CHCAC319A

1. Provide support to those affected by dementia 2. Use communication strategies which take

account of the progressive & variable nature of dementia

3. Provide adequate activities to maintain dignity, skills and health of client at optimum levels

4. Implement strategies which minimise the impact of behaviours of concern

5. Implement self care strategies

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Dementia: Is a general term used to describe problems with

memory and thinking, which leads to a decline in social skills and behaviour and indicates that something is wrong with the brain.

Causes a decline in a persons cognitive function – memory loss, communication difficulties & a decline in physical, emotion and social abilities.

Occurs progressively, which impacts on an individuals ability to carry out a normal life

20 -30% of all dementia’s 50-70% of all dementia’s

Vascular Dementia

Strokes (many and small) Multi infarcts (TIA)

Alzheimer’s Disease

Plaques, tangles and transmitter defects to brain

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Transmitter Damage

Physical Damage

Toxic Damage

Genetic Disorder

Infections

Parkinson’s Disease

Injury , tumours

Korsakoff’s Syndrome

Huntington’s Disease

AIDS, syphilis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (Mad Cow)

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It is estimated that around 200,000 people in Australia have dementia.

With the projected rise of Australia's aged population, it is estimated the number of people living with dementia will increase to almost 465,000 by 2031.

Dementia is one of the major reasons why older people enter residential aged care or seek assistance from community care programs.

Dementia can happen to anyone. It can affect people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

it is more common over the age of 65 one in four people over the age of 85 have the condition.

Stats : Economics (2005) Dementia Estimates and Projections: Australian States and

Territories. Alzheimer’s Australia, Canberra.

Progressive & frequent loss of memory

Confusion

Personality change

Disorientation to time & place

Poor or decreased judgement

Problems with abstract thinking

Apathy & withdrawal, loss of initiative

Loss of ability to perform every day tasks

Problems with language

Misplacing things

Changes in mood or behaviour.

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lose their communication skills

become disorientated to time, place and people

lose the ability to do everyday tasks

lose control of their bowel/bladder

wander and pace around

hallucinate or have delusions

behave in a way that is a challenge to manage.

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GP’s neurologists, psycho-geriatrician, ACAT, psychologists rule out other conditions that may cause dementia, especially those that may be reversible.

Diagnostic process is complex and usually involves a combination of tests and investigations to assess change over time

screening tests, such as the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE)

Neuropsychological assessments consider aspects of cognition, including memory recognition and concentration

Radiography - CT, PET & MRI Scans

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Some conditions present like signs and symptoms of dementia.

These may be reversible and include: depression acute confusion/delirium (caused by infection,

dehydration, constipation) anxiety tumours vitamin deficiencies. Endocrine disorders

Although the risk of developing AD increases with age,

AD and dementia symptoms are Not part of normal ageing.

AD & other Dementing disorders are caused by

diseases that affect the brain.

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There are currently around 245,000 people with dementia in Australia.

By mid-century, we will have over 1.13 million Australians with dementia.

Dementia is the leading single cause of disability in older Australians (aged 65years or older)

It is one of the fastest growing sources of major disease burden, overtaking coronary heart disease in its total wellbeing cost by 2023.

Dementia will become the third greatest source of health and residential aged care spending within about two decades.

By the 2060s, spending on dementia is set to outstrip that of any other health condition. It is projected to be $83 billion (in 2006-07 dollars

(previous two slides)Alzheimer ‘s Australia report by Access Economics-Keeping dementia front of mind: incidence and prevalence 2009-2050. 2009

grieving because of the awareness of the effects of the disease

reliving a memory of loss.

Anxiety & challenging behaviours

Dependence on others disorientation

People with dementia may need assistance with:

Remembering Re -orientating Communicating Self-care Safety Eating and drinking Going to the toilet

Spouses – the largest group. Most are older with their own health problems.

Daughters – the second largest group. Called the “sandwich generation,” many are married and raising children of their own. Children may need extra support if a parent’s attention is focused on care giving.

Grandchildren – may become major helpers. Daughters-in-law – the third largest group. Sons – often focus on the financial, legal, and

business aspects of care giving. Brothers and Sisters – many are older with their

own health problems. Other – friends, neighbors, members of the faith

community. NIA: Unravelling the mystery of AD

AD takes a huge physical and emotional toll.

Caregivers must deal with changes in a loved one’s personality and provide constant attention for years.

