Understanding Dementia Care and Support
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This assignment delves into the multifaceted aspects of dementia care and support. It examines various assessment instruments used to evaluate cognitive function in individuals with dementia, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and other neuropsychological tests. The discussion extends to nonpharmacological interventions aimed at managing neuropsychiatric symptoms and enhancing quality of life for those living with dementia. Ethical considerations surrounding palliative care and end-of-life decisions for individuals with dementia are also explored. Finally, the assignment addresses the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in providing comprehensive and compassionate care for this vulnerable population.
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Running head: NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Name of the Student
Name of the university
Author’s note
NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Name of the Student
Name of the university
Author’s note
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1NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Medical history and admission summary........................................................................................3
Patients care needs...........................................................................................................................4
Managing goals of treatment.......................................................................................................4
Treating cognitive symptoms......................................................................................................4
Behavioral and psychological symptom management................................................................5
Communication and alternative treatments.................................................................................5
Holistic assessment methods...........................................................................................................5
The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)............................................................................6
Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD)....................................................................7
Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale (ADAS).........................................................................7
Nursing interventions and implementation in treating dementia patient.........................................8
Evaluation of the interventions taken............................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................13
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Medical history and admission summary........................................................................................3
Patients care needs...........................................................................................................................4
Managing goals of treatment.......................................................................................................4
Treating cognitive symptoms......................................................................................................4
Behavioral and psychological symptom management................................................................5
Communication and alternative treatments.................................................................................5
Holistic assessment methods...........................................................................................................5
The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)............................................................................6
Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD)....................................................................7
Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale (ADAS).........................................................................7
Nursing interventions and implementation in treating dementia patient.........................................8
Evaluation of the interventions taken............................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................13
2NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Introduction
Dementia, depression and cognitive problems are few of the prevailing mental disorders
affecting elderly people worldwide. In developed countries, depression in quite prevalent in
elderly people and the presence of this disorder depends on the presence of several comorbid
physical problems (Prince et al. 2013). Dementia, as well, is quite prevalent in old aged people
and co-exists with cognitive disturbance. Presence of depression or other physical disorders
causes such prevalence as cognition impairment affects those patients both physically and
mentally. These cognitive impairments are reversible as well as permanent and depending on
this, the depression rates vary (Dupuis et al. 2012).
Dementia generally is a brain disorder that affects the mental function of the affected
person and limits his social capabilities. Dementia is generally of two types reversible and
irreversible. Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are irreversible and has no treatment to cure the
disease (Brooker and Latham 2015). On the other hand, reversible dementia can be treated with
proper interventions and nutritional practice. Dementia and depression together affects the
patient adversely and this is the fourth most common cause of death after cardio-vascular
disease, cancer and stroke worldwide (Jung 2015).
This critical analysis talks about a patient X, who is 76 year old and is suffering from
dementia, depression, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, agitation and hallucinations. He is
not been able to move around the care home and having issues of sleeping as well. In the light of
this case study, patient’s medical history and admission summary, patients care needs, holistic
assessment of problems, nursing interventions and its implementations are going to be discussed
in the further discussion with the support from a range of literatures.
Introduction
Dementia, depression and cognitive problems are few of the prevailing mental disorders
affecting elderly people worldwide. In developed countries, depression in quite prevalent in
elderly people and the presence of this disorder depends on the presence of several comorbid
physical problems (Prince et al. 2013). Dementia, as well, is quite prevalent in old aged people
and co-exists with cognitive disturbance. Presence of depression or other physical disorders
causes such prevalence as cognition impairment affects those patients both physically and
mentally. These cognitive impairments are reversible as well as permanent and depending on
this, the depression rates vary (Dupuis et al. 2012).
Dementia generally is a brain disorder that affects the mental function of the affected
person and limits his social capabilities. Dementia is generally of two types reversible and
irreversible. Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are irreversible and has no treatment to cure the
disease (Brooker and Latham 2015). On the other hand, reversible dementia can be treated with
proper interventions and nutritional practice. Dementia and depression together affects the
patient adversely and this is the fourth most common cause of death after cardio-vascular
disease, cancer and stroke worldwide (Jung 2015).
This critical analysis talks about a patient X, who is 76 year old and is suffering from
dementia, depression, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, agitation and hallucinations. He is
not been able to move around the care home and having issues of sleeping as well. In the light of
this case study, patient’s medical history and admission summary, patients care needs, holistic
assessment of problems, nursing interventions and its implementations are going to be discussed
in the further discussion with the support from a range of literatures.
3NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Medical history and admission summary
Mr. X (76) has been admitted to the care home one week back. He is suffering from
vascular dementia with depression and was admitted to hospital from where; he has been taken
to the care home. Hospital physicians and nurses tried to help and support him to remain him in
his own home. However, due to his chronic level of dementia, hypertension, disorientation,
failing memory and lack of understanding of risk factors present in his home his family took him
to this care home. According to his family members, he is kleptomaniac and therefore hesitates
to socialize with people. He is having short-term memory loss and speaking imparities therefore
his family member wanted him to shift to this care home. At the time of his admission, he had
high Blood Glucose Level (BGL), mild fever (38.5-38.9 degree C) and high blood pressure
(180/120). His respiration rate was normal and was 18-20 respirations per minute.
