UNIT 13
DEMENTIA
AWARENESS
1.) Understand what dementia is.
1.1 - Explain what is meant by the term ‘dementia’.
Dementia is used to describe a group of symptoms which effect the
memory, thinking and abilities of an individual. Dementia itself is not a
disease, it is multiple factors which when combined is called and given the
term Dementia.
1.2 - Describe the key functions of the brain that are affected by dementia.
Dementia can affect an individual's memory, short term memory, thinking,
ability to perform daily tasks and can affect all parts of the brain.
Dementia can affect the cerebrum part of the brain which can lead to
hallucinations.
Dementia can affect the frontal lobe of the brain which can cause a shift in
personality such as becoming unpredictive and socially unacceptable
behaviour.
When Dementia is present in the Parietal lobe it can affect an individual's
perception and sight.
Dementia can also affect the Temporal lobe, when this happens, an
individual can experience memory loss and difficulty verbally
communicating.
When the Occipital lobe is affected by Dementia, it can cause an individual
to suffer from perception loss, vision loss and confusion in recognising faces
or everyday objects.
Dementia can also affect the Cerebellum which can cause a loss of bodily
control such as being unbalanced without aid or loss of control with bodily
fluids and excrements. Language and speech communication are also
affected.
1.3 - Explain why depression, delirium and age-related memory impairment
may be mistaken for dementia.
Depression, delirium and age-related memory impairment can be often
mistaken for Dementia in the elderly as they share similar symptoms such
DEMENTIA
AWARENESS
1.) Understand what dementia is.
1.1 - Explain what is meant by the term ‘dementia’.
Dementia is used to describe a group of symptoms which effect the
memory, thinking and abilities of an individual. Dementia itself is not a
disease, it is multiple factors which when combined is called and given the
term Dementia.
1.2 - Describe the key functions of the brain that are affected by dementia.
Dementia can affect an individual's memory, short term memory, thinking,
ability to perform daily tasks and can affect all parts of the brain.
Dementia can affect the cerebrum part of the brain which can lead to
hallucinations.
Dementia can affect the frontal lobe of the brain which can cause a shift in
personality such as becoming unpredictive and socially unacceptable
behaviour.
When Dementia is present in the Parietal lobe it can affect an individual's
perception and sight.
Dementia can also affect the Temporal lobe, when this happens, an
individual can experience memory loss and difficulty verbally
communicating.
When the Occipital lobe is affected by Dementia, it can cause an individual
to suffer from perception loss, vision loss and confusion in recognising faces
or everyday objects.
Dementia can also affect the Cerebellum which can cause a loss of bodily
control such as being unbalanced without aid or loss of control with bodily
fluids and excrements. Language and speech communication are also
affected.
1.3 - Explain why depression, delirium and age-related memory impairment
may be mistaken for dementia.
Depression, delirium and age-related memory impairment can be often
mistaken for Dementia in the elderly as they share similar symptoms such
