(WEEK 3) Alzheimer Type of Dementia

Cognitive Functioning: Pertains to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension, including thinking, knowing, memory, judgment, and problem-solving.
Referenced Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Definition: Dementia is characterized by the progressive loss of brain functions, impacting both cognitive and social abilities.
Group of Illnesses Affecting:
- Memory
- Behavior
- Learning
- Communication
- Decision Making

Impact on Tasks:
- Both simple and complex tasks are affected, with complex tasks breaking down first.
Progression:
- Begins slowly and progressively deteriorates over time.
Age Factor:
- Not a normal part of aging, but more prevalent in individuals over 65 years of age. However, it can affect individuals of any age.
- Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Early Warning Signs Include:
- Memory Loss: Difficulty in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
- Confusion: Being misplaced or unable to effectively use common items.
- Repetition: Frequently repeating words and sentences.
- Poor Judgment: Making inappropriate clothing choices for weather conditions.
- Task Performance Issues: Inability to perform well-known everyday tasks such as driving.
- Behavioral Changes: Unexplained mood shifts, changes in behavior, or personality.
- Loss of Interest: Not engaging in previously enjoyed activities and hobbies.

Memory Issues:
- Forgetting recent events, appointments, simple directions, names of people and conversations, and names of common objects like the clock or TV.
Language Issues:
- Struggles with vocabulary and train of thought, including regression in the ability to speak a second language, reverting solely to one’s native language.
Literacy Challenges:
- Decline in reading and writing capabilities.
Behavioral Changes:
- Increased use of inappropriate language, misplacing items, and financial management difficulties.
- Notable wandering from home without the ability to return.
- Orientation difficulties concerning time and place.
- Growing suspicion and distrust towards others, combined with feelings of fear and restlessness, often leading to insomnia.
- Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Definition: Refers to increased signs, symptoms, and behaviors associated with dementia occurring during the late afternoon and early evening.
Characteristics:
- Heightened agitation, anxiety, and fear exhibited as daylight wanes.
- Clients may express fear of darkness and suggest visions stemming from poor lighting and shadows.
Important Reminder: Do not ignore signs of distress in the client.
- Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Environmental Adjustments:
- Turn on lights and lamps as daylight ends.
- Close drapes to mitigate shadow effects.
Creating Calm Conditions:
- Establish a quiet, safe environment, potentially utilizing soft music as a calming tool.
Avoiding Confrontation:
- Do not attempt to reason with the client during moments of agitation.
Engagement Activities:
- Promote light morning exercise and simple distraction activities like setting the table for meals.
Visitor Timing:
- Encourage visits in the morning to provide a reassuring presence.
Basic Needs:
- Ensure that the client’s fundamental needs are met.
- Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Key Considerations:
- Environment: Adapt spaces to be dementia-friendly.
- Communication: Employ effective methods tailored to the client's needs.
- Safety and Comfort: Prioritize the well-being of clients.
- Hallucinations and Delusions: Manage appropriately based on the client’s perceptions.
- Sleep Patterns: Observe and assist in fostering healthy sleep routines.
- Basic Needs: Ensure assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
- Exercise: Promote regular physical activity as suitable.
- Health Issues: Be aware of and manage concurrent health problems.
- Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Task Overview: Students will be divided into groups, each focusing on an area related to supporting clients with dementia. Within 30 minutes, groups will:
- Assign roles (reporter and recorder).
- Address the following questions:
- What strategies/techniques are effective for supporting the client?
- Select three strategies/techniques and provide examples of application as a Personal Support Worker (PSW).
- Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Common Symptoms in Clients:
- Lack of concern for one’s surroundings.
- Disinterest in activities and hobbies previously enjoyed.
- Social withdrawal and isolation from others.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Impaired cognitive functions pertaining to thought processes.
- Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Primary Disorder: It is recognized as the most common form of dementia, which is irreversible.
Key Characteristics:
- Distinctive Features: Presence of plaques and tangles in the brain are observed depending on the pathology.
- Occurs usually post-age 65.
- Note: There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Functional assessments should be conducted to evaluate the individual's capacity.
- Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Task Overview: Students will be assigned a specific stage of dementia to research and discuss in groups:
- Assign roles within the group (recorder and reporter).
- Use the 30-minute time frame to:
- Describe the assigned stage of dementia along with typical signs and symptoms observed.
- Identify methods of supporting the client at this stage.
- Organize findings under specified headings:
  - Mental Abilities
  - Mood and Emotions
  - Behaviors
  - Physical Abilities
- Source: (Wilk, 2022)

Wilk, M. J. (2022). Sorrentino’s Canadian textbook for the support worker (5th Canadian ed.). Elsevier.
Wilk, M. J., Sekhon, N. K. S., Sorrentino, S. A., Remmert, L., & Kelly, R. T. (2022). Sorrentino’s Canadian textbook for the support worker workbook (5th Canadian ed.). Elsevier.