According to his past medical history, the patient is suffering from Coronary Artery
Disease (CAD) and has two major surgeries done for his heart. The first one is Coronary Artery
Bypass Graft (CABG) to remove the plaque from his arteries back in 2012 and the second
surgery to replace his failing aortic valve (Aortic Valve replacement) in 2014. He is having
hyperlipidemia and hence having loss of appetite. He is unable to move from one place to
another and need assistance to reach bathroom or other places. He is unwilling to take shower
and hence hygiene is a major issue for the nursing caretakers. He is not been able to complete the
instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and feels depressed about it. Physicians has
prescribed him anti-depressants to control his agitation, frustration and anger. However, due to
his cognitive loss, he is unable to take medicine on time.
Medical history and admission summary
Mr. X (76) has been admitted to the care home one week back. He is suffering from
vascular dementia with depression and was admitted to hospital from where; he has been taken
to the care home. Hospital physicians and nurses tried to help and support him to remain him in
his own home. However, due to his chronic level of dementia, hypertension, disorientation,
failing memory and lack of understanding of risk factors present in his home his family took him
to this care home. According to his family members, he is kleptomaniac and therefore hesitates
to socialize with people. He is having short-term memory loss and speaking imparities therefore
his family member wanted him to shift to this care home. At the time of his admission, he had
high Blood Glucose Level (BGL), mild fever (38.5-38.9 degree C) and high blood pressure
(180/120). His respiration rate was normal and was 18-20 respirations per minute.
According to his past medical history, the patient is suffering from Coronary Artery
Disease (CAD) and has two major surgeries done for his heart. The first one is Coronary Artery
Bypass Graft (CABG) to remove the plaque from his arteries back in 2012 and the second
surgery to replace his failing aortic valve (Aortic Valve replacement) in 2014. He is having
hyperlipidemia and hence having loss of appetite. He is unable to move from one place to
another and need assistance to reach bathroom or other places. He is unwilling to take shower
and hence hygiene is a major issue for the nursing caretakers. He is not been able to complete the
instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and feels depressed about it. Physicians has
prescribed him anti-depressants to control his agitation, frustration and anger. However, due to
his cognitive loss, he is unable to take medicine on time.
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4NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Patients care needs
As the health condition of the patient is not well, a thorough care plan should be
implemented to help the patient to achieve betterment. The care plan should include
pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological interventions to treat the patient’s behavioral
and psychological symptoms of dementia and depression.
Managing goals of treatment
As the Alzheimer’s disease has no specific pharmacological interventions or treatment,
the prime goals to help the patient should be maintaining his quality of life. The prime reason of
depression in person affected with dementia is their fear and hallucination about their quality of
life (Bernacki and Block 2014). Hence, nurses should take effective steps while helping the
patient to maintain his quality of life. His care needs should also include strategies to maximize
his daily activities so that his mood and cognition ability can be enhanced. Due to his movement
inability, his room should be safe and risk factors should be minimal. To manage his agitation
and vulnerability, social interaction can be promoted. These goals will help to foster an overall
care needs to help the patient with dementia (Reuben and Tinetti 2012).
Treating cognitive symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible and no drug can revert the process of disease
progression in patients affected with Alzheimer’s or other dementia (Biessels et al. 2014).
However, to treat the cognitive loss symptoms there are five drugs that can slow down the
process of memory loss effectively and help for the betterment of the patient. These drugs are
approved from the FDA and can be used to treat the patient’s agitation, frustration, and cognition
related issues. These drugs are – donepezil, galantamine, memantine, rivastigmine and a
combination drug of memantine and donepezil (Geda et al. 2013).
Patients care needs
As the health condition of the patient is not well, a thorough care plan should be
implemented to help the patient to achieve betterment. The care plan should include
pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological interventions to treat the patient’s behavioral
and psychological symptoms of dementia and depression.
Managing goals of treatment
As the Alzheimer’s disease has no specific pharmacological interventions or treatment,
the prime goals to help the patient should be maintaining his quality of life. The prime reason of
depression in person affected with dementia is their fear and hallucination about their quality of
life (Bernacki and Block 2014). Hence, nurses should take effective steps while helping the
patient to maintain his quality of life. His care needs should also include strategies to maximize
his daily activities so that his mood and cognition ability can be enhanced. Due to his movement
inability, his room should be safe and risk factors should be minimal. To manage his agitation
and vulnerability, social interaction can be promoted. These goals will help to foster an overall
care needs to help the patient with dementia (Reuben and Tinetti 2012).
Treating cognitive symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible and no drug can revert the process of disease
progression in patients affected with Alzheimer’s or other dementia (Biessels et al. 2014).
