Practice Nursing, Volume 20 Issue 6 supplement, 4 June 2009
The epidemiology of dementia – David Jolley
David Jolley explains that dementia is a syndrome characterised by a loss of core abilities, often complicated by abnormalities of mood, perception and behaviour. He defines the different forms of dementia, provides an overview of its epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors and increasing prevalence, and explains the disease trajectory
How to recognise the early signs of dementia – Dr Louise Robinson
Louise Robinson explores the reasons why the early signs and symptoms of dementia are sometimes overlooked, ignored, misunderstood or misdiagnosed. She explains the key signs and symptoms of the different types of dementia and provides an overview of the key assessments used in diagnosis. The importance of referral for specialist assessment and issues about communicating a diagnosis are considered.
A glimmer of hope – Chris O’Connor
Dementia has been making headline news this year. The Department of Health launched its National Dementia Strategy in February (2009); newsreader John Suchet spoke about his experiences of caring for his wife who has been diagnosed with dementia in her early 60s; and author Terry Pratchett explored his own dementia in a BBC documentary. Like many of my colleagues who have worked with underresourced services for people with dementia, I have read and watched with interest media reports of ‘our dementia cr isis’, as though this is something that has just been discovered.
Effective use of drugs in Alzheimer’s disease – Bernadette McGuinness, David Wilson, Stephen Todd, Peter Passmore
Bernadette McGuinness, David Wilson, Stephen Todd and Peter Passmore provide an introduction to the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease. They look at the potential benefits and limitations of the drugs, highlight the importance of regular review, and provide guidance about maximising the benefits of treatment, and deciding when to discontinue or switch medications.
Better understanding makes diagnosis faster – Helen Dickens
Helen Dickens explains why it is so important for people to seek advice if concerned about their memory.
Lancashire Care staff can request the full-text of all the articles from the special issue, email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk
Filed under: 1, alzheimers, dementia | Tagged: care, dementia, elderly, medication, memory, nursing, pharmacological, special issue
