Some of us are very lucky and blessed to go through life and never have any issues with our memories. Then there are others who have the difficulty moments of remembering their names and carrying out simple tasks. It is very difficult to imagine a loved one losing the ability to remember and function on their own. As nursing assistants, you can be of great service for any patient or resident who is suffering from confusion, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. You would be their safety net and life line to the outer world.
Cognition is the mental process associated with thinking, knowing, remembering and communicating. Cognitive impairment is the loss of one’s ability to think clearly and logically.
Confusion is the inability to think clearly. It could be caused by Urinary tract infections, which occur in the elderly, especially women. Low blood sugars, head trauma or injuries, nutritional problems and dehydration. Even fevers or a sudden drop in body temperature. Confusion can occur suddenly and is usually temporary, known as delirium. Some of the signs and symptoms are agitation, anger, irritability and disorientation. You may notice speech difficulty and focusing issues and a decrease in short term memory.
Dementia is the loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning, communicating and socializing. This does not occur with every person as they get older. Some dementias are reversible depending on their causes, which could be drugs, vitamin deficiencies, or even a metabolic disorder. There are no changes in the level of consciousness although there could be personality changes.
Degenerative means continually worsens causing greater loss of health and abilities.
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of the aging process. It is caused by tangled nerve fibers, protein and protein buildup that form in the brain. It eventually causes dementia. There is no cure for it. The disease has hereditary components and genetic markers that are useful in confirming diagnosis. Symptoms develop over time and every person will show different signs at different times. An MRI will confirm any brain atrophy, but actually diagnosis of Alzheimer’s occurs postmortem with an autopsy to see the presence of the amyloid plaquing and the neurofibril tangles.
A person who loses their mental capacity and independence, will need the help and care of others eventually. No matter the level of confusion, dementia or Alzheimer’s, as nursing assistants, your main goal is safety at all times while maintaining respect of your patients and helping to keep their independence and pride.
- Never leave the patient alone.
- Always stay calm and provide a quiet environment, reducing distractions and turning televisions or radios off if necessary.
- When communicating with your patients speak calmly, softly, slowly and directly to them. Loud voices or rushed and hurried behavior can cause anxiousness and agitation in the person.
- Use the person’s name and speak clearly and in simple sentences.
- Introduce yourself every time you see the them, reminding them of the date and location where they are.
- Always explain what you are doing, talking to them, not at them, about the plans for their day. If it helps someone make lists they can follow and maintain some form order within their lives. Continuity helps with focus and process of daily activities.
- Promote self-care and independence providing simple and easy instructions. Encourage one to wear their eyeglasses if they have them.
- Never, leave any equipment or supplies around. They may not remember how to use them and could cause harm or injury to themselves or others.
- Always be gentle and try to alleviate or decrease any fears they may have.
- Remember you are the patients advocate and caretaker, report your observations and changes to your team leader. This will help to manage their care and give them the best possible help they deserve and have meaning to their lives.
