DEMENTIA 101
NUMBERS PLEASE
CAN WE TALK?
COMMUNICATION
101
BONUS ROUND
100
There are therapies available to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
FALSE AD drugs can reverse some symptoms, slow the progression, and increase memory for awhile, but they do not cure /stop the disease
100

6.9 million of Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's disease.

TRUE

100
Caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and other dementias may also have difficulty maintaining healthy behaviors.
TRUE. Only 3% reported using physical activity as a way of getting relief from their caregiving responsibilities. High body mass index (BMI), also associated with chronic illnesses, was noted in approximately 66% of family caregivers, who were either overweight or obese.
100

Cleaning a room for a resident with dementia is just like everyone else. It's important to stay on schedule.

FALSE. Your schedule is not the resident's schedule. Remember, you are in their home and should schedule cleaning according to what's best for the resident.

100
Typical symptoms include changes in personality and behavior and difficulty with language. Pick's disease is a type of this dementia.
What is Frontal-temporal dementia?
200
All people who are older will eventually develop severe memory loss and confusion.
FALSE Memory loss and confusion are symptoms of dementia and are NOT a normal part of getting older
200

A little over 1/3 of people aged 85 and older have Alzheimer's disease.

TRUE: 26.4% of people aged 65 to 74 have AD. 38.6% of people aged 75 to 84 have AD. 35.4% of people aged 85 and older have AD

200

What percentage of care is provided at home by family members of persons suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementias?  a)95%  b)65%  c)80%  d)48%

d) 48% of care provided at home is delivered by family caregivers (11million Americans provide unpaid care)

200

It's considered the second most common type of dementia. Impairment is caused by decreased blood flow to parts of the brain, often due to a series of small strokes that block arteries.

What is vascular/multi-infarct dementia?

200
Visual hallucinations, muscle rigidity and tremors are common with this type of dementia. Alertness and severity of cognitive symptoms may fluctuate daily.
What is Dementia with Lewy Bodies?
300
A resident who suddenly shows signs of dementia may simply be dehydrated.
TRUE It can also be a UTI, or they may be depressed, or have had a recent medication change.
300

Almost two-thirds of all Americans living with Alzheimer's disease are women.

TRUE:  11 million women in the US are either living with Alzheimer's Disease or caring for someone who has Alzheimer's Disease. 

300

How many Americans provide unpaid care for a person with Alzheimer's or another dementia? a) 1 million  b) 5 million  c) 15 million  d) 11 million

 d) 11 million

300

Characterized by the hallmark abnormalities of Alzheimer's and another type of dementia-most commonly vascular dementia, but also other types, such as dementia with Lewy bodies.

What is mixed dementia?  

300

What are some of the values of activities for someone with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia?

Provide human contact & companionship, feeling of self-worth, communication, attending and listening skills, social interaction with others, focus attention away from feelings of fear,  understand the here and now, physical problems are reduced, exercise aids digestion and elimination, cognitive function such a recall, decision making and application are used. They may not improve but can maintain to an extent. 

400
Dementia is caused by various diseases and conditions that result in damaged brain cells or connections between brain cells. Which of the following diseases does NOT cause dementia? a) Alzheimer's disease b) Parkinson's disease c) The flu d) Lewy bodies e) Alcoholism
(c) The flu
400
People 65 and older survive an average of: a) 1 year b) 4 to 8 years c) 8 to 15 years d) 20 and more years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
answer: 4 to 8 years People 65 and older survive an average of four to eight years after a diagnosis of AD, yet some live as long as 20 years with AD.
400

Approximately 50% of the residents who live in Skilled Nursing facilities have a diagnosis of some form of dementia.

TRUE.49.1% of nursing home residents have a dx of AD or another form of dementia

400
What if a resident accuses you of taking something of theirs. Is it best to apologize and accept blame, even if you're innocent?
TRUE. Do not engage in a arguing match with a resident suffering from dementia. Enlist the help of other staff to find the missing item of the resident.
400

True or False:  MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) is a condition in which a person has problems with memory, language or other functions, but not serious enough to interfere with daily life.   

True:  Not everyone with MCI goes on to have AD, they do however have an increased risk for developing AD, there is no current treatment for MCI

500
All of the following are symptoms of dementia, except: a) challenges in planning and problem solving b) forgetfulness c) desire to watch television d) problems understanding directions e) confusion with time and place
(c) the desire to watch television
500

 What is the projected annual amount of care for those with Alzheimer's Disease going to cost for 2050? a) $200 billion b) $750 billion c) $1.1. trillion d) $2.2 trillion

answer: (c) $1.1 trillion

500
Most residents with dementia don't notice loud voices or sudden loud sounds because they're so confused.
FALSE. They also notice when you're talking about them too!
500
A resident is agitated and yelling at other residents and staff around the nurses station. What might you do to help in this situation?
a) leave her alone, someone else will deal with her b) go over to her, unlock the brakes on her wheelchair and take her to her room c) go up to her, bend down, catch he eye and ask her if she needs your help d) contact her doctor and ask for a medication to address her behavior
500

What is the best size activity group in numbers, to hold with people who have AD or other related dementias? 

6-8 people:  Small enough to provided needed attention to all and not be overstimulating.