Thus, caregivers are especially vulnerable to physical and emotional stress.

• Peer support programs can help link caregivers with trained volunteers. Other support programs can offer services geared to caregivers dealing with different stages of AD.

NIA unraveling AD

Make it an aim to share the care of the person with dementia • Don’t hesitate to ask for help • Suggest specific ways that friends and family can help • Organise regular breaks for yourself. A friend or relative may be able to care for the person with dementia on a

regular basis Find out about respite options in your local area

Alzheimer’s Australia : www.alzheimers.org.au

A consistent schedule can make life a little easier when living with a person with dementia

• It often helps to remember that the person with dementia is not being difficult on purpose, but that their emotions and behaviours are affected by dementia

• Learning as much as possible about dementia and encouraging friends and relatives to do so as well can be helpful

• It is important to talk things over with family, friends and other people in a similar situation

• Look after yourself by looking after your diet, get regular exercise and maintain your social contacts and lifestyle

• Be realistic about what you can expect of yourself, and recognise that taking care of yourself is better for everybody

Alzheimer’s Australia : www.alzheimers.org.au

Provide information about dementia. Useful material is available from Alzheimer’s Australia, much of it in community languages as well as English

• Explain that outwardly a person with dementia may look fine, but that they have an illness, which although devastating, is not contagious

• Accept that some friends may drift away • Ask visitors to come for short times and not too many at once • Suggest activities for the visit such as going for a walk, bringing

a simple project to do together or looking at a photo album • Prepare visitors for any problems with communication, and

suggest ways that they might deal with these

Alzheimer’s Australia : www.alzheimers.org.au

Who can help? Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres around Australia provide

information about the range of community care programs and services available to help people stay in their own homes. Call 1800 052 222 or

visit www.commcarelink.health.gov.au Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres provide carers with information

and advice about relevant services and entitlements. Contact your closest Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre on 1800 242 636.

Another useful source of information is the Carers Association. The Australian Government has published a Carer Information Kit that provides information about the support and services that are available to carers and offers practical assistance. www.carersaustralia.com.au

The Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) is a national telephone advisory service for families, carers and care workers who are concerned about the behaviours of people with dementia. The service provides confidential advice, assessment, intervention, education and specialised support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be contacted on 1800 699 799.

National Dementia Helpline can be contacted on 1800 100 500 or visit Alzheimer’s Australia at www.alzheimers.org.au

Types of elder abuse:

Physical Chemical Sexual Financial Emotional

REPORTING

Clinical Short term memory

impairment Dementia Depression Physical dependence Substance abuse

Situational IsolationPoor social functioningRecent bereavement

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Most common form of Dementia 60-70% attributed to Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a physical disease which attacks the brain resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour. 

The disease is named for the German physician, Alois

Alzheimer who, in 1907, first described it.

Plaques and Tangles: The Hallmarks of AD

As brain cells die, the substance of the brain shrinks.

Abnormal material builds up as “tangles” in the centre of the brain cells and “plaques” outside the brain cells, disrupting messages within the brain, damaging connections between brain cells.

This leads to the eventual death of the brain cells and prevents the recall of information.

An actual AD plaque

An actual AD tangle

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Persistent and frequent memory difficulties, especially of recent events

Vagueness in everyday conversation Apparent loss of enthusiasm for previously enjoyed

activities Taking longer to do routine tasks Forgetting well-known people or places Inability to process questions and instructions Deterioration of social skills Emotional unpredictability

Mild = Early stage The mild stage is typified by impairments of mental

ability as well as mood swings.

Moderate = Mid stage Behavioural disturbances usually increasingly develop

Severe = Late stage Physical problems are dominant

The individual course of the disease is individual & varied.

In severe AD, extreme shrinkage occurs in the brain. Patients are completely dependent on others for care.Symptoms can include weight loss, seizures, skin infections, groaning, moaning, or grunting, increased sleeping, loss of bladder and bowel control. Death usually occurs from aspiration pneumonia or other infections. Caregivers can turn to a hospice for help and palliative care. (NIA) Unraveling the mystery of AD sl.21

Communication

1. Sender – sends the message 2. The message – verbal or non verbal 3. The channel – messages are sent through

a variety of channels – senses 4. The receiver – receives the message and

interprets it 5. The impact – reaction to the message

Difficulties include: Ability to express

themselves clearly Take in what has been

said People from a NESB

may revert to their first language

Challenging behaviours may result due to such difficulties in communicating

Makes up to 55% of our communication and is very powerful. This is our body language such as:

