2.1
Aggy is 82 years old and has lived in the location where you work for 2 and half years. Recently, Aggy has become very forgetful, appears confused and is sometimes unable to recognise her daughter or her surroundings. Aggy's daughter is very upset by the recent changes to her mother's health and is convinced that she is now living with dementia.
2.1
· How will a
diagnosis be achieved for Aggy?
Aggy’s
diagnosis for dementia can only be achieved by her GP. Aggy’s Friend, family
member or carer should contact her GP for early diagnosis as soon as the
symptoms are appearing.
· What
consideration will medical professionals use when carrying out Aggy’s
diagnosis?
Medical
professional should consider Aggy’s symptoms, age, other medical history, cognitive
skills, psychiatric evaluation, recent medications, depression, relationship
status and social status etc. Medical professional should also consider the
following causes for her forgetfulness, confusion and disorientation in order
to determine the right cause:
Ø Mild
Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Ø An
overactive and underactive thyroid gland
Ø Dehydration
Ø Poor
Nutrition
Ø Side effect
of continued medication
Ø Urinary
tract infection
Also other symptoms like depression, melancholy and stress
level should be examined.
· What
medication could be prescribed for Aggy and what desired effect would this
have?
There is
no cure for dementia. But various medications and therapies doctors use to
delay the progress of dementia. In aggy’s case doctors may prescribe
anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication along with other psychological
therapies such as cognitive stimulation therapy.
· How would
medication help Aggy?
Cognitive
stimulation therapy involves taking part in various activities and exercises
which can improve aggy’s thinking and memory skills. It also helps to regain
self-esteem. Sedative drug may help her to better sleep if the cause is arises
from sleep disturbance. Also anti-depressant medication helps person to
relaxing mode.