However, to treat the cognitive loss symptoms there are five drugs that can slow down the
process of memory loss effectively and help for the betterment of the patient. These drugs are
approved from the FDA and can be used to treat the patient’s agitation, frustration, and cognition
related issues. These drugs are – donepezil, galantamine, memantine, rivastigmine and a
combination drug of memantine and donepezil (Geda et al. 2013).
5NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Behavioral and psychological symptom management
Depression, agitation, psychosis and aggression are collectively termed as Behavioral and
Psychological Symptoms of dementia (BPSD). These are the main reasons due to which families
of patient suffering from dementia seeks help from care homes. Early recognition and treatment
of these symptoms of cognition can help the patient to reduce his depression and help him to
maintain a quality of life (Cerejeira Lagarto and Mukaetova-Ladinska 2012).
Communication and alternative treatments
One of the major reasons for Mr. X’s depression and agitation is his vulnerability and
inability to talk to strangers. Hence, they become resistant to social gatherings and get together.
The intervention to meet the patient’s need in this case should be creating an environment to start
effective communication (Papathanasiou and Coppens 2016). This intervention can enhance the
mood of the patient effectively. The caregiver can talk to the patient regarding his family or
friends and any happy moments from his past so that the patient feel connected to the care
providers and listen to their instructions. Alternative treatment may include interventions that can
be applied outside the care home so that the monotonous life of care home cannot affect the
patient’s mood negatively (Van Gorp and Vercruysse 2012).
Holistic assessment methods
Patients with dementia often shows progression and ruthless decline in their behavioral,
functional and cognition related care needs. Therefore, assessment of this disorder is very
important (Olde-Rikkert Long and Philp 2013). Assessment of this disorder depends on patient
derived as well as peer and family derived collateral informations. Many assessment scales have
been developed to effectively carry out researches and care giving processes. The prime aim of
Behavioral and psychological symptom management
Depression, agitation, psychosis and aggression are collectively termed as Behavioral and
Psychological Symptoms of dementia (BPSD). These are the main reasons due to which families
of patient suffering from dementia seeks help from care homes. Early recognition and treatment
of these symptoms of cognition can help the patient to reduce his depression and help him to
maintain a quality of life (Cerejeira Lagarto and Mukaetova-Ladinska 2012).
Communication and alternative treatments
One of the major reasons for Mr. X’s depression and agitation is his vulnerability and
inability to talk to strangers. Hence, they become resistant to social gatherings and get together.
The intervention to meet the patient’s need in this case should be creating an environment to start
effective communication (Papathanasiou and Coppens 2016). This intervention can enhance the
mood of the patient effectively. The caregiver can talk to the patient regarding his family or
friends and any happy moments from his past so that the patient feel connected to the care
providers and listen to their instructions. Alternative treatment may include interventions that can
be applied outside the care home so that the monotonous life of care home cannot affect the
patient’s mood negatively (Van Gorp and Vercruysse 2012).
Holistic assessment methods
Patients with dementia often shows progression and ruthless decline in their behavioral,
functional and cognition related care needs. Therefore, assessment of this disorder is very
important (Olde-Rikkert Long and Philp 2013). Assessment of this disorder depends on patient
derived as well as peer and family derived collateral informations. Many assessment scales have
been developed to effectively carry out researches and care giving processes. The prime aim of
6NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
these assessment scales is to reduce the uncertainty in the decision making process for the
dementia patients (Lichtner et al. 2014). Some of the assessment scales, used in this case study is
going to be discussed below.
The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)
The Mini mental state examination scale or MSME scale is one of the best-known and
widely used measurement scale of cognition in researches and clinical studies worldwide.
Physicians can easily use this scale and it does not require specific training (Mitolo salmon and
Gardini 2013). This scale can assess the cognitive symptoms in just 10 minutes. The cognitive
areas that can be assessed using this scale are orientation, calculative abilities, memorizing
abilities and attention, visual construction and language (Arevalo-Rodriguez et al. 2015). This
scale rates the patients from zero to 30 depending on their performance in the assessment and
there is a set cut off to determine the patient’s cognition ability, which is 24. This test is
generally misunderstood as a diagnostic test whereas it is a mere screening test to judge the
patient’s recognition abilities (Markwick Zamboni and De Jager 2012).
To assess the cognition abilities of Mr. X, MSME need to be performed. This MSME will
assess the ability of his sense of time and date, his sense of location, his ability to memorize a
small list of four things and ability to repeat, his ability to name few daily objects, his ability to
recognize and draw objects and finally ability to focus and solve short mathematical questions.
This will help the caregivers to assess how much attention the person needs. Mr. X scored 13/30
that clearly defines his weak cognition abilities.
these assessment scales is to reduce the uncertainty in the decision making process for the
dementia patients (Lichtner et al. 2014). Some of the assessment scales, used in this case study is
going to be discussed below.
The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)
The Mini mental state examination scale or MSME scale is one of the best-known and
widely used measurement scale of cognition in researches and clinical studies worldwide.
