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Caring for Clients With Dementia

Unit 10 Lesson 4

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Identify the different stages of dementia
Describe how to effectively communicate with individuals at various stages of dementia
Describe the role of the nurse’s aide in the care of individuals at various stages of dementia

Student Learning Outcomes

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Dementia

Loss of cognitive abilities affecting daily life
Brain Changes

Affect communication between brain cells

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Common Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease

Memory loss and cognitive decline
Presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain

Vascular Dementia

Cognitive changes and motor skill difficulties

Lewy Body Dementia

Visual hallucinations
Sleep issues

Frontotemporal Dementia

Affects personality and behavior

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Alzheimer's Disease

Memory loss and confusion
Formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles
Diagnosis

Medical history
Physical and neurological exams

Management

Medications to slow symptoms
Interventions for behavior management

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Vascular Dementia

Causes

Blood vessel blockages
Strokes

Symptoms

Sudden onset
Apraxia
Agnosia

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Lewy Body Dementia

Symptoms

Fluctuating cognition
Hallucinations

Risks

Falls
Infections
Aggressive behaviors

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Frontotemporal Dementia

Causes

Neuron degeneration in frontal and temporal lobes
Genetic factors
Head trauma

Symptoms

Behavioral changes
Language difficulties
Loss of cognitive and executive functions

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Stages of Dementia

Early Stage

Memory disruptions
Planning difficulties
Confusion with time/place
Language issues

Moderate Stage

Assistance with daily tasks
Recognition issues
Behavioral symptoms like wandering and hoarding

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Stages of Dementia continued…

Advanced Stage

Incontinence
Mobility issues
Aggressive behaviors
Difficulty communicating

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A nurse's aide is caring for a resident in the moderate stage of dementia who often forgets to eat and becomes agitated in the late afternoon.

What strategies can be implemented to address the resident’s agitation and ensure proper nutrition?

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Effective Communication Strategies

Early Stage

Use visual aids, repeat information calmly
Encourage use of memory aids

Moderate Stage

Simplify tasks, provide visual cues for recognition
Use gentle reminders and positive reinforcement

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Effective Communication Strategies continued…

Advanced Stage

Rely on non-verbal cues, maintain physical contact
Use music and familiar sounds to comfort

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Role of the Nurse’s Aide

Safety and Comfort

Create a secure environment to prevent wandering
Use validation therapy to acknowledge emotions

Daily Care

Support with bathing, dressing, and eating
Encourage participation in familiar activities

Emotional Support

Educate families on dementia behaviors
Provide reassurance and empathetic listening

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A resident with Lewy Body Dementia frequently experiences visual hallucinations. What is the best approach to manage these hallucinations?

A) Correcting the resident about the unreality of the visions

B) Calmly acknowledging feelings and providing reassurance

C) Ignoring the hallucinations to focus on tasks

D) Reducing lighting to minimize shadows

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Managing Challenging Behaviors

Aggression

Identify physical discomfort or environmental triggers
Use calm, reassuring communication and distraction

Sundowning

Provide structured routines and reduce stimuli
Use light exposure to manage circadian rhythms

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Managing Challenging Behaviors

Wandering

Implement safety devices like wanderguards
Engage in regular physical and mental activities

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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