Services for People with Dementia and Their Caregivers

Running head: NURSING 1
Nursing
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

NURSING 2
Introduction:
Dementia is not a specific disease but a general term that describes a group of symptoms
which are related to loss in memory serious enough to reduce the ability in which an individual
can do familiar tasks. It is caused by impairment of nerve cells in the brain which can happen in
several parts of the brain. This impairment interferes with the ability to communicate with each
other. Dementia affects people differently depending on the part of the brain affected and the
most common type of dementia is the Alzheimer’s followed by vascular dementia which is as a
result of stroke. Depending on the cause some symptoms of dementia can be reserved. For
instance, dementia as a result of vitamin deficiencies might improve with treatment. Individuals
who are affected may become apathetic in their normal operations, lose interest in socialising
and lose the ability to remember events or understand their surroundings.
What are the main issues in this case study? Explain how these may impact
people with dementia and/or their family. Support your explanation with
scholarly literature.
Issues that could be identified from the case study include age, mental exercise and
medication that can positively or negatively affect people with dementia. Exercise results in a
healthier brain and also better health to other body parts (Forbes et al., 2015). Physical activity
along with exercise enhances cognitive performance and reduce cognitive decline. Consistent
aerobic exercise promotes cognitive functions, healthy alterations in expression of genes in the
brain and healthy forms of neuroplasticity (Hendrikse, Kandola, Coxon, Rogasch & Yücel,
2017). Long-term impacts of exercise encompass of increased development of neuron and
neurological activity like c-Fos signalling and advancements in functional and structural brain

NURSING 3
pathways and tissues related to cognitive control and memory (Hendrikse, Kandola, Coxon,
Rogasch & Yücel, 2017). Stanislaw and his wife Matylda are active members of the community,
and this affects Stanislaw positively. Moreover, Stanislaw walked one kilometre away every day
to meet his great-grandchildren at the bus stop and walk them home, and this exercise might
have reduced the progression of his condition.
Mental exercise causes stimulation which increases the strength and number of
connections between the brain cells (Katz, 2014) Hence reducing the progression of dementia.
Exercising the brain can enhance the thinking capability of individuals with dementia or slow the
rate of cognitive decline. However, individuals with dementia should be encouraged to keep their
operations along with hobbies. In the case study, Stanislaw and Matylda are active and share
interests like bowls, Lions club, and gardening. When Stanislaw refuses to go back to the Lions
club his wife Matylda should encourage him so that he may understand the benefits that may
come as a result. Although changes may be required as dementia progresses, staying mentally
active and socially involved may be essential for daily functioning, mental health, and cognition
of a person with dementia (Leung, Yates, Orgeta, Hamidi & Orrell, 2017).
In view of aging process, several adjustments do occur in the brain (Samanez-Larkin &
Knutson, 2015). The part of the brain that is responsible for cognitive functioning eventually
show less coordination, certain brain parts become inactive and individuals are affected by aging
even if they do not have underlying problems (Samanez-Larkin & Knutson, 2015). As one age
the cognitive functioning declines and symptoms worsen and the possibilities of developing
dementia increases substantially. Stan is 83 years old, and he is at greater risk in the progression
of his condition hence the increase in age affects him adversely.