.
•Make sure bathroom is well-lit and at a comfortable temperature.
•Provide privacy.
•Be calm and quiet. Keep process simple.
•Be sensitive when discussing bathing with resident.
•Give resident washcloth to hold during bath.
Ensure safety by using nonslip mats, tub seats, and hand-holds.
Who should a NA talk with if feeling overwhelmed or stressed in her work environment?
Her supervisor
What is the difference between progressive, degenerative, and irreversible?
Progressive: Once it begins it advances and may affect other parts of the body.
Degenerative: Gets continually worse and eventually breaks down the body system
Irreversible: cannot be cured or go back to a prior state of functioning.
What is important to remember about ADLs and residents with dementia.
Allow them to do what they are able to do for themselves.
Why is routine important for residents with memory loss?
Routine can help limit confusion and assist in residents remaining calm.
Name 2 common exams/tests that help in the diagnosis of dementia.
•Involves getting a patient’s medical history and having a physical and neurological exam
•Blood tests and imaging tests like CT or MRI scans may be ordered.
•Tests to trace brain wave activity (EEG) may be performed.
•Diagnosis of dementia helps rule out other possible diseases with similar symptoms.
Name 3 strategies when communicating with someone who has Alzheimer's.
•Always approach from the front.
•Determine how close the resident wants you to be.
•Communicate in a room with little background noise and distraction.
•Always identify yourself. Use the resident’s name.
•Speak slowly, using a lower tone of voice.
•Repeat yourself, using the same words and phrases, as often as needed.
•Use signs, pictures, gestures, or written words to help communicate.
•Break complex tasks into smaller, simpler ones.