Dementia Basics and Types
What is dementia: a single disease or a group of symptoms?
What is "a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and behavior"
Name one common symptom of dementia?
What is memory loss, confusion, poor judgement, language difficulty
Should you correct a resident with dementia if they say something incorrect?
No, redirect gently
Name one common trigger for responsive behaviors
What is pain, hunger, fear, fatigue, overstimulation
Why are dementia residents at higher risk for falls?
What is "poor judgement, mobility changes, confusion"
True or False: Dementia is a normal part of aging
False
What symptom may cause a resident to wander or try to leave the unit?
What is the best way to give instructions to a person with dementia?
What are "simple, short instructions, one step at a time"
What behavior might indicate unmet needs rather than "acting out"
What is agitation, yelling, restlessness
What should you do if a resident with dementia refuses care?
What is "pause, try again later, report to nurse"
What cognitive ability is usually affected first in dementia?
Short-term memory
What symptom may cause a person to accuse staff of stealing?
What is paranoia or memory loss
If a resident becomes frustrated while speaking, what should you do?
What is "be patient, give time, reassure"
Name three possible causes of sudden increased confusion in a resident with dementia
What is your responsibilty if you notice a change in cognition or behavior?
What is "report and document"
This type of dementia often presents with visual hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, and Parkinsonism
What is Lewy Body Dementia
This language-related symptom may cause a resident to substitute incorrect words or be unable to find the right word
What is aphasia
This communication technique involves acknowledging the persons emotions rather than correcting their facts.
What is validation therapy?
A patient becomes aggressive every evening around 5pm. This pattern is commonly known as:
What is sundowning
A resident with repeatedly refuses bathing. The family insists staff "make her shower." What ethical principle must guide your response?
What is "Respect for autonomy and dignity- refusal of care must be respected and reported"
This type of dementia is caused by multiple small strokes and often has steady decline
What is Vascular dementia?
A resident believes staff are trying to poison them and refuses food. This is an example of this type of symptom.
What is a delusion/paranoid delusion
A resident insists she needs to "pick up her children from school," but her children are adults. What is the most therapeutic response?
What is "validate her feelings and redirect" (e.g, "you sound worried about them. Tell me about your children"
A resident repeatedly removes their clothing in the common area. Before labeling this as "innappropriate behavior," what underlying triggers should be assessed?
What is "too hot, discomfort, need to toilet, skin irritation, fabric sensitivity"
Why are restraints (physical or chemical) a last resort in dementia care?
What is "they increase risk of injury, agitation, loss of didgnity, decreased mobility, and ethical concerns"