1. Understand what Dementia is
1.1 Explain what is meant by the term ‘Dementia’.
A definition of the term ‘dementia’ is: A condition due to a disease of the brain, generally of a constant progressive quality, where there are many disturbances of higher cognitive functions. These include impairment of thinking, memory and orientation, learning ability, language judgement. The resulting disability depends on the interaction between the underlying disease process, the individual and the social and built environment.
1.2 Describe the key functions of the brain that are affected by dementia.
The key functions of the brain that are affected are:
• Parietal Lobe – For behaviour, special awareness and recognition.
• Frontal Lobe – For behaviour, movement and personality.
• Occipital Lobe – For memory, speech and hearing.
1.3 Explain why depression, delirium and age related memory impairment maybe mistaken for dementia.
This is because of similarities in the signs they are showing and the symptoms. Maybe as people grow old, their memory becomes impaired, the way they can remember certain things changes, as does certain behaviour.
2. Understand the key features of the theoretical models of dementia.
2.1 Outline the medical model of dementia.
The medical model of dementia can create dependency, restrict choice, disempowers, devaluates and reinforces stereotypes. The medical model focuses on the impairment as the problem and focuses on a cure.
2.2 Outline the social model of dementia.
Using the person-centred approach, focusing on the rights of the individual and so empowering them, promoting independence and giving choice, looking at what the person actually is able to do.
2.3 Explain why dementia should be viewed as a disability.
Individuals who have dementia are not aware of the elements for living, forgetting to do essential things i.e. personal hygiene, eating and drinking and even getting dressed properly. They