Alzheimer's and Dementia

Alzheimer's disease which is a type of dementia is something we as nurses see on a daily basis. There are many different types of dementia's and all patients with this disease exhibit syptoms differently. In the past few years as a nurse I have taken a keen interest in this disease, I have read books on it and spent a lot of time with different patients with the illness. This disease has touched my family, and the families of millions of others. At times it is a very disturbing disease to think these patients were once living their lives as we are, and possibly pursuing careers such as doctors and lawyers. It does not matter what you did for a living, how smart you were or how much education you had dementia can effect anyone. It is thought that some forms can be hereditary, but nothing is certain. This is one disease people can live years and years with, their body can still function normal but their brain does not. For families this can be so upsetting for example when a couple has been married for many years and the person does not remember their spouse. The patient may not even be able to identify there own children or tell you their own name.
There are mental tests that qualified people can perform on patients to know exactly how far advanced their dementia is. As a nurse we can usually tell how confused a patient is by a brief conversation. It is important when doing your initial assessments on a patient to know if they have a history of dementia or if the confusion is new, this can require further investigations if the confusion is new. Some dementias can progress slow and usually effect elderly people, but some can be rapidly progressing and effect younger people. There is no two patients with dementia who have the exact same behaviours all are just a little different. It is important for nurses or caregivers caring for these types of patients to have formal training so they can better care these patients. Also training can help caregivers to better understand the illness. There is also many group sessions for families dealing with the disease and programs for patients dealing with the disease. It is important for nurses and caregivers to be aware of all these options to help the patients and there families deal with this terrible disease the best they possibly can.
The Alzheimer's Society is a great place to start.
http://www.alzheimer.ca/

Here is a very informative video about Alzheimer's Disease: