Ability of an Individual With Dementia Essay

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Dementia is not a disease that is distinct and particular. Rather, dementia encompasses a disease that is collective of symptoms that have an impact on memory, thinking as well as social capabilities in a rigorous and severe manner to the extent that it hampers with functioning on an everyday basis. Dementia points toward issues with at least two functionalities of the brain such as loss of memory and impaired decision making or language and the incapacity to undertake a number of daily activities such as getting lost while walking or driving and even incapability to pay bills (Dementia). However, it is imperative to note that in as much as memory loss is a part of dementia it does not necessarily imply that having memory loss alone is suffering from dementia. Memory loss to some extent is part and parcel of old-age or advanced years.

The symptoms of dementia differ with regards to the cause of the disease. However, common symptoms and signs can be classified into psychological changes and cognitive changes. The former include changes in personality, incapacity to reason, having paranoia and hallucinations and also being agitated for most of the times. The latter on the other hand include loss of memory, finding it difficult to communicate, issues with disorientation for instance becoming lost easily, having trouble coordinating, planning and organizing. This disease encompasses damaging of the nerve cells within several different areas of the brain. Dementia may impact individuals in different manners reliant on the part of the brain that is affected (Dementia). These collective symptoms which become dementias can be categorized into different ways and more often than not are classified with regards to their common factors such as brain region that is affected or whether they become severe as time progresses. Others which come about due to a reaction to medication or due to an infection that cannot be treated (Dementia).

Causal Factors, Risk Factors, Prevention and Medication

There are several factors which cause dementia. Some of these factors, for instance age, cannot be altered while other can be taken into consideration to limit the risk level. As one ages, the risk levels of vascular dementia, Alzheimer's as well as other kinds of dementias increase significantly, particularly when one gets to 65 years and older. Nevertheless, dementia is not normality in aging and can also affect in young individuals. The risk of dementia is hereditary and therefore increases the risk of developing the ailment. Conversely, several individuals with a family history do not ever develop symptoms whereas numerous persons devoid of a family history end up doing so. If one has specific genetic transformations, then he or she is at considerably greater risk of suffering from certain kinds of dementia. Medical examinations and assessments to ascertain whether one has certain genetic mutations are existent and obtainable (Dementia). Presently, there are no particular medications or treatments that have been ascertained or confirmed to moderate the probability of developing dementia. Nevertheless, there are some promising developments.

Risk factors for developing heart disease also heighten the risk of developing all kinds of dementia. Some of these risk factors are smoking, ingesting too much alcohol, overweight and lack of physical activity, and also high blood pressure. As a result, it would appear probable that undertaking a number of things to change these risk factors may lessen one's risk of developing dementia. Another aspect of reducing this risk is ensuring that the brain is active which encompasses reading books, playing instruments, learning a new language and also undertaking a new hobby (Memory Loss and Dementia). Currently, numerous research and studies are being undertaken to find cures which may help in preventing dementia. Some of these include medications for high blood pressure, omega-3 fatty acids and also exercises which train the brain and make it active. However, so far there is yet to be substantial proof from any of these studies.

How Memory Loss Affects Individual Ability

It is common for people to forget things once in a while. Nine times out of ten, it is the most recent events and activities that are forgotten first. For instance, an individual with early stages of dementia may go to the supermarket and then fail to remember what they wanted to buy. Another common aspect is the misplacement of stuffs and items. Nonetheless, occasions of the past are over and over again well recollected until the dementia becomes severe (Memory Loss and Dementia). Several individuals with dementia are able to recollect their youthful and early stages in life and therefore as the disease advances, every now and then memory loss for current happenings becomes severe and the individual might seem to be re-living past times.

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In fact, they might consider themselves to be young and not be aware of their exact age at the time.

An individual suffering from dementia might not be familiar with common aspects when asked, may find it hard to remember names or certain words, and may seem to be inquisitive at all times about everything. In time, issues with language might also arise. For instance, an individual with dementia might have trouble understanding what is written or communicated to them (Memory Loss and Dementia). Another way in which dementia can affect an individual is through lack of concentration and not paying attention. It is very usual for an individual with dementia not to have the ability to settle and relax with anything and might make them seem agitated. Aspects such as new settings and new individuals around might puzzle individuals with dementia and they can easily end up becoming unsettled but they may be functioning well when it comes to previous habits and familiar places. This is particularly why most individuals with dementia feel comfortable at their own homes.

Once the symptoms of the disease kick in, an individual with dementia might seem easily annoyed or vexed and the people closes to him or her such as family and friends are usually the first ones to take note of this. A number of times, some of these individuals become aware that they are worsening and turn out to be miserable. Nevertheless, numerous individuals with dementia are usually not aware that they have the disease and might actually continue being happy. On the other hand, in most occasions, it is the relatives and friends around the individual with dementia who might find it hard to deal with the circumstances. This is because as time goes by they might develop more challenging and difficult behaviors and mannerisms. For instance, in a number of instances, an individual with dementia might end up becoming disinhibited which basically implies that he may act or communicate in a manner that is out of his normal character. It is these changes in character that end up being hard for families and friends to deal with (Memory Loss and Dementia).

Another common issue with dementia is having visual hallucinations. Changes in moods, personality and also behavior might imply that an individual with dementia does not have the ability to interrelate or intermingle with others in social circumstances and they can end up being withdrawn. They also lose sleep and become restless. Of course another factor is that individuals with dementia will have problems with taking care of themselves as time goes on. For instance, if not given any assistance, some of the individuals with dementia might not take into consideration their personal hygiene. They can fail to remember washing or even changing their own clothes. Driving may perhaps be unsafe and not conceivable for somebody with dementia. In legal aspects, drivers of vehicles who have been officially diagnosed with dementia are required to notify and update the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of such happenings. These drivers might be permitted to go on driving for a short while but might have to undertake a driving test or attain a medical report from their doctor in order to be allowed to do so (Memory Loss and Dementia). If their ability is not impaired then they are allowed to do so and such aspects are assessed and examined every year. However, the drivers of large goods vehicles and also buses that carry individuals, if diagnosed with dementia, are not allowed to go on driving thereafter.

Conclusion

When the causal factor that brings about the dementia cannot be cured then the physician works with the patient as well as the caregivers to come up with a strategy to make his or her life become relaxing and easier. In addition, it is deemed necessary to consider seeking information regarding accessible palliative care programs (Dementia Treatment Overview). These programs can be beneficial in terms of improving the quality of life for the patient for a long time before their demise. These programs encompass offering medication which improve the functionalities of the brain as well as the moods, handing out guidelines on how the patient can manage life every day for as long as possible and also offering ideas on giving counseling….....

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