Dementia

Dementia

Dementia is a generalized impairment of intellectual functioning that interferes with social or occupational functioning. It is usually caused by a chronic degenerative disease of the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia or frontotemporal dementia. It is manifested by symptoms such as:

• Gradual onset and progressive decline of cognitive abilities
• Memory loss, especially for recent events
• Aphasia, apraxia, agnosia or executive dysfunction
• Personality changes, behavioral problems or mood disturbances
• Impaired judgment, insight or reasoning
• Difficulty with ADLs and IADLs

Dementia is a chronic condition that has no cure but can be managed by providing interventions such as:

• Diagnosing the type and stage of dementia and treating any reversible causes
• Prescribing medications to slow down the progression of cognitive decline or to manage behavioral symptoms
• Providing cognitive stimulation and reminiscence therapy to enhance memory and orientation
• Providing reality orientation or validation therapy to reduce confusion and agitation
• Providing structured routines and consistent caregivers to promote familiarity and security
• Providing safety measures and supervision to prevent wandering, falls or injuries
• Providing palliative care and end-of-life care when appropriate