Physicians can easily use this scale and it does not require specific training (Mitolo salmon and
Gardini 2013). This scale can assess the cognitive symptoms in just 10 minutes. The cognitive
areas that can be assessed using this scale are orientation, calculative abilities, memorizing
abilities and attention, visual construction and language (Arevalo-Rodriguez et al. 2015). This
scale rates the patients from zero to 30 depending on their performance in the assessment and
there is a set cut off to determine the patient’s cognition ability, which is 24. This test is
generally misunderstood as a diagnostic test whereas it is a mere screening test to judge the
patient’s recognition abilities (Markwick Zamboni and De Jager 2012).
To assess the cognition abilities of Mr. X, MSME need to be performed. This MSME will
assess the ability of his sense of time and date, his sense of location, his ability to memorize a
small list of four things and ability to repeat, his ability to name few daily objects, his ability to
recognize and draw objects and finally ability to focus and solve short mathematical questions.
This will help the caregivers to assess how much attention the person needs. Mr. X scored 13/30
that clearly defines his weak cognition abilities.
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7NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD)
The Cornell Scale for Depression and dementia or CSDD was designed to assess the
depression in old aged people who are able to communicate with people. This measurement
process differentiates between severity of depression and diagnostic categories used. It assesses
the reliability, sensitivity and validity on patients (Knapskog Braca and Engedal 2014). This
assessment takes 20 minutes and ratings are based the symptoms of depression and the signs
occurring during a week prior to interview. The results also depends on the origin of the
depressive symptoms. If the symptoms are originating due to any physical problem or inability,
then the assessment of depression cannot be performed using this scale (Leontjevas et al. 2012).
In the case of Mr. X, the CSDD screening has been performed through direct interview
with the patient in the presence of a caregiver as he is suffering from impaired speech. the
interviewer need to fill up a form having all the details regarding the patient’s depression levels.
For every question, the assessor can assess the patient with four outcomes, unable to evaluate,
absent, mild and severe. The assessor will provide these remarks based on the patients reply and
hence, will be able to measure the depression level in the patient. Mr. X scored 8 that defines his
high depression and hypertension levels.
Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale (ADAS)
The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale or ADAS cognitive subscale is a widely used
measurement tool for the patients affected with dementia. However, this scale cannot be used for
the patients having milder levels of cognitive impairments (Diniz et al. 2013). This assessment
takes around 45 minutes to complete and can be performed only in the presence of a trained
professional. This screening test has the ability to cover all kind of dementia and it has a better
sensitivity to change. However, the duration of this assessment makes in non-suitable for clinical
Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD)
The Cornell Scale for Depression and dementia or CSDD was designed to assess the
depression in old aged people who are able to communicate with people. This measurement
process differentiates between severity of depression and diagnostic categories used. It assesses
the reliability, sensitivity and validity on patients (Knapskog Braca and Engedal 2014). This
assessment takes 20 minutes and ratings are based the symptoms of depression and the signs
occurring during a week prior to interview. The results also depends on the origin of the
depressive symptoms. If the symptoms are originating due to any physical problem or inability,
then the assessment of depression cannot be performed using this scale (Leontjevas et al. 2012).
In the case of Mr. X, the CSDD screening has been performed through direct interview
with the patient in the presence of a caregiver as he is suffering from impaired speech. the
interviewer need to fill up a form having all the details regarding the patient’s depression levels.
For every question, the assessor can assess the patient with four outcomes, unable to evaluate,
absent, mild and severe. The assessor will provide these remarks based on the patients reply and
hence, will be able to measure the depression level in the patient. Mr. X scored 8 that defines his
high depression and hypertension levels.
Alzheimer’s disease Assessment Scale (ADAS)
The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale or ADAS cognitive subscale is a widely used
measurement tool for the patients affected with dementia. However, this scale cannot be used for
the patients having milder levels of cognitive impairments (Diniz et al. 2013). This assessment
takes around 45 minutes to complete and can be performed only in the presence of a trained
professional. This screening test has the ability to cover all kind of dementia and it has a better
sensitivity to change. However, the duration of this assessment makes in non-suitable for clinical
8NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
assessments, but this assessment process leads the way in drug trials for dementia (Montine et al.
2012).
In case of Mr. X, ADAS includes questionnaires and tasks to measure the cognition and
behavioral changes in patients. The first task for Mr. X includes recalling words, naming objects
and constructional practices. Further spoken language, direction sense, comprehensive ability
was assessed using appropriate questionnaires. Scoring pattern is also opposite to other screening
tests as for ADAS assessment lower score defines the better cognition level. This measurement
process us accurate and is able to differentiate between normal cognition to that of impaired
cognition. the score of Mr. X on a scale of 100 was 21 and hence, it can be said that his cognition
ability was too much hampered and hence, he was having hypertension and depression level.
Nursing interventions and implementation in treating dementia patient
Although the dementia in Mr. X cannot be cure but proper care regimen for him can
improve the quality of life for him and can help him to do the simplest tasks and perform the
daily activities.
