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The numbers are staggering. Two out of every fifteen Americans 71 and older are diagnosed with dementia. And, worldwide, at least 35 million people live with dementia. That number is expected to hit 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050! With theese statistics, it is more important than ever for nursing assistants to be armed with information about dementia. Here are some of the basics that you can share with your CNAs :

What Exactly is Dementia ?

When you hear the word “dementia”, you probably think of Alzheimer’s disease. And, it’s true. Alzheimer’s disease is Edione of the forms of dementia. However, there are many other types of dementia that you should be aware of.

So what is dementia ?It is a slow, progressive loss of mental functions, including: memory, thinking, judgment and the ability to learn. Dementia is not a disease by itself. Rather, it is a syndrome-or group of symptoms- which are caused by various diseases. The symptoms of dementia are often severe enough to seriously undercut people’s ability to perform normal daily activities.

In the United States, an estimated 5 million people have dementia. Most people with dementia are over age 65 and the risk for dementia increases with age. Does it mean that everyone over the age of 65 will get it ? No way! An interesting fact:more that half of all people over age 100 do not have dementia.

It’s true that the brain undergoes changes with age. But these normal age-related changes, such as a decrease in both short-term memory and the ability to learn, do not affect a person’s ability to function. Dementia does.

What Causes Dementia?

There are multiple causes of dementia, including:

• Diseases that affect the nerve cells in the brain, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Pick’s disease.
• Vascular disorders such as a stroke.
• Toxic reactions from excessive alcohol or drug use.
• Brain tumors.
• A lack of specific nutrients in the diet, such as vitamin B12 and folate.
• Infections that affect the brain and spinal cord.
• Head Injuris and Traumas.
• Radiation therapy to the head.
• Cardiac arrest.
• Chronic kidney deceases, liver or lungs.

For Your Clients with Dementia, Remember…

Focus on strengths! Most cases of dementia cause an inevitable decline of a person’s memory, intellect and personality- which becomes evident in the middle to late stages of the disease. During the early stage of dementia, it is particulary important to focus on the person’s remaining strengths…and not on what he or she is losing. For example, Mr. Smith has trouble remembering what he hears, but does quite well with visual cues. So, his aide put simple written notes and pictures on the walls of Mr. Smith’s living area.

Stimulate, don’t overwhelm. it is important to keep in mind the fine line between stimulating people and overwhelming them. Get to know each client as an individual so you learn what their limits are. For example, Mr. Green becomes agitated by all the sights and sounds after a ten minute walk, but Mrs Smith is content to sit and watch her neighbors for over an hour.

Last in, first out! For most people with dementia, the things they learned most recently are the most easily forgotten. Allow your clients to focus on what they do remember.

Childlike, not childish. Clients with moderate to severe dementia tend to lose the ability to care for themselves. Just like small children, they need help with eating, dressing, walking and going to the bathroom. But, keep in mind, just because some of their needs and behaviors may be childlike, they are not children. Be sure to treat them as adults; don’t patronize or “talk down” to them.

Personality Plus! Typically, dementia tends to exaggerate personality traits that already existed In some cases dementia exhagerates personality traits  that are already present. For example, someone who was bossy in his younger years may be completely domineering due to dementia. Or, dementia may make a person who was always tidy become obsessed with neatness.

Ten Warning Signs of Dementia

Keep these ten warning signs in mind as you go through your work day-especially if you care for a number of elderly clients. If you notice these signs developing in any of your clients, report the situation to your supervisor. Your observations may help them receive an early diagnosis-and treatment- for dementia.

• Memory loss
• Difficulty performing everyday jobs
• Difficulty with language
• Confusion about time and place
• Poor or impaired judgment
• Problems with abstract thinking
• Misplacing items
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Changes in personality
• A loss of initiative

Keep in mind, however, that sometimes side effects of medications or alcohol may mimic the dimentia.

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