Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is cognition?
What is cognition?
The ability to think logically and clearly.
What does cognitive impairment affect?
What does cognitive impairment affect?
Concentration and memory.
What is confusion?
What is confusion?
The inability to think clearly.
Define delirium.
Define delirium.
What is dementia?
What is dementia?
What does it mean if a disease is progressive?
What does it mean if a disease is progressive?
What type of disease is Alzheimer’s disease?
What type of disease is Alzheimer’s disease?
What does irreversible mean in the context of a disease?
What does irreversible mean in the context of a disease?
List one example of a personal attitude that helps when working with residents who have Alzheimer’s disease.
List one example of a personal attitude that helps when working with residents who have Alzheimer’s disease.
What can nursing assistants encourage residents to do to help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease?
What can nursing assistants encourage residents to do to help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease?
What are three general principles that will assist residents with personal care?
What are three general principles that will assist residents with personal care?
What difficulties might families of people who have Alzheimer's disease face?
What difficulties might families of people who have Alzheimer's disease face?
What is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly?
What is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly?
In medicine, the first appearance of the signs or symptoms of an illness is called the ______.
In medicine, the first appearance of the signs or symptoms of an illness is called the ______.
Match the following terms to their definitions:
Match the following terms to their definitions:
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Study Notes
Cognition and Related Terms
- Cognition refers to the ability to think logically and clearly.
- Cognitive impairment indicates a loss of logical thinking abilities, affecting concentration and memory.
Confusion and Its Causes
- Confusion describes the inability to think clearly and can result in difficulty focusing and disorientation.
- Delirium is characterized by sudden and severe confusion, usually temporary, caused by factors such as infections, disease, fluid imbalances, poor nutrition, and substance use.
Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
- Dementia is not a normal part of aging; it involves serious loss of mental capacities, including thinking, remembering, and communicating.
- Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative, and irreversible illness leading to dementia, marked by tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits in the brain.
Key Concepts in Alzheimer's Disease
- The onset refers to the first appearance of symptoms.
- Stages of Alzheimer's Disease range from no impairment to very severe decline, affecting memory, reasoning, and daily activities.
Behavioral and Emotional Responses
- Agitation signifies excitement, restlessness, or trouble.
- Triggers can lead to agitation, such as disturbances in routine or care.
- Sundowning involves increased agitation in the late afternoon or evening, while a catastrophic reaction is an exaggerated response to events.
Communication Challenges
- Residents may experience difficulties like memory loss, trouble finding words, or misunderstandings. Encouragement to use gestures, calming techniques, and breaking tasks into simple steps can help.
Personal Care Principles
- Establishing routines and promoting self-care are essential for maintaining the well-being of residents with dementia.
Therapeutic Approaches
- Creative therapies include:
- Reality orientation: Utilizing calendars and signs to enhance awareness.
- Validation therapy: Allowing residents to accept their perception of reality.
- Reminiscence therapy: Encouraging discussion of past memories to foster connection.
- Activity therapy: Engaging in enjoyable activities to reduce frustration and promote self-esteem.
Family and Community Support
- Families of individuals with dementia face emotional stress and financial challenges.
- Community resources can offer additional support for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
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