As discussed before, there are certain interventions that can be taken up for treating the
dementia patients. It is evident from the case study that Mr. X was suffering from social
withdrawal due to his inability to talk to people. As a plan of care the patient’s family and the
members of the palliative team has been involved to promote social gatherings where more
people similar to MR. X were invited such that Mr. X could understand that there are also people
like him, and the problems that he had been facing are the general signs of aging and dementia
(Callahan et al. 2012). Mr. X is entrusted with a constructive task such that he remains distracted.
Although he showed restlessness for several times, but it was successfully managed by the care
assessments, but this assessment process leads the way in drug trials for dementia (Montine et al.
2012).
In case of Mr. X, ADAS includes questionnaires and tasks to measure the cognition and
behavioral changes in patients. The first task for Mr. X includes recalling words, naming objects
and constructional practices. Further spoken language, direction sense, comprehensive ability
was assessed using appropriate questionnaires. Scoring pattern is also opposite to other screening
tests as for ADAS assessment lower score defines the better cognition level. This measurement
process us accurate and is able to differentiate between normal cognition to that of impaired
cognition. the score of Mr. X on a scale of 100 was 21 and hence, it can be said that his cognition
ability was too much hampered and hence, he was having hypertension and depression level.
Nursing interventions and implementation in treating dementia patient
Although the dementia in Mr. X cannot be cure but proper care regimen for him can
improve the quality of life for him and can help him to do the simplest tasks and perform the
daily activities.
As discussed before, there are certain interventions that can be taken up for treating the
dementia patients. It is evident from the case study that Mr. X was suffering from social
withdrawal due to his inability to talk to people. As a plan of care the patient’s family and the
members of the palliative team has been involved to promote social gatherings where more
people similar to MR. X were invited such that Mr. X could understand that there are also people
like him, and the problems that he had been facing are the general signs of aging and dementia
(Callahan et al. 2012). Mr. X is entrusted with a constructive task such that he remains distracted.
Although he showed restlessness for several times, but it was successfully managed by the care
9NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
givers. Arrangements had been done for the patients to sit and have meals together. Competitions
were arranged as per the age and the severity of the disease (Ennis and Kazer 2013).
In order to prepare a proper plan of care for the dementia patients it is necessary to
inform the patient regarding the disease. As a health care professional one should have the ability
to inform the patient regarding the progression of the disease. In order to do this, it is necessary
to adopt a collaborative approach by the caregivers (Ryan et al. 2012). Specific programs were
arranged where some dementia patients along with Mr. X and they were imparted knowledge
regarding the pathophysiology and the symptoms of the ailment. They were informed about the
self management techniques such that it becomes easier for the patients to conduct the daily tasks
without seeking help from others (Ryan et al. 2012). In general the patients suffering from
dementia suffer from social withdrawal as they have to seek help from others, due to which they
suffer from inferiority complex, which makes them distant from their loved ones. Learning of the
self management techniques would have helped Mr, X to carry on with the daily tasks and had
helped to increase his self confidence.
Letting Mr. X come under the social umbrella had helped him to gain self confidence and
have reduced his depression.
It had already been mentioned that the patient have had several episodes of agitation and
aggression. In order to mitigate the psychotic attitudes, medications like Cholinersterase and
Memantine drugs had been provided (Corbett et al. 2012, Cornegé-Blokland et al. 2012). It had
been advised to the family of Mr.X to avoid the situations or the incidents that can trigger
agitation and anger in him.
givers. Arrangements had been done for the patients to sit and have meals together. Competitions
were arranged as per the age and the severity of the disease (Ennis and Kazer 2013).
In order to prepare a proper plan of care for the dementia patients it is necessary to
inform the patient regarding the disease. As a health care professional one should have the ability
to inform the patient regarding the progression of the disease. In order to do this, it is necessary
to adopt a collaborative approach by the caregivers (Ryan et al. 2012). Specific programs were
arranged where some dementia patients along with Mr. X and they were imparted knowledge
regarding the pathophysiology and the symptoms of the ailment. They were informed about the
self management techniques such that it becomes easier for the patients to conduct the daily tasks
without seeking help from others (Ryan et al. 2012). In general the patients suffering from
dementia suffer from social withdrawal as they have to seek help from others, due to which they
suffer from inferiority complex, which makes them distant from their loved ones. Learning of the
self management techniques would have helped Mr, X to carry on with the daily tasks and had
helped to increase his self confidence.
Letting Mr. X come under the social umbrella had helped him to gain self confidence and
have reduced his depression.
It had already been mentioned that the patient have had several episodes of agitation and
aggression. In order to mitigate the psychotic attitudes, medications like Cholinersterase and
Memantine drugs had been provided (Corbett et al. 2012, Cornegé-Blokland et al. 2012). It had
been advised to the family of Mr.X to avoid the situations or the incidents that can trigger
agitation and anger in him.
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10NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Many dementia patients suffer from short term memory loss. In order to help them out
notes, remainders, cues and calendars have been taught to use. It was advisable to talk with the
clients regarding then recent incidents such that he could recall the recent incidents.
