Unit 201, Assignment 2: Case study

Assignment 2.2

It is 1 year since Aggy was diagnosed as living with dementia and although the medication has helped her, she is becoming increasingly confused, forgets to eat and drink and when reminded, she takes a mouthful of food and immediately walks away. Aggy walks up and down the corridors all day and sometimes does so at night. The care team are becoming increasingly worried that Aggy will become malnourished and frail due to her lack if eating and constant walking.

 

·        How can Aggy’s life be better managed within the care home?

First, we need to find out the root cause for her wandering behaviour. Could it be that Aggy is bored restless as little to do to occupy her or wishes to explore the environment or wishes to go somewhere or finds difficult to relax in this environment or is in pain or uncomfortable or frightened. When we will be able to find the exact root cause for this behaviour, then we can put a strategy for Aggy to eliminate or minimise the cause in order to manage her life better within home.

·        How could Aggy be encouraged to eat and drink?

Person centred approach may help her to eat or drink. Providing her choice of food and drink may help her to eat and drink. Talking to her family and friends we may be aware of eating and drinking behaviour. Prompt encouragement is also required. Also, discussing issue with colleagues, supervisor, manager or other health professional may help to find a way to manage better.

·        How can the issue of Aggy’s sleep and rest be managed?

Exercise sometimes help to better sleep. Also bright light therapies help in some occasion. Caffeinated drink or milky drink before bedtime may help Aggy to have better sleep. Nightmare or hallucination sometimes cause sleep disturbance. Discussing with GP may help to resolve if this is the case. We have to consider sleeping environment such as less noise, comfortable bed, right room-temperature, less lightings after Aggy to fall on sleep to avoid getting up in the midnight.

   By Md. Foisal Miah Talukdar

 

Assignment 2.1: Case Study

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.

By Md. Foisal Miah Talukdar