Work from your outline(Dementia) and prepare a visually appealing PowerPoint slideshow for the in-service presentation.
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Dementia
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Introduction
Every individual aspires to attain an old age while happy. However, as age progresses,
severe events such as losing a loved one or other chronic ailments such as cancer occur.
Amongst the conditions that befall older adults is dementia. This study presents important facts
and information that can be used to create public awareness. Dementia is a syndrome that befalls
individuals as a consequence of biological aging. Healthcare professionals affirm that dementia
impairs an individual’s cognitive functioning and may alter one’s daily activities. According to
WHO (2022), dementia is a major cause of disability among older people. WHO’s research also
reveals that by 2050, over 130 million people will be living with dementia. Medical institutions
should thus develop an urgent plan to tackle the syndrome. In this bid, the paper highlights the
causes, signs, diagnosis, types, risk factors, treatment and prevention of dementia to enlighten the
public.
Outline
Cause
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells or loss of nerve cells in the brain.
Signs and Symptoms
Based on clinical evidence, the signs and symptoms of dementia occur when nerve cells
and neurons that were once healthy lose links with other brain cells. Even though every
individual loses some brain cells as age progresses, persons with dementia experience a greater
loss. It is important to note that these signs and symptoms can vary. The most common signs and
symptoms include:
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Memory loss which other individuals notice
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Poor judgment
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Disorientation and confusion
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Anxiety
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Personality changes
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Difficulty with organizing and planning
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Difficulty with communication
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Hallucinations
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Paranoia
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Problems with movement
Noticing these signs and symptoms can be hard, especially when an individual has
developmental disabilities. Therefore, it is fundamental to note an individual’s current abilities
and monitor for changes that could indicate dementia over time. When any behavior changes are
noted, one should see a doctor.
Types of dementia
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Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia among older adults. It is caused by a
change in protein levels in the brain. Medical experts state that children can inherit these
genes.
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Vascular dementia- this dementia damages blood vessels that supply the brain with
blood. Individuals with vascular dementia may also suffer from stroke. Noticeable signs
include loss of focus and slowed thinking.
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Lewy body dementia- abnormal deposits of Lewy bodies cause this dementia. Common
signs include uncoordinated movement, visual hallucinations and difficulty in paying
attention.
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Frontotemporal dementia- this dementia is very rare. It is caused by the loss of nerve cells
and their links with temporal and frontal brain lobes. Dementia affects personality,
judgment and thinking.
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Mixed dementia – the combination of two or more forms of dementia.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis takes the steps indicated below.
1. Doctors begin by assessing if an individual has an underlying condition that may alter
cognitive functions.
2. Physical examination of blood pressure and other fluids that may confirm the presence of
dementia
3. Review of family history to confirm the risk for dementia
Other procedures that can be performed include brain scans, psychiatric evaluation and genetic
tests.
Risk factors
A risk factor is a behavior or something that increases the chances of developing an ailment.
Risk factors associated with dementia include:
1. Age- after individuals hit 65 years, they are susceptible to the syndrome.
2. Family history- instances of dementia within the family increase the risk of developing
the condition.
3. Down syndrome- people with Down syndrome are at a greater risk of contracting
Alzheimer’s disease.
Livingston et al. (2020) indicate that depression, air pollution and excessive alcohol consumption
are newer risk factors for dementia.
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Treatment
Dementia symptoms can be temporarily reduced using Memantine and Cholinesterase inhibitors.
Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe both of them. Cholinesterase inhibitors boost the chemical
messenger that supports judgment and memory.
Prevention
Certain practices that are associated with reducing the risk factors for developing dementia
include:
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Stimulating the mind through activities such as reading
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Quitting smoking
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Sleeping for 7-8 hours
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Maintaining a healthy diet
Conclusion
The public must change the notion that suffering is inevitable during old age. As
indicated, certain behaviors can be adopted to reduce the risk factors associated with dementia.
The signs and symptoms may also vary depending on the type of dementia. Caregivers should
thus monitor the abilities of their loved ones and check for any changes in behavior before
seeking medical advice. Together, society can reduce the aggregates of dementia by offering
required care to older adults. This means national governments should create better strategies to
realize the quality and affordable care for persons with dementia.
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Reference
Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., … & Mukadam,
N. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report ofthe Lancet
Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413-446.
World Health Organization. (2022). Dementia.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia