Dementia is becoming a very common case in the world with close to 10 million new cases annually adding to the already existent 50 million people living with the condition. It takes a toll on someone diagnosed with it, as they become even a danger to themselves.
Dementia is not a disease, but a general term that refers to a group of symptoms related to impairment of brain functions such as memory loss and judgement. Symptoms range from cognitive, behavioural, mood, psychological and muscular. Some of these include memory loss, mental decline, irritability, anxiety, loneliness, depression, hallucination and unsteady walking. Dementia affects thinking hence reduced ability to undertake everyday tasks. Due to reduced brain function, a person’s normal social and working life is affected. Families with dementia patients suffer depression, stress, fatigue, social isolation and financial strain due to the costs of taking care of these relatives (Radhakrishnan, 2012) . Autonomy or self-rule is good for people living with dementia where they are allowed participation in their own care. Ethical issues concerning people with dementia have been neglected with nutritional and feeding problems.
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Psychological therapies can be used to try to improve quality of life, communication and mood although their impact may be too small. Caretakers may apply mental exercises like cognitive stimulation programs for patients with less severe cases of dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil and rivastigmine can be used in early stages of the disorder (McNamara, 2011) . They function by increasing levels of a chemical messenger involved in memory and judgement. Side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Exercise programs can help improve daily living and reduce dementia effects.
Therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient is highly important in caring for people living with dementia. Communicating warmly and appreciating patients’ strong points can help them feel loved and cared for. Nurses should use short sentences, familiar vocabulary, warm tones and smile during their conversations. It is also important to listen to them carefully and identify with the emotions they may express. Use of reassuring words may help to make them feel more comfortable whenever anxiety or loneliness sets in. Nurses working with patients with the disorder have a more challenging time as it requires patience, empathy, sensitivity and dedication (Jenkins, 2016).
Caring for a client with dementia can be particularly difficult owing to their changing situations. Various measures are necessary to ensure people with the disorder remain safe such as keeping sharp objects out of sight, concealing gas valves and circuit breakers, having well lit walkways, removing guns out of sight and watching the temperature of water and food. One should also make sure safety devices in the house are working properly. Goals for this patient should be to provide a loving and serene environment ensuring they feel appreciated to ensure better health. I would not be interested in working with such clients since such cases would become too depressing to handle due to pity.
References
Hill, J. (2015). Diabetes & Dementia. The implications for diabetes nursing , 148-151.
Jenkins, C. A. (2016). Collaborative health promotion in middle and later stages of dementia. Nursing Standard , 37,49-56.
McNamara, P. (2011). Dementia: History and Incidence; Science and Biology; Treatments and Developments, Volume 2. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO.
Radhakrishnan, R. &. (2012). Dementia in schizophrenia. Advanced Psychiatric Treatment , 144-153.
Steinberg, M. &. (2008). Point and 5-year period prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia. The Cache County Study , 170-177.
