Introduction
Since older patients with dementia have age-related metabolic characteristics and multimorbidity, there are particular approaches to the treatment of such individuals. Moreover, in dementia, the treatment of hypoglycemia includes some features since it is necessary to take into account the disorders associated with dementia. Procedures include control of work of the hormonal, cardiovascular systems, and gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, hypoglycemic management in older patients with dementia also requires exceptional control over brain activity and the performance of damaged parts of the brain. In this paper, evidence-based practices for the treatment of hypoglycemia in patients with dementia will be analyzed. Besides, one will review the literature related to the fundamental aspects and complexities of dementia, hypoglycemia, and aging. The influence of the above-mentioned factors on each other and the human body will be considered, and the most effective treatment methods will be indicated.
Literature Review
For the effective treatment of hypoglycemia in patients with dementia, primarily, it is necessary to analyze the features of the impact of dementia on other chronic diseases. Moreover, it is crucial to consider the complexity and peculiarities of the course of hypoglycemia in dementia and the impact of these two disorders on each other. The work edited by Angela Catic (2020) describes techniques for optimizing physical and cognitive functions in patients with dementia, including those with hypoglycemia. It was indicated that measures to relieve hypoglycemia in patients with dementia receiving hypoglycemic therapy could lead to difficulties and a critical decrease in sugar (Catic, 2020). In this regard, it was proposed to carry out special procedures for controlling blood sugar levels and some changes in therapy aimed at maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
Age formulates a complication factor in treating many diseases, and age-related weakening of the human body formulates the chance of complications. Woodford and George (2021) found that older patients often cause nurses fear and insecurity. It is formulated by the attenuated body of age-related patients and many chronic diseases that occur at an older age. These include dementia and hypoglycemia, the treatment and management of which are often accompanied by complications and severity in older patients (Woodford & George, 2021). In addition, the older the person, the greater the risk of developing severe hypoglycemia, as the autonomic and physiological response weakens (Woodford & George, 2021). The work also identified the most appropriate practices for treating, caring for, and staying aged patients in a medical institution.
Further, it is necessary to have profound knowledge of disorder management to treat diseases, including the above, effectively. Thus, the work edited by Brook and Dattani (2019) describes the treatment of various hormonal disorders, including diabetes and hypoglycemia, growth problems, thyroid disease, and puberty disorders. In addition, the authors came to the conclusion that effective management of hypoglycemia in dementia includes procedures aimed at leveling cognitive impairment (Brook & Dattani, 2019). Other studies show that there is an increased risk of developing diabetes or hypoglycemia in patients with dementia (Chawla, 2019). It is due to the fact that the use of certain drugs and the peculiarities of the metabolism and hormonal system in dementia can cause a violation of blood sugar levels.
It is essential to understand the implications and challenges of dementia in order to be able to manage other underlying illnesses in a practical way. Martin and Preedy (2020) describe dementia as one of the leading causes of disability in the elderly worldwide. Severe cognitive decline, often accompanied by behavioral and mental disorders, contributes to the immediate household, social, and professional maladjustment of people with dementia (Martin & Preedy, 2020). The consequences of dementia affect not only the patients themselves but also their family members, their caregivers, and society as a whole. As a result, in the treatment of hypoglycemia in dementia, it is necessary to direct efforts not only to the therapy of blood sugar levels but also to express special attention to the patient’s cognitive functions.
Further, the treatment of any disorder or disease requires a profound knowledge of the causes and prerequisites for the development of the disease. Thus, a common cause of hypoglycemia is diabetes mellitus, which is a dangerous disease with an unpredictable degree of severity (Moini et al., 2022). Namely, hypoglycemic therapy, which is usually prescribed for diabetes, can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar levels and, subsequently, hypoglycemia (Moini et al., 2022). It is important to remember that this condition can cause hypertension, heart attack or heart failure, stroke, blindness, nephropathy, neuropathy, amputation, and death (Moini et al., 2022)). Moreover, these symptoms can be significantly exacerbated in dementia, so healthcare professionals need to be especially careful.
