Introduction
Medical professionals and psychologists apply their competencies to provide personalized services to patients with terminal conditions. Dementia is one of these conditions that require constant support and care. Individuals affected by this disease record or experience numerous challenges that make it impossible for them to pursue their aims in life. The purpose of this paper is to research this mental condition and present evidence-based ideas that different professionals can utilize to meet the changing health demands of more patients. The essay will go further to offer additional suggestions for future researchers to empower more people with this condition.
Disease Analysis
Dementia is a common medical condition recorded in all populations and regions. Fymat (2018) argues that the syndrome is associated with a prolonged deterioration in mental abilities, thinking, and completion of daily tasks. Although this disease is usually common among the elderly, younger people can also develop it (James & Bennett, 2019). Experts in the fields of psychology and medicine agree that dementia should not be studied or treated as a normal process of human aging. A study by Deckers (2017) indicated that over 50 million people across the globe had the condition. These statistics explain why different stakeholders and scientists should collaborate to learn more about it and present evidence-based measures to support every affected patient.
Past studies have managed to discover that dementia is a group of medical illnesses and conditions that affect a person’s mental capabilities. The occurrence of changes in the brain remains the leading possible cause of these diseases. Such developments result in reduced cognitive abilities and the ability to engage in a wide range of personal activities. Patients will experience significant changes in the manner in which they behave, feel, or engage in interpersonal relationships (Fymat, 2018). Some of the common types of dementia recorded in different parts of the world today include vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (Gale et al., 2018). Some health problems affecting the human brain have the potential to trigger this condition, such as inadequate intake of vitamins, bleeding in the brain, and thyroid problems (James & Bennett, 2019). The nature of these illnesses explains why dementia does not need to be studied or analyzed as a form of mental decline due to aging.
Signs and Symptoms
People who develop any form of dementia tend to encounter various signs and symptoms that eventually disorient their goals and experiences in life. Firstly, the affected patients will have significant challenges with their short-term memories. They can also be unable to remember certain items or make wrong calculations. Secondly, most of these individuals do not keep track of their valuables, such as purses or wallets (Deckers, 2017). Thirdly, they might encounter numerous challenges when trying to settle their utility bills. Fourthly, they will forget their appointments and tasks that ought to be completed in a timely manner. Fifthly, some people might find it hard to locate their way back home due to the presence of this disease. In advanced stages, patients will have most of their social skills affected significantly. They will be unable to complete their daily tasks and even become disinterested in certain activities that might have been enjoyable before.
Medical professionals consider these signs and symptoms whenever trying to figure out the patient’s condition. Such a process is usually helpful since it informs the most appropriate treatment method that can improve the health outcomes of the targeted individual. Those who live with people who have the condition will be in a position to learn more about it. For instance, this illness progresses slowly until it becomes a serious problem (Gale et al., 2018). Relatives and friends should be keen to identify individuals who might be experiencing different forms of difficulties or memory challenges. Psychologists and other professionals should be ready to diagnose the condition and offer the right treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors: Treatment Methods
The brain has different regions and parts that work together to influence human behavior, feelings, thoughts, and coordination. When one or two of such parts are affected, chances are high that a person’s judgment, movement, or memory will be affected. Using the case of Alzheimer’s disease, the increased levels of different types of proteins inside the brain will make it impossible for it to function optimally (Fymat, 2018). Some of the parts will be unable to communicate effectively, thereby affecting the level of judgment and coordination. These developments will eventually result in memory loss and make it impossible for the person to perform certain tasks. These changes might take place permanently and eventually trigger additional complications.
Some scholars have managed to present several variables or factors that tend to trigger this medical illness. For instance, James and Bennett (2019) indicate that depression and alcohol use are associated with the development and progression of this disease. Other risk factors for this medical condition include thyroid problems, excessive use of drugs and alcohol, and vitamin deficiencies. Due to the nature of dementia and other related illnesses, psychologists and psychiatrists focus on a person’s medical history and conduct an analysis of his or her mental abilities in order to make informed decisions. They will also consider the behaviors associated with various types of dementia before arriving at a conclusion.
Patients who have developed dementia require timely medical support and attention. According to Deckers (2017), there is no known cure or medication for stopping the development of this disease. However, physicians and psychiatrists can consider various drugs that are capable of improving the signs and symptoms of the selected type of dementia. Many professionals use medicines intended for Alzheimer’s to help more patients manage the disease. Some of the common drugs include Namenda and Exelon (Fymat, 2018). Most of these drugs are classified as cholinesterase inhibitors and have been found to be effective in treating dementia.
The use of therapy is also essential since it can make it easier for patients to record noticeable improvements within a specified period of time. Some techniques have been observed to improve the outcomes of patients, such as changing the environment and attention redirection (James & Bennett, 2019). Each person will require personalized care depending on the exhibited symptoms. Similarly, the common symptoms should inform the most appropriate therapy or drugs that will result in improved health outcomes.
Future Research
The field of genetic technology is making it easier for scientists to learn more about various conditions affecting humanity. Most of the techniques are making it possible for researchers to analyze genes and even edit them. A good example is the CISPR technology that is providing additional information that can transform the fields of radiology, imaging, and medicine (Li et al., 2019). These aspects explain why future researchers should focus on new studies in order to understand the relationship between age and dementia (Duong et al., 2017). They can go further to examine whether there is a correlation between a person’s genetic constitution and the development of this condition. This knowledge can inform superior methods to help patients and ensure that they record positive health outcomes.
A report by the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) revealed that people could consider a number of practices to protect themselves against this condition. For instance, individuals who are at risk of this disease can consider the importance of pursuing healthy lifestyles and diets. Such a practice will improve their immunities and be able to fight some of the opportunistic diseases (Osman et al., 2016). Some other evidence-based practices that are capable of improving the health experiences of more people include avoiding smoking and exercising regularly (Osman et al., 2016). They can also stimulate their minds by reading widely and completing puzzles. The consideration of additional studies in this field will make it possible for more practitioners and psychologists to provide superior care to more citizens who are suffering from dementia.
Conclusion
The above discussion has identified dementia as a group of mental conditions affecting many people. The common symptoms associated with it include loss of memory and the inability to keep track of daily activities. Medical professionals can consider the nature of this disease to provide personalized care and therapy to empower more patients. Future scholars can consider the above areas and undertake additional studies in order to present new guidelines to meet the changing needs of more citizens with this mental condition.
References
Deckers, K. (2017). The role of lifestyle factors in primary prevention of dementia: An epidemiological perspective. NeuroPsych Publishers.
Duong, S., Patel, T., & Chang, F. (2017). Dementia: What pharmacists need to know. Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 150(2), 118-129. doi:10.1177/1715163517690745
Fymat, A. (2018). Dementia: A review. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 1(3), 27-34.
Gale, S. A., Acar, D., & Daffner, K. R. (2018). Dementia. The American Journal of Medicine, 131(10), 1161-1169. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.01.022
James, B. D., & Bennett, D. A. (2019). Causes and patterns of dementia: An update in the era of redefining Alzheimer’s disease. Annual Review of Public Health, 40, 65-84. doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth040218-043758
Li, J., Walker, S., Nie, J., & Zhang, X. (2019). Experiments that led to the first gene-edited babies: The ethical failings and the urgent need for better governance. Journal of Zhejiang University Science B, 20(1), 32-38. doi:10.1631/jzus.B1800624
Osman, S. E., Tischler, V., & Schneider, J. (2016). ‘Singing for the Brain’: A qualitative study exploring the health and well-being benefits of singing for people with dementia and their carers. Dementia, 15(6), 1326-1339. doi:10.1177/1471301214556291