CNA Module T Dementia & Alzeihemrs Disease

Quality of Life

overall enjoyment of life

Progressive

the way a disease advances

Paranoia

an extreme or unusual fear

Activity-based care

care focused on assisting resident to find meaning in his or her day, rather than doing activities just to keep the person busy

Alzheimer's Disease

is a progressive disease characterized by a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and physical ability, over several years

Behavior

how a person acts

Catastrophic Reactions

out-of-proportion, extreme responses to activities or situations

Onset

the time when signs and symptoms of a disease begins

Meaningful Activities

have value to the resident with dementia

Cognition

ability to think quickly and logically

Irreversible

disease or condition that cannot be cured

Confusion

inability to think clearly, causing disorientation and trouble focusing

Independence

ability to make decisions that are consistent, reasonable and organized; having the ability to perform activities of daily living without assistance

Wandering

moving about the facility with no purpose and is usually unaware of safety

Respect

treated with honor, show of appreciation

Sundowning

Increased agitation, confusion and hyperactivity that begins in the late afternoon and builds throughout the evening

Trigger

an event that causes other events

Delusion

a false belief

Dementia

usually progressive condition marked by development of multiple cognitive deficits, such as memory impairment, aphasia, and inability to plan and initiate complex behavior

Depression

a loss of interest in usual activities

Dignity

respect and honor

Doing Activities

activities that keep the person busy

Delirium

state of severe confusion that is reversible and occurs suddenly

Early Stage of Alzheimer's Disease

-Memory loss begins to affect everyday activities

-Difficulty remembering names of people, places, or objects

-Difficulty following directions

-Disoriented to time and place

-Increased moodiness, agitation or personality changes due to forgetfulness or embarrassment

-Has poor judgment and makes bad decisions

-Develops difficulty maintaining living spaces, paying bills and managing money

Middle Stage of Alzheimer's Disease

-Longest of three stages

-Increased restlessness during evening hours (sundowning)

-Increased level of memory loss; starts losing ability to recognize family members

-Requires assistance with activities of daily living

-Increased problems with communication, ambulation and impulse control

-Increased behavioral issues; may become violent at times

-Urinary and fecal incontinence

-May experience auditory or visual hallucinations and become suspicious of caregivers

-Requires full-time supervision

Late Stage of Alzheimer's Disease

-Considered terminal stage

-Loses ability to verbalize needs; may groan, grunt or scream

-Does not recognize self or family members

-Becomes bed-bound

-Total dependence for activities of daily living

-Body function gradually declines

-Death

What are the guidelines for caring for a Alzheimer's resident?

-Patience with resident

-Show interest in the subject

-Offer comfort and reassurance

-Listen for a response

-Avoid criticizing or correcting

-Avoid arguments with resident

-Offer a guess as to what resident wants

-Focus on the feelings, not on the truth

-Limit distractions

-Encourage non-verbal communication

Which of the following is a communication problem in the Alzheimer's resident?

a. inability to recognize a word, phrase

b. does not lose writing skills

c. can understand the meaning of words read

d. does not repeat self

a. inability to recognize a word, phrase

The nurse aide's role in communicating with an Alzheimer's resident includes?

a. if the conversation is interrupted start over from the beginning

b. obtain the resident's attention

c. slow down, do not acted rushed

d. all of the above

d. all of the above

When the resident tends to wander, what would you do to provide safety?

-Establish a regular route

-Provide rest areas

-Accompany the resident

-Provide food and fluid

-Redirect attention to other activities or objects

-Determine if behavior is due to environmental stress