Early signs and symptoms of dementia

Module 2: Recognising Dementia

ii. Early signs and symptoms of dementia

Aim

The aim of this content focus area is to facilitate a beginning understanding of a differential diagnosis in dementia.

Outcome

By the end of this content focus area, participants should be able to recognise the early signs and symptoms of dementia.

As explained in Module 1 — "What is Dementia" (developed by the University of Wollongong), people with different types of dementia present in different ways. For example, people with fronto-temporal dementia may present with personality changes as the very first indication of brain damage—rather than, for example, memory loss (Alzheimer's Australia, 2005b). Note also from your readings that delirium is reversible, and that even some dementia (for example, dementia that is caused by either thyroid or Vitamin B₁₂ deficiencies) may also be reversible (Edwards, 2003).

Activity 2

Answer the following questions using the reference provided to access the relevant information.

Question 1: What are the underlying principles behind the assessment of people with dementia?

Resource:
Alzheimer's Australia (2007) Early Diagnosis of Dementia Paper 10 [Accessed Jan 2008]

Answer : Submit

Answers:

Assessment by medical professionals should be thorough in nature and occur promptly after presenting signs and symptoms are identified.
Sensitivity must be shown by medical professionals when explaining reasons for the diagnosis of dementia as well as the medical prognosis.
The person with dementia should receive sufficient information about their condition to assist with future decision making.
The person with dementia expects to be involved as much as possible in making decisions that affect their future wellbeing.
The person with dementia should receive continuing follow up and support for optimal management of their condition.
The person with dementia should have access to appropriate support services that meet their individual needs.

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Question 2: Consider an experience from your clinical practice or from film, television or the written media where you assisted, or observed, the screening and assessment of a person with suspected dementia. Write a brief summary of this experience and think about any personal and professional issues that the experience raised for you.

Now, continue thinking about the experience that you have identified and propose areas where care could have been enhanced. Use the principles set out in the answer to Question 1 (above) to guide your thinking. For example:

Did communication used by the health care practitioner during the assessment process demonstrate sensitivity to the psychological, social and cultural needs of the person with dementia and their family?
What was the reaction of the person with dementia to the assessment process?
To what extent was the person with dementia involved in making decisions that impacted on their future wellbeing and quality of life?
How much support was offered to the person with dementia and their family following the diagnosis?

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