Dementia is the umbrella term used to describe a range of cognitive and behavioural symptoms caused by the decline in brain function. It is a progressive condition although this progression varies from person to person. There are different types of dementia including Alzheimer’s Dementia, Vascular Dementia, Mixed Dementia, typically a combination of Alzheimer’s and Vascular, Young Onset Dementia (under the age of 65), Dementia with Lewy bodies Today, nearly one million people in the UK are living with the condition. It is predicted that 1 in 3 people will develop dementia in their lifetime.
We know that hospital admission can trigger distress, confusion and delirium for people with dementia. This can contribute to a decline in function, a longer length of stay and reduced ability to return home to independent living (NICE 2019). Enabling mobility and activity and meeting a persons nutritional needs, providing clear signage and orientation, linking with community services, involving and supporting carers and ensuring all our staff are dementia trained all contribute to improved outcomes.
For more information visit https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/about-dementia/what-is-dementia/
Delirium
A sudden change in a persons mental state can be due to delirium. It could lead to increased confusion, disorientation or difficulty with concentration and can come on very quickly. It can be caused by infection, pain or dehydration. Once the cause is treated it will settle but can last from a few days to a few months. For more information please visit Dementia UK.
