DEMENTIA

Dementia is a diagnostic term for a collection of illnesses characterized by a global impairment of cognition with normal levels of consciousness. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia and is particularly common in adults with Down’s syndrome. Many adults with Down’s syndrome over the age of 35 years will display signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as personality changes, decline in daily living skills, cognitive decline, incontinence, deterioration in memory – initially short-term but, with disease progression, there is virtual total memory loss and the possible occurrence of seizure activity.

A seizure is an alteration in motor, sensory or psychological function attributed to a disordered electrical discharge in the brain. Epilepsy is diagnosed when there is a tendency for recurrent seizures and relies upon accurate and detailed descriptions from the adult with the symptoms and the carers. Most adults with epilepsy will have their symptoms controlled within a medication regime, which will include anticonvulsant therapy. Some lifestyle changes may be required, which will be informed through a comprehensive risk-assessment process balanced with the need to enjoy life to its fullest.

When other physical diagnoses have been ruled out and Alzheimer’s disease is suspected, a baseline dementia assessment such as the Dementia Questionnaire for Persons with Mental Retardation (DMR) can be completed. Diagnosis of dementia is based on a decline in functioning over time. Therefore, to ensure a reliable diagnosis, the DMR assessment needs periodic re-tests, to estimate the rate of cognitive decline and ensure that the treatment package is appropriately tailored to meet changing needs. Acetyl cholinesterase inhibiting drugs (such as Aricept) can be beneficial for some individuals (British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society 2005). The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended (in January 2001) the use of such drugs under various conditions, including the diagnosis being obtained at a specialist clinic and the patient’s being regularly assessed after the maintenance dose is established. The use of drugs can show some possible efficacy in the treatment; early detection can allow appropriate management strategies to be implemented and can also assist in proactively planning for future services to support such individuals. However, it is also important to investigate for treatable conditions which may mimic dementia, such as thyroid disorders, space-occupying lesions (such as brain tumors), neurological conditions and psychological or psychiatric conditions.

As the carer or student, you need to be aware of gradual changes that may show a decline in the memory of the service user whom you are supporting. Signs that need noting include:

• short-term memory loss

• confusion

• apathy

• decline in normal skills

• becoming withdrawn and exhibiting anti-social behavior

• development of, or increase in, epileptic seizures

• shortfall of road sense.

(Down’s Syndrome Association 2006)

اخر الاخبار

اخبار العتبة العباسية المقدسة

شعبة مدارس الكفيل تنظم ورشة عن التمكين الإرشادي ومهارات التعامل مع الأطفال واليافعين

العتبة العباسية المقدسة تستقبل وفود المؤتمر العلمي الدولي للسيد المجاهد (قدس سره)

قسم شؤون المعارف يقيم ندوة تعريفية عن مؤتمر التراث البصري في جامعة بابل

شعبة التوجيه الديني النسوي تقيم مجلس عزاء بذكرى وفاة السيدة زينب (عليها السلام)

المزيد

الآخبار الصحية

طبيب يكشف أفضل مكمل غذائي لتحسين المزاج ودعم الصحة النفسية

دراسة جديدة تكشف أضرار الأطعمة الجاهزة على القلب ؟

6 أطعمة طبيعية تهدئ الزكام دون أدوية.. تعرف عليهم

ماذا يحدث لأعراض الزكام عند تناول الثوم بانتظام؟

المزيد

الآخبار التكنلوجية

ابتكار ثوري في بطاريات السيارات الكهربائية.. سعة أعلى 4 مرات

ماذا يحدث لجسمك عند شرب الماء الساخن يوميا؟

7 فوائد "خفية" لشرب شاي الكركديه كل يوم

دراسة تكشف قدرة الحيتان على سماع الأصوات منخفضة وعالية التردد من مسافة بعيدة

المزيد

مواضيع ذات صلة

Parents with Learning Disabilities CONCLUSION

PROVISION OF SUPPORT

CARING FOR CHILDREN

EUGENICS AND ETHICAL ISSUES

PARENTING

DISCRIMINATION AND DIVERSITY

THE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Parents with Learning Disabilities

Legislation and Learning Disabilities CONCLUSION

LEGAL SAFEGUARDS

MENTAL CAPACITY ACT 2005

THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT 1998