Normal Changes of Aging in the Brain
What is the definition of cognition?
The ability to think logically and clearly.
reg pg:
352
What is confusion?
Confusion is the inability to think clearly and logically.
ref pg 352
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term that refers to a serious loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communicating.
ref pg 353
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive incurable disease that causes tangles nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain which eventually causes dementia.
ref pg 510
What is Delirium?
Delirium is the state of severe confusion that occurs suddenly; it is usually temporary.
ref page 353
What is Cognitive Impairment?
The loss of ability to think logically and clearly.
ref pg 352
True or false confusion interferes with a person's ability to make decisions?
True
Ref page 352
False; Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
ref pg 353
What are the three general stages of Alzheimer's disease?
Mild, Moderate, and Severe
ref pg 355
What are some causes of Delirium?
Infections, diseases, fluid imbalances, poor nutrition, drugs, and alcohol.
ref pg 353
True or False all elderly lose their cognition?
False, how much cognition is lost depends on the individual.
ref pg 352
True or false confusion always comes on gradually.
False, confusion can come on gradually or suddenly.
Ref pg 352
What are some of the common causes of Dementia?
Alzheimer's Disease, Stroke, Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease
Ref pg 354
What are 3 personal attitudes to remember when taking care of an Alzheimer's patient?
can be any of these 7
1. Do not take things personally
2. Be empathetic
3. Work with Symptoms and behaviors noted
4.Work as a team
5. be aware of the difficulties associated with caregiving
6. work with family members
7. Remember the goals of the care plan
ref pgs 355-357
What are the signs and symptoms of delirium?
Agitation, Anger, Depression, Irritability, Disorientation, trouble focusing, problems with speech, changes in sensation and perception, changes in consciousness, Decrease in short term memory.
ref pg 353
How can nursing assistants encourage ones with cognitive impairments?
NA's can encourage by helping them to make a list of things to remember, writing down names, events, and phone numbers - pg 352
Name 5 common causes of confusion.
UTI, low blood sugar, head trauma, dehydration, nutritional problems, fever, Sudden drop in body temp, lack of oxygen, medications, infections, brain tumor, disease or illnesses, loss of sleep, seizures
ref pg 352
True or False; Dementia can be a progressive disease?
ref pg 353
True or False; It is best to approach your client or resident from behind and it is also best not to introduce yourself because the resident does not know who you are anyway.
False; It is best to approach the resident from the front so they will not be as startled and always introduce yourself.
ref pg 357
True or False; The NA does not need to report Mr. Smith's anger to the nurse for the day because he is just having a bad day.
False, Anger can be a sign of delirium and should be reported immediately to the nurse for further evaluation.
ref pg 353
What are other normal changes of aging in the brain?
1. Slower reaction time
2. Difficulting finding or using the right words
3. Sleeping less
ref pg 352
False; any new changes must be reported to the nurse as soon a possible.
Ref pg 353
What is involved in getting a diagnosis of Dementia?
Past medical history, physical exam, neurological exam, blood test, imaging, and a possible EEG.
Ref pg 354
What are six ways that an NA can respond to a resident who is sundowning?
1. Play soft music
2. provide a snack
3. Give a back massage
4. Set a bedtime routine
5. Remove Caffeine from the diet
6. provide claming activities
ref pg 363
When communicating with a person who had delirium the nursing assistant should:
1. Not raise his or her voice
2. Use the person's name, speak clearly, and use simple sentences.
3. Use facial expressions and body language to aid in understanding
4. Reduce distractions in the environment
5. Be gentle and try to decrease fears
ref box pg 353