The following work is developed by a well-known group of international authors, presenting the essential aspects of hypoglycemia and the underlying causes. This publication is based on real clinical cases and, like the previous ones, describes the evidence-based principles for the occurrence and treatment of hypoglycemia, including dementia. Moreover, Bandeira et al. (2022) found that alcohol can significantly worsen the development of hypoglycemia since it blocks gluconeogenesis. The authors also provide the most effective models of hypoglycemia management in dementia, namely physical exercise as one of the methods (Bandeira et al., 2022). Certainly, the exercises should be moderate and not lead to overwork. However, due to a mild load on the cardiovascular system, one can achieve an improvement in the condition and reduce symptoms. Exercise should be accompanied by adequately selected drug therapy.
The following book is intended for clinicians of various specialties who routinely manage patients with dementia. In this paper, Waldemar and Frederiksen (2021) provide a general introduction to the medical management of dementia, with chapters on specific topics. The chapters are supplemented with cases to highlight key concepts and treatment approaches, thus formulating evidence-based practice. Thus, the authors indicated that the features of the treatment of hypoglycemia in dementia lie in the effect of dementia on the course of the disease. Dementia reduces the ability of patients to control hyperglycemia adequately and increases the risk of complications (Waldemar & Frederiksen, 2021). The work studies show that cognitive decline in older people with dementia is associated with poor glycemic control as well (Waldemar & Frederiksen, 2019). Thus, it is necessary to provide patients with the possibility of constant monitoring and supervision of the main indicators.
The next paper uses a new approach to offer a non-standard view of hypoglycemia and its consequences. Thus, Marks (2019) considers the disease in terms of records and cases of hypoglycemia in forensic documents. In addition, the forensic aspects of hypoglycemia briefly cover the different aspects of hypoglycemia in various scenarios. These include fatal car accidents, petty crimes, homicides, and suicides (Marks, 2019). Thereby, the author provides the reader with the most objective assessment of the disorder, supplementing the information with valuable facts. Evidence-based practice highlights the most critical aspects of the impact of hypoglycemia on human life and the consequences of dementia. In turn, it enables clinicians to determine for themselves the most effective methods for leveling this effect and for quality treatment and care for patients.
Finally, for a complete analysis of the chosen topic, one needs to consider dementia and hypoglycemia from the point of view of the psychiatric aspect. In the paper, Reddy (2020) discusses dementia and hypoglycemia, including factors in a number of essential aspects of geriatric psychiatry. These involve delirium in the elderly, depression and heart disease in later life, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders (Reddy, 2020). In addition, the author highlights neurological changes and depression, behavioral changes in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, and palliative care for dementia (Reddy, 2020). It is vital to remember that dementia is often accompanied by the third-party disorders outlined above. Based on this, this work represents a valuable experience for medical professionals for the effective and complete treatment of hypoglycemia in dementia. It will also help to identify the features of chronic mental illness, joint care of older people with mental disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorders in older people.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is worth noting that dementia significantly complicates the course of hypoglycemia due to cognitive impairment. In addition, patients with dementia are characterized by an increased chance of developing hypoglycemia. Basically, the authors indicated that it is necessary to pay special attention to the main indicators of hypoglycemia and dementia since ignoring them can lead to a sharp deterioration in the condition. The most effective methods of management were identified in the works, namely moderate physical activity and individual therapy.
References
Bandeira, F., Gharib, H., & Griz, L. (2022). Endocrinology and diabetes: A problem-oriented approach. Springer International Publishing.
Brook, C. G., & Dattani, M. T. (2019). Brook’s clinical pediatric endocrinology. (Eds.). Wiley.
Catic, A. D. (2020). Dementia and chronic disease: Management of comorbid medical conditions. (Ed.). Springer International Publishing.
Chawla, R. (2019). RSSDI diabetes update 2018. Brothers Medical Publishers Pvt.
LoGalbo, A., Moini, J., Adams, M. (2022). Complications of diabetes mellitus: A global perspective. CRC Press.
Marks, V. (2019). Forensic aspects of hypoglycaemia. CRC Press.
Martin, C. R. & Preedy, V. R. (2020). Diagnosis and management in dementia: The neuroscience of dementia. Elsevier Science.
Reddy, S. (2020). Diabetes in older adults, an issue of clinics in geriatric medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Waldemar, G., & Frederiksen, K. S. (2021). Management of patients with dementia: The role of the physician. Springer International Publishing.
Woodford, H., George, J. (2021). Acute medicine in the frail elderly. CRC Press.