It can be seen from the case study that Patient X was suffering from impaired speech,
due to which he hesitates to visit the social gatherings. The family of Patient X was instructed to
anticipate what the patient tries to say and do not make fun of this (Corbett et al. 2012). It was
advised to provide words to the patient for sentence construction. It is necessary to remain
tolerant to the repetitive statements or words uttered by the patient (Corbett et al. 2012).
As evident from the case study, Patient A have even shown kleptomaniac attitude. The
patient’s family had been advised to deal the matter sensitively such that Patient X does not get
frightened (Ryan et al. 2012). Later on single counseling sessions were organized where the
patient is applied with dialectal behavioral therapy (Ryan et al. 2012). These sessions helped Mr.
X to control his kleptomaniac attitude.
Furthermore , the nurse in charge of Patient X, helped the patient in doing his daily tasks,
like helping him to move or taking him out on a walk or helping him to bath. Mr. X was
encouraged to maintain a proper food diet and regular activity (Farina, Rusted and Tabet, 2014).
Proper exercises help in improving the physical and the cognitive function in patients. Mr. X was
encouraged by the nurse, to take shower every day and was taught how to maintain hand and
hygiene (Farina, Rusted and Tabet 2014). The patient was taught to take care of his own
belongings and adhere to the medications. The patient’s family and the caregivers ensured that
Mr. X takes medicines on time. In such a way, the patient was taught to take care of his own
medicines.
Many dementia patients suffer from short term memory loss. In order to help them out
notes, remainders, cues and calendars have been taught to use. It was advisable to talk with the
clients regarding then recent incidents such that he could recall the recent incidents.
It can be seen from the case study that Patient X was suffering from impaired speech,
due to which he hesitates to visit the social gatherings. The family of Patient X was instructed to
anticipate what the patient tries to say and do not make fun of this (Corbett et al. 2012). It was
advised to provide words to the patient for sentence construction. It is necessary to remain
tolerant to the repetitive statements or words uttered by the patient (Corbett et al. 2012).
As evident from the case study, Patient A have even shown kleptomaniac attitude. The
patient’s family had been advised to deal the matter sensitively such that Patient X does not get
frightened (Ryan et al. 2012). Later on single counseling sessions were organized where the
patient is applied with dialectal behavioral therapy (Ryan et al. 2012). These sessions helped Mr.
X to control his kleptomaniac attitude.
Furthermore , the nurse in charge of Patient X, helped the patient in doing his daily tasks,
like helping him to move or taking him out on a walk or helping him to bath. Mr. X was
encouraged to maintain a proper food diet and regular activity (Farina, Rusted and Tabet, 2014).
Proper exercises help in improving the physical and the cognitive function in patients. Mr. X was
encouraged by the nurse, to take shower every day and was taught how to maintain hand and
hygiene (Farina, Rusted and Tabet 2014). The patient was taught to take care of his own
belongings and adhere to the medications. The patient’s family and the caregivers ensured that
Mr. X takes medicines on time. In such a way, the patient was taught to take care of his own
medicines.
11NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
In the former part of the report, it has been mentioned that Mr. X suffered from many
other co morbidities, like coronary heart disease and he have had two major surgeries. It should
be noted that the patient is already suffering from a physical burden of heart disease, in addition
to this dementia has also set paws on him. Among the nursing intervention s to manage
dementia, care was also taken that his heart disease remains in control. In order to accomplish
this, it is necessary for maintain a routine check up as and when required (Farina, Rusted and
Tabet, 2014).
Evaluation of the interventions taken
It is very difficult to evaluate the nursing interventions in the dementia patients, as the
symptoms often remains latent or can relapse with time. In general the interventions were
evaluated by keeping a record of the daily activities of the patient and tallying it with his
previous activities (American Psychological Association, 2012). The cognitive status of the
dementia patient can be determined by the IQ adjusted testing (American Psychological
Association, 2012). This test can be performed during the assessment for the dementia, although
in this case this test was being performed once more to determine the cognitive status of the
patient after the treatment. It should be said that the cognitive result did not show drastic change
from the previous report, but it was successful in bringing some changes in the life style of
patient X. Specific algorithms are there for the evaluation (American Psychological Association,
2012).
Conclusion
In the conclusion, it can be said that, dementia and depression affects the patient
physically as well as mentally. This critical analysis discusses the health condition of an old
In the former part of the report, it has been mentioned that Mr. X suffered from many
other co morbidities, like coronary heart disease and he have had two major surgeries. It should
be noted that the patient is already suffering from a physical burden of heart disease, in addition
to this dementia has also set paws on him. Among the nursing intervention s to manage
dementia, care was also taken that his heart disease remains in control. In order to accomplish
this, it is necessary for maintain a routine check up as and when required (Farina, Rusted and
Tabet, 2014).
