DEMENTIA
SN instructed patient/ ALF that the dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.
SN instructed that the dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause, but common signs and symptoms include: Cognitive changes: Memory loss, difficulty communicating or finding words, difficulty with complex tasks, difficulty with planning and organizing, difficulty with coordination and motor functions, problems with disorientation, such as getting lost. Psychological changes like personality changes, inability to reason, inappropriate behavior, paranoia, agitation, hallucinations. Memantine (Namenda) works by regulating the activity of glutamate. Glutamate is another chemical messenger involved in brain functions, such as learning and memory. A common side effect of memantine is dizziness.
Instructed in new medication Sinemet and in S/E such as choreiform, dystonic, dyskinetic movements, involuntary grimacing, head movements, myoclonic body jerks, ataxia, tremor, muscle twitching, bradykinetic episodes, psychiatric disturbances, anxiety, disturbing dreams, euphoria, malaise, fatigue, severe depression, suicidal tendencies, dementia, delirium, hallucinations (may necessitate reduction or withdrawal of drug), confusion, insomnia, agitation, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac irregularities, phlebitis, blepharospasm, blurred vision, diplopia, mydriasis or miosis, oculogyric crises, excessive salivation, dry mouth, bitter taste, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain, urinary frequency, urine retention, urinary incontinence, darkened urine, priapism, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, hepatotoxicity, weight loss (may occur at start of therapy), hiccups, hyperventilation, and dark perspiration.
Instructed in new medication Aricept to manage moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, depression, abnormal dreams, somnolence, seizures, tremor, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, restlessness, abnormal crying, nervousness, aphasia, syncope, pain, chest pain, hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension, cataract, blurred vision, eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, fecal incontinence, GI bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain, frequent urination, ecchymosis, weight loss, dehydration, muscle cramps, arthritis, toothache, bone fracture, dyspnea, bronchitis, pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis, influenza, and increased libido. The drug does not alter the underlying degenerative disease but can temporarily stabilize or relieve symptoms. Effective therapy depends on taking drug at regular intervals. Instructed to take drug in the evening, just before bedtime. Immediately report significant adverse effects or changes in overall health status. Inform health care team that patient is taking drug before he receives anesthesia. Avoid OTC cold or sleep remedies because of the potential for increased anticholinergic effects.
Patient is unable to perform wound care due to complexity of wound, location, size of wound, poor manual dexterity, forgetful (dementia), and knowledge deficit. No skilled/willing caregiver to perform wound care.
SN instructed patient that Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat certain inflammatory diseases and for many different indications including: asthma, COPD, CIDP, rheumatic disorders, allergic disorders, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, hypercalcemia due to cancer, thyroiditis, laryngitis, severe tuberculosis, urticaria ( hives ), lipid pneumonitis. Possible side effect may include, Increased blood sugar for diabetics, Difficulty controlling emotion, Difficulty in maintaining train of thought, Weight gain, Immunosuppression, Facial swelling, Severe, Depression, mania, psychosis, or other psychiatric symptoms, Unusual fatigue or weakness, Mental confusion / indecisiveness, Memory and attention dysfunction (Steroid dementia syndrome), Blurred vision. Take prednisone as ordered.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. At first, someone with Alzheimer's disease may notice mild confusion and difficulty remembering. Eventually, people with the disease may even forget important people in their lives and undergo dramatic personality changes. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills. In Alzheimer's disease, the brain cells degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function. At first, increasing forgetfulness or mild confusion may be the only symptoms of Alzheimer's disease that you notice. But over time, the disease robs you of more of your memory, especially recent memories. The rate at which symptoms worsen varies from person to person.
Instructed caregiver alzheimer's disease and other disorders that cause dementia. Heart-healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce the risk of alzheimer's include the following: exercise regularly, eat a diet of fresh produce, healthy oils and foods low in saturated fat, follow treatment guidelines to manage high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, if you smoke, ask your doctor for help to quit smoking. Caregiver verbalized.
Alzheimer's Instructed caregiver managing behavioral symptoms Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), especially agitation, aggression, depression and psychosis, are the leading causes for assisted living or nursing facility placement. Early recognition and treatment can reduce the costs of caring for these patients and improve the quality of life of the patient and caregiver. Caregiver verbalized.
