Treatment of dementia and nursing home care

 Treatment of dementia and nursing home care

Dementia is a neurological condition that affects brain function. In most cases, dementia is perceived as a mental illness due to its effects that mimic mental disease. In reality, dementia is a condition that affects brain function leading to memory loss, trouble thinking, and communication disorder. Current medical statistics from the world health organization (2017) show that about 50% of the world population suffers from dementia. Also, the organization reveals that Left untreated, this condition can progress to the final stage and cause complications such as loss of self-care, immobility, family member recognition, and susceptibility to infections such as aspiration pneumonia (WHO, 2017). Therefore to preserve quality of life, this condition needs to be treated promptly as well as follow up made in a systematic manner. According to a study by Dyer et al., (2018), dementia is a pattern disease and more often a chronic condition. It means that symptoms may come and go and manifest differently upon relapse. Further, research suggests that most types of dementia have no cure; however, treatment is based on managing the symptoms and preventing the course of progression (Giltin, 2012). It means that a comprehensive care plan involving home care must be engaged. From a medical perspective, it is identified that medications, therapies, and lifestyle home remedies are the modalities of nursing and treating dementia disorder (Folch et al., 2018). In this case, cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are the most common medications prescribed for dementia. As informed by Folch et al. (2018), Cholinesterase inhibitors work by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a type of neurotransmitters whose decline is believed to cause dementia symptoms. These drugs are believed to increase chemical messengers that enhance judgment and memory. According to WHO (2017), Razadyne, Exelon, and Aricept are the recommended cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia. On the other hand, memantine is a receptor antagonist drug that regulates brain chemical messengers, thus improving conditions such as memory learning (Giltin, 2012). In essence, these medications are tailored to improve symptoms as well as slow disease progression.

In addition, behavioral management approaches such as occupational therapy, and environmental modification are considered as effective non-pharmaceutical modalities for dementia. In most cases, the success of behavioral therapy rely upon an aid from a home care nurse (Dyer et al., 2018). For example, while working in a nursing home for short term care, a nurse can aid occupational therapy through reinforcement such as assisted mobility and self-care routines. Such engagements help protect the patient against risk, such as falls. Equally, they help manage behavior as well as enhance patient coping skills.  Further, in a nursing home, a caregiver can opt to modify the environment for the patient through activities such as noise control, improving hygiene, and eradicating life-threatening equipment that can draw the patient’s attention. In essence, such interventions are believed to maintain patient focus as well as induce normal brain functioning (Dyer et al., 2018).  Besides, lifestyle and home remedies are also considered part of the treatment plan. Precisely, exercise, activity engagement, and communication are the preferred home remedies for dementia patients. As such, a caregiver in home care or a nursing home can facilitate these remedies by guiding and motivating the patient towards embracing them. For instance, activity engagement may be accomplished by leading the patient towards social activities such as dancing or game playing. Equally, a caregiver can consider supporting and guiding the patient in exercise programs such as yoga and home workout. According to Dyer et al. (2018), such therapies are believed to reduce conditions such as restlessness and depression. Nevertheless, a caregiver should think of engaging in friendly communication with the patient’s thus enhancing mediation and focus on future plans. Consequently, not only do such strategies improve symptoms but also prepare the patient to face the journey of illness. Hence, treating dementia should entail a comprehensive approach tailored on both pharmacology treatment, behavioral management, and home health aide.

References

Dyer, S. M., Harrison, S. L., Laver, K., Whitehead, C., & Crotty, M. (2018). An overview of systematic reviews of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. International psychogeriatrics, 30(3), 295-309.

Gitlin, L. N. (2012). Good news for dementia care: caregiver interventions reduce behavioral symptoms in people with dementia and family distress.

Folch, J., Busquets, O., Ettcheto, M., Sánchez-López, E., Castro-Torres, R. D., Verdaguer, E., … & Pelegri, C. (2018). Memantine for the treatment of dementia: a review on its current and future applications. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 62(3), 1223-1240.

World Health Organization. (2017). Global action plan on the public health response to dementia 2017–2025.