Dementia awareness Narrative Essay

Explain what is meant by demtia: Dementia is a term that is used when the brain is affected by different diseses or conditions. Describe the key functions of the brain affected by dementia: The key functions of the brain affected by dementia are- processing information,language,memory,ability to make sound Judements. Explain why depression, delirium and age related memory impairment may be mistaken for dementia: They may be mistaken for dementia because the symtoms are simular eg ild cognitive impairment, apathy, confusion, poor memory, low concentration.
Understand key features of the theoretical models of dementia Outline the medical model of dementia: Expert control, dependency upon experts denial of personhood, not recognising the social context, distinction between normal and pathological, individualisation of behaviors, blaming the individual, tratment of the illness. Outline the social model of dementia: Interaction of biological and social factors, importance of communities and social etworks, role of socio-economic factors, political factors, recognition of personhood, effects of empowerment.
Explain why dementia should be viewed as a disability: Dementia should be viewed as a disability because people who have dementia are at risk of harm, and are vunerable Know the most common types of dementia and their causes List the most common causes of dementia+ their symptoms: Alzheimers disease: causes- changes in chemistry and structure of the brain, death of brain cells, signs and symptoms- memory loss related to recent events,familiar aces, confusion about time of day, familiar objects and faces, finding the right word.

Lewy body dementia: causes- development of lewy bodies inside the nerve cells, degeneration of brain tissue, signs and symptoms- memory loss, problem solving, confusion and delirium, servere phychotic symtoms such as persistant hallucinations. Vascular dementia: causes- effects of a stroke+a series of small strokes, signs and symptoms- memory loss dizzyness, slurred speech, effects movement, rapid+shuffing steps, leg/arm weakness, loss of bowel/bladder control.
Fronto- temporal dementia: causes- accumulation of proteins, development of pick bodies, signs and symptoms- lack of insight, inability to emphasise, changing or inappropriate behaviour, loss of inhibitions, development of compulsive rituals. Risk factors- age related eg, higher blood pressure, changes to nerve cells, DNA cell structure, body repairs itself slower. Prevalence rates : people with medical history like downs syndrome, hiv, and peoples lifestyles eg- excess alcohol, lack of exercise, inappropriate diet.
Understand tactors relating to an individuals experience ot dementia Describe now ifferent individuals may experience living with dementia depending on age, type of dementia, and level of ability and disability: Every individual with dementia are going to experience it different, because everybodys health situations are different, age, location, social networks, some may have support from friends and family and some may be alone, Behaviour of others: Behaviour of others can make a difference for someone with dementia eg, care workers, colleages, managers, speech therapists, support groups.
If having this support will make the individuals experience better than without the support.