Further knowledge in dementia part 1 South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Welcome Introductions Group Agreement What will be achieved from this session? South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Main Talking Points How the brain is affected when a person has dementia Person centred care and positive communication How physical health is important to a person with dementia South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Changes in dementia Difficulties with: Getting lost Forgetting & losing things Finding the right words Expressing strong feelings in an appropriate way Making decisions and judgements Managing social situations Managing money and finances South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

The different types of dementia Alzheimer’s disease Vascular dementia Lewy Body dementia Frontal temporal dementia Parkinson’s Disease Korsakoff’s Syndrome CJD South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Alzheimer’s disease Most common form of dementia Progresses gradually over time The damage to the brain cells usually starts in the temporal lobe of the brain which results in a person having problems with short term memory and new learning Damage to all areas of the lobes of the brain is common as the disease progresses South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Vascular dementia Sometimes referred to as ‘stroke related dementia’ multi infarct / single infarct dementia The damage to the brain cells are dependent on where the blood vessel damage occurs Sometimes it is described as ‘stepwise’ in the way the changes occur The way the disease progresses is very variable from person to person South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Lewy Body dementia This dementia shares similarities with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases Lewy bodies are tiny round deposits found in the nerve cells which disrupt the brains normal functioning Hallucinations and delusions are commonly experienced The person with Lewy body dementia may react badly to anti-psychotic medications South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Tom Kitwood and psychological needs of people with dementia Person centred care in practice Positive communication in distressing situations Person centred care and positive communication South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Tom Kitwood Psychological Needs OccupationIdentityInclusion Attachment Comfort South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Think of ways you might uphold a person’s well being in each of these areas

Person centred care in practice Key difficulties and responses When the person is confused by past memories Positive and effective communication in distressing situations South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

When the person is confused by past memories: Consider is it possible to orientate the person to reality? Validating/ agreeing with the person’s feelings Explore past memories that the person is experiencing Provide reassurance and comfort South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Positive communication in distressing situations Responding to distress and frustration: Do not argue with the person – focus less on the factual content of what is being said and more on how the person is feeling Do not blame the person for being distressed Try not to take it personally if the person displays angry behaviour towards you It may help to try and distract the person with everyday routines such as meals /walks South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Responding to distress and frustration: Consider the person’s sense of ‘reality’ and respond to this - using reminiscence to link to past stories in the person’s life and asking questions to engage the person. Look to identify how the person is feeling and respond to this. Identify ‘themes’ and plan accordingly. South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Verbal communication Speak in a calm way; notice the tone of your voice Use short sentences giving small amounts of information Make time for the person to answer Don’t argue about facts or try to ‘correct’ the person South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Identify the non verbal skills that are being used in this communication

Non-Verbal Communication Move to the person’s level Gain eye contact where possible Use gestures, objects or signals as well as words e.g. show the person an object that relates to what you are saying South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

General health and well being Exercise: does the person have opportunities to move around? Good diet: is the person getting enough to eat, is this a balanced diet and nutritional? Having enough fluids: is the person getting enough to drink? Being free from pain and infection Environment: is the room warm/cool enough ? South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Focus on physical health in order to: Reduce the risk of delirium Reduce potential communication difficulties where a person is trying to express these needs Increase an individuals wellbeing South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1

Main Talking Points re-visited: Any questions? How the brain is affected when a person has dementia Person centred care and positive communication How physical health is important to a person with dementia South West Dementia PartnershipFurther knowledge in dementia part 1