Evaluation of the interventions taken
It is very difficult to evaluate the nursing interventions in the dementia patients, as the
symptoms often remains latent or can relapse with time. In general the interventions were
evaluated by keeping a record of the daily activities of the patient and tallying it with his
previous activities (American Psychological Association, 2012). The cognitive status of the
dementia patient can be determined by the IQ adjusted testing (American Psychological
Association, 2012). This test can be performed during the assessment for the dementia, although
in this case this test was being performed once more to determine the cognitive status of the
patient after the treatment. It should be said that the cognitive result did not show drastic change
from the previous report, but it was successful in bringing some changes in the life style of
patient X. Specific algorithms are there for the evaluation (American Psychological Association,
2012).
Conclusion
In the conclusion, it can be said that, dementia and depression affects the patient
physically as well as mentally. This critical analysis discusses the health condition of an old
12NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
patient Mr. X and discusses his health imparities. He is having a complicated medical history and
has gone through two major surgeries to treat his arterial disease. After a set of health and mental
problems, he has been taken to the care home. This report discusses his admission summary and
past medical history elaborately. After that, the care need of the patient has been discussed
clearly. The assessment tools that has been used to assess his depression, dementia and cognitive
symptoms has been discussed. Further, the nursing interventions needed to treat him or to reduce
his cognition imparities has been mentioned. The methods to implement those interventions has
also been discussed.
patient Mr. X and discusses his health imparities. He is having a complicated medical history and
has gone through two major surgeries to treat his arterial disease. After a set of health and mental
problems, he has been taken to the care home. This report discusses his admission summary and
past medical history elaborately. After that, the care need of the patient has been discussed
clearly. The assessment tools that has been used to assess his depression, dementia and cognitive
symptoms has been discussed. Further, the nursing interventions needed to treat him or to reduce
his cognition imparities has been mentioned. The methods to implement those interventions has
also been discussed.
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13NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
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and synthesis of best practices. JAMA internal medicine, 174(12), pp.1994-2003.
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Dementia and cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes and prediabetic stages: towards targeted
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14NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
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Ballard, C., 2012. Assessment and treatment of pain in people with dementia. Nature Reviews
Neurology, 8(5), pp.264-274.
Cornegé-Blokland, E., Kleijer, B.C., Hertogh, C.M. and van Marum, R.J., 2012. Reasons to
prescribe antipsychotics for the behavioral symptoms of dementia: a survey in Dutch nursing
homes among physicians, nurses, and family caregivers. Journal of the American Medical
Directors Association, 13(1), pp.80-e1.
Diniz, B.S., Butters, M.A., Albert, S.M., Dew, M.A. and Reynolds, C.F., 2013. Late-life
depression and risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: systematic review and meta-
analysis of community-based cohort studies. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 202(5), pp.329-
335.
Dupuis, S.L., Gillies, J., Carson, J., Whyte, C., Genoe, R., Loiselle, L. and Sadler, L., 2012.
Moving beyond patient and client approaches: Mobilizing ‘authentic partnerships’ in dementia
care, support and services. Dementia, 11(4), pp.427-452.
Ennis Jr, E.M. and Kazer, M.W., 2013. The role of spiritual nursing interventions on improved
outcomes in older adults with dementia. Holistic nursing practice, 27(2), pp.106-113.
15NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
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the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in a research cohort with normal Mini-Mental State
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outcome in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review. International Psychogeriatrics, 26(1),
pp.9-18.
Geda, Y.E., Schneider, L.S., Gitlin, L.N., Miller, D.S., Smith, G.S., Bell, J., Evans, J., Lee, M.,
Porsteinsson, A., Lanctôt, K.L. and Rosenberg, P.B., 2013. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in
Alzheimer's disease: past progress and anticipation of the future. Alzheimer's & dementia, 9(5),
pp.602-608.
Jung, C.G., 2015. Psychology of dementia praecox. Princeton University Press.
Knapskog, A.B., Barca, M.L. and Engedal, K., 2014. Prevalence of depression among memory
clinic patients as measured by the Cornell Scale of Depression in Dementia. Aging & mental
health, 18(5), pp.579-587.
Leontjevas, R., Gerritsen, D.L., Vernooij-Dassen, M.J., Smalbrugge, M. and Koopmans, R.T.,
2012. Comparative validation of proxy-based Montgomery-Åsberg depression rating scale and
cornell scale for depression in dementia in nursing home residents with dementia. The American
Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20(11), pp.985-993.
Lichtner, V., Dowding, D., Esterhuizen, P., Closs, S.J., Long, A.F., Corbett, A. and Briggs, M.,
2014. Pain assessment for people with dementia: a systematic review of systematic reviews of
pain assessment tools. BMC geriatrics, 14(1), p.138.
Markwick, A., Zamboni, G. and de Jager, C.A., 2012. Profiles of cognitive subtest impairment in
the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in a research cohort with normal Mini-Mental State
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16NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Examination (MMSE) scores. Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology, 34(7),
pp.750-757.
Mitolo, M., Salmon, D.P. and Gardini, S., 2013. Mini Mental State Examination
(MMSE). hospital, 7(3), pp.484-8.