Tone of voice, volume of voice Facial expression Touch, gestures, appearance, posture,

silence, dress,

Do not take it personally if a patient takes a dislike to you

Be aware of the non verbal communication (smiling, touch gestures)

Consider the patients perception of reality

Early Stage◦ Ability to think of the right words◦ Fewer topics, speaks less and conversation is

dull Middle Stage

◦ Knowing when to reply◦ Vague

End Stage◦ Putting sentences together◦ Words may be lost◦ Non verbal

Reality Orientation Validation Therapy Reminiscence Reflective

Listening

Limited attention span Cannot remember words Multiple step instruction may lead to

confusion Inability to concentrate Need more time to respond Difficult behaviour Additional impairments may also hinder

communication further

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Valuing the individuality of every person Relating to the person rather than the illness Maximising autonomy, independence and

participation Responding to the needs of the whole person; Providing an environment and experiences

that are enriching and meaningful; A partnership between care providers and

family and friends of the person with dementia.

Dementia is the condition not the person

Activities

Task modification◦ To ensure comprehension◦ Cues to complete tasks◦ Provide a method to assess ‘difficulties’ a

person may have with one/any task◦ To assist where possible whilst maintaining

independence

Activities of daily living (ADL)◦ Activities we normally do on a day to day basis

such as washing, eating

Recreational Activities◦ Activities we do for pleasure such as listening to

music, playing cards

Keep active Sense of

accomplishment Makes us feel

worthwhile and feel good

Enhances emotional wellbeing

To maintain activities you will need to know:◦ Patients history

Provide an appropriate activity Consider the following – likes/dislikes, past

history, suitable environment, capabilities, disabilities, equipment required, safety aspects, planning or liaising with others

Group or individual activities When designing an activity for a person

with dementia remember to use all of the senses

Challenging Behaviour

Anxiety Wandering Aggression Depression Confusion Hallucinations Agitation Disinhibited behaviour

Reassure and support the person Try to respond calmly and gently Address the underlying feeling if possible Try to reduce the demands made on the person Be aware of the warning signs of aggression Eliminate possible causes of stress Ensure that there is an unrushed and consistent routine Spend time explaining what is happening avoid

confrontation. suggest an alternative activity Make sure the person gets enough exercise Make sure they are comfortable

Health factors • Fatigue • Disruption of sleep

patterns • Physical discomfort such

as pain, fever, illness or constipation

• Physical changes in the brain

• Adverse side effects of medication

• Impaired vision or hearing • Hallucinations

Environmental Noisy Strange / new Fear Misunderstanding Need for attention

Restraint is the use of physical, chemical or psychological means of deliberately preventing someone from moving freely.

Types of restraints include: posey belt, lap belt, bed rails, water chairs, deep chairs, sheets, mittens and medication

The following is a list of possible side effects due to restraints◦ Decreased muscle

strength◦ Increased confusion◦ Loss of self worth◦ Increase in falls

Written doctors order that states: type of restraint, how it is to be applied, length of time, review date, signature of person applying and releasing restraint

Written consent from the persons guardian or next of kin is also required

Documentation of behviour

You are caring for Mrs. Jones she is wandering around the facility and causing concern she is upsetting other residents the nurse in charge asks you to restraint Mrs. Jones.◦ Complete the relevant paper work and

documentation

http://www.dementia.unsw.edu.au/DCRCweb.nsf/page/PDCRC

http://www.alzheimers.org.au/ http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/pub

lishing.nsf/Content/Dementia-1 http://www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au/

internet/agedcare/publishing.nsf/Content/Dementia-1?Open&etID=WCMEXT05-WCME-752426

Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral

(ADEAR) Center www.alzheimers.org Module 4481: Supporting the person with

Dementia. TAFE NSW. National Institute on Ageing:

http://www.nia.nih.gov

The Health of Older People, Australia, 2001 - Latest ISSUE Released 10/11/2004 (4827.0.55.001). http://abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/0e5fa1cc95cd093c4a2568110007852b/5b3a04650641ef75ca256f4700715847!OpenDocument.

Keith A. Johnson, M.D. J. Alex Becker, Ph.D. The whole brain atlas: http://www.med.harvard.edu/AANLIB/home.html