Literature Review Dementia Care
In Australia, almost 1 in 1O people aged 65 years and over, and 3 in 10 people aged 85 years and over have dementia (Department of Health and Ageing, 2013). Over 320,000 Australians are living with dementia. Dementia is now the second leading cause of death in Australia with no existing cure. Moreover, deaths due to dementia have increased approximately 137% over the past ten years, with nearly 11,000 deaths recorded in 2013 (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2014).
Dementia is described as a ‘loss of self’ (Cohen & Eisdorfer, 1986) or a condition in which the environment becomes increasingly alien, similar to living in a bad dream causing a progressively set down stress threshold (Stolley, 1994). These unfamiliar terrains in turn may lead to …show more content…
A review of the literature shows a general consensus that early assessment of predisposing factors of delirium and depression, can be managed with the provision of a basic understanding and the establishment of a supportive environment which could help to facilitate holistic care for all involved, the patient, the staff and the carer (Andersson 1993). In order to achieve such care, an evidence-based approach needs to be in place detailing the priority for management and nursing assessment of delirium, depression, aggression and other mental disorder associated with …show more content…
Moreover, the usage of antipsychotics in aged care facilities have increased outside of the approved indications of administrative standards (Wastila et al. 2009), and its potential benefits most probably outweigh their risks. These types of medication may or may not be effective and well tolerated (including cognitively) in the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in elderly patients (Wancata 2004). Neil and colleagues (2003) reported that generally, first-generation or 'typical' antipsychotics have been identified as non-beneficial for treating BPSD with the exception of haloperidol, which has been found to have statistically beneficial effects in treating both BPSD and delirium. It has also being identified
Dementia is described as a ‘loss of self’ (Cohen & Eisdorfer, 1986) or a condition in which the environment becomes increasingly alien, similar to living in a bad dream causing a progressively set down stress threshold (Stolley, 1994). These unfamiliar terrains in turn may lead to …show more content…
A review of the literature shows a general consensus that early assessment of predisposing factors of delirium and depression, can be managed with the provision of a basic understanding and the establishment of a supportive environment which could help to facilitate holistic care for all involved, the patient, the staff and the carer (Andersson 1993). In order to achieve such care, an evidence-based approach needs to be in place detailing the priority for management and nursing assessment of delirium, depression, aggression and other mental disorder associated with …show more content…
Moreover, the usage of antipsychotics in aged care facilities have increased outside of the approved indications of administrative standards (Wastila et al. 2009), and its potential benefits most probably outweigh their risks. These types of medication may or may not be effective and well tolerated (including cognitively) in the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in elderly patients (Wancata 2004). Neil and colleagues (2003) reported that generally, first-generation or 'typical' antipsychotics have been identified as non-beneficial for treating BPSD with the exception of haloperidol, which has been found to have statistically beneficial effects in treating both BPSD and delirium. It has also being identified