Montine, T.J., Phelps, C.H., Beach, T.G., Bigio, E.H., Cairns, N.J., Dickson, D.W., Duyckaerts,
C., Frosch, M.P., Masliah, E., Mirra, S.S. and Nelson, P.T., 2012. National Institute on Aging–
Alzheimer’s Association guidelines for the neuropathologic assessment of Alzheimer’s disease: a
practical approach. Acta neuropathologica, 123(1), pp.1-11.
Olde-Rikkert, M.G., Long, J.F. and Philp, I., 2013. Development and evidence base of a new
efficient assessment instrument for international use by nurses in community settings with older
people. International journal of nursing studies, 50(9), pp.1180-1183.
Papathanasiou, I. and Coppens, P., 2016. Aphasia and related neurogenic communication
disorders. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Prince, M., Bryce, R., Albanese, E., Wimo, A., Ribeiro, W. and Ferri, C.P., 2013. The global
prevalence of dementia: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 9(1),
pp.63-75.
Reuben, D.B. and Tinetti, M.E., 2012. Goal-oriented patient care—an alternative health
outcomes paradigm. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(9), pp.777-779.
Ryan, T., Gardiner, C., Bellamy, G., Gott, M. and Ingleton, C., 2012. Barriers and facilitators to
the receipt of palliative care for people with dementia: the views of medical and nursing
staff. Palliative medicine, 26(7), pp.879-886.
Examination (MMSE) scores. Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology, 34(7),
pp.750-757.
Mitolo, M., Salmon, D.P. and Gardini, S., 2013. Mini Mental State Examination
(MMSE). hospital, 7(3), pp.484-8.
Montine, T.J., Phelps, C.H., Beach, T.G., Bigio, E.H., Cairns, N.J., Dickson, D.W., Duyckaerts,
C., Frosch, M.P., Masliah, E., Mirra, S.S. and Nelson, P.T., 2012. National Institute on Aging–
Alzheimer’s Association guidelines for the neuropathologic assessment of Alzheimer’s disease: a
practical approach. Acta neuropathologica, 123(1), pp.1-11.
Olde-Rikkert, M.G., Long, J.F. and Philp, I., 2013. Development and evidence base of a new
efficient assessment instrument for international use by nurses in community settings with older
people. International journal of nursing studies, 50(9), pp.1180-1183.
Papathanasiou, I. and Coppens, P., 2016. Aphasia and related neurogenic communication
disorders. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Prince, M., Bryce, R., Albanese, E., Wimo, A., Ribeiro, W. and Ferri, C.P., 2013. The global
prevalence of dementia: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 9(1),
pp.63-75.
Reuben, D.B. and Tinetti, M.E., 2012. Goal-oriented patient care—an alternative health
outcomes paradigm. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(9), pp.777-779.
Ryan, T., Gardiner, C., Bellamy, G., Gott, M. and Ingleton, C., 2012. Barriers and facilitators to
the receipt of palliative care for people with dementia: the views of medical and nursing
staff. Palliative medicine, 26(7), pp.879-886.
17NURSING CARE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENT
Seitz, D.P., Brisbin, S., Herrmann, N., Rapoport, M.J., Wilson, K., Gill, S.S., Rines, J., Le Clair,
K. and Conn, D., 2012. Efficacy and feasibility of nonpharmacological interventions for
neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia in long term care: a systematic review. Journal of the
American Medical Directors Association, 13(6), pp.503-506.
van der Steen, J.T., Radbruch, L., Hertogh, C.M., de Boer, M.E., Hughes, J.C., Larkin, P.,
Francke, A.L., Jünger, S., Gove, D., Firth, P. and Koopmans, R.T., 2014. White paper defining
optimal palliative care in older people with dementia: a Delphi study and recommendations from
the European Association for Palliative Care. Palliative medicine, 28(3), pp.197-209.
Van Gorp, B. and Vercruysse, T., 2012. Frames and counter-frames giving meaning to dementia:
A framing analysis of media content. Social Science & Medicine, 74(8), pp.1274-1281.
Seitz, D.P., Brisbin, S., Herrmann, N., Rapoport, M.J., Wilson, K., Gill, S.S., Rines, J., Le Clair,
K. and Conn, D., 2012. Efficacy and feasibility of nonpharmacological interventions for
neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia in long term care: a systematic review. Journal of the
American Medical Directors Association, 13(6), pp.503-506.
van der Steen, J.T., Radbruch, L., Hertogh, C.M., de Boer, M.E., Hughes, J.C., Larkin, P.,
Francke, A.L., Jünger, S., Gove, D., Firth, P. and Koopmans, R.T., 2014. White paper defining
optimal palliative care in older people with dementia: a Delphi study and recommendations from
the European Association for Palliative Care. Palliative medicine, 28(3), pp.197-209.
Van Gorp, B. and Vercruysse, T., 2012. Frames and counter-frames giving meaning to dementia:
A framing analysis of media content. Social Science & Medicine, 74(8), pp.1274-1281.
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