Debates Around the Causes and Treatment of Dementia Essay

Introduction

Currently, Dementia is a growing concern which has affected many societies. In fact, the increase in the number of aging people means that the disease will continue to be a significant health concern. In the United Kingdom, Dementia has been a major challenge that has affected the social care standards. Ideally, Dementia has been a significant challenge because it comes with some diseases and distinct causes (Small, Froggatt and Downs, 2007). This aspect has made it hard for the United Kingdom health care to find a possible solution to its cure. Dementia is a terminal condition which comes with three different barriers which include; inequality of access, identification, and planning as well as the quality of care. The paper will draw from medical research and studies carried out in the United Kingdom. Statistics show that the people living with Dementia stake at 850,000 in the United Kingdom. The most significant population of those living with the disease is of age 65 (Hennings, Froggatt, and Keady, 2010). Surprisingly, the gender profile of those suffering from the disease indicates that the majority of those affected are the women who account for two-thirds of the people suffering from the disease. In fact, statistics show that the biggest cause of death among women is from the disease.

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According to Luengo-Fernandez, Leal, and Gray (2010); Dementia is not caused by a single source. The author mentions some underlying causes which are associated with the conditions. While describing the cause of Dementia, the National Health Society of United Kingdom claims that Dementia is not a single disease. Specifically, the disease is associated with the decline in the functions of the brain (Hennings, Froggatt, and Keady, 2010). This means that the disease is associated with many causes which are commonly associated with the abnormal build-up of micro-proteins found in the brain. When the proteins build up, the nerve cells work less efficient and progressively die (Small, Froggatt and Downs, 2007). This makes the nerve cells to die and the brain to gradually shrink. The disease is used as shorthand for many infections. This progressive disease worsens with time because the symptoms start while mild and end up severe.

Types of Dementia in the UK

Alzheimer Dementia

The most common type of Dementia is Alzheimer which two protein types, amyloid and tau build up and result in the loss of the brain cells. Chemical messengers are also affected by the effects that come with this protein build up (Hennings, Froggatt, and Keady 2010). The diagnosis of this disease includes medicines like donepezil which increases levels of acetylcholine. They don't cure but help to improve symptoms that come with the disease.

Vascular Dementia

The next type involves Vascular Dementia which is associated with the reduction in the flow of blood to the brain. A decrease in blood supply means a decrease in cell functions because the oxygen and nutrients needed for survival are reduced. Ultimately, the nerve cells die, and the brain shrinks and dies (Small, Froggatt and Downs 2007).

Alzheimers Dementia

Then, there is the mixed Dementia which is associated with the combination of both vascular and Alzheimers Dementia. The disease comes with mixed conditions and symptoms. Broadly, this involves the combination of treatments and diagnosis.

Treatment That May Be Provided For People with Mental Health Problems (Dementia)

Treatment and diagnosis of Dementia are important as it helps in preventing serious deterioration which may lead to death. The diagnosis of those suffering from the disease is said to last victims up to 10 years after the initial diagnosis (Small, Froggatt and Downs 2007). However, this is dependent on the age of diagnosis and the stage of the disease during diagnosis. Currently, there is no cure for dementia though there exist treatments and medicines which help reduce the symptoms. Some of the medications used to treat this disease apply to all the other forms of Dementia. Common medicines include Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors which are used to improve communication in the cells by breaking down a substance called acetylcholine. Aricept is also used to treat some of the mild symptoms of the disease (Macnab and Fitzsimmons 1987). Severe symptoms are treated using Donepezil. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of using this medicine since the current research has not identified the real benefit that comes with these medicines. Like other medicines, these Dementia medicines also come with side effects which include loss of appetite and nausea. Those who are allergic to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are advised to take Memantine which blocks the side effects that come with excess chemicals that are found in the brain. Challenging behaviors that come with this disease are also treated using antipsychotic medicine which reduces the short-term effects.

There are also alternative medicines which are used to treat the disease, and they include coconut oil and curcumin which have not been scientifically proven as being effective remedies. These are remedies which are considered to supplement the prescribed medicines. However, Small, Froggatt, and Downs (2007) advise people to seek medical attention before using these alternative approaches. There are treatments which don't include medicines and include activities and support for the carer. Cognitive stimulation therapy and cognitive rehabilitation are important as they help in improving the memory and language ability. CST helps people to change their symptoms from mild to moderate. Through group activities, trained professionals and therapists can use the parts of the brain that work to help those that don't (Small, Froggatt and Downs 2007). These methods are aimed at skills achievement and improvement of mood and well-being.

Key Principles for Working with an Individual to Identify Their Needs

Some of the key principles that help people identify the critical needs of others include communication, extra support, knowledge and understanding and key people. First and foremost, communication is essential as it helps in identifying the hidden needs from the way the individual speaks or expresses themselves (Macnab and Fitzsimmons 1987). Effective communication entails the use of signs, symbols, and pictures which communicate the hidden message. The extra support could include professionals like translators and interpreters who may come up with specialist aids designed to identify the needs of the individuals (Small, Froggatt and Downs 2007). Also, the extra support may come in the form of key people who include the family, friends, and carers whom the individual forms a supportive relationship with. This additional support is important in identifying the underlying needs. Lastly, the knowledge and understanding are important in relating the codes of practice and legal requirements that may come with the different interactions (Macnab and Fitzsimmons 1987). Knowledge and understanding of the role and responsibilities assigned help one in defining the needs that arise with different people or circumstances. When these four principles are integrated, one can identify the Physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social needs, and cultural needs, therapeutic relationship, and the contribution of personalized care.

References

Small, N., Froggatt, K. and Downs, M., 2007. Living and dying with dementia: dialogues about palliative care. OUP Oxford.

Hennings, J., Froggatt, K., and Keady, J., 2010. Approaching the end of life and dying with dementia in care homes: the accounts of family carers. Reviews in Clinical Gerontology, 20(2).

Luengo-Fernandez, R., Leal, J., and Gray, A., 2010. Dementia 2010: The economic burden of dementia and associated research funding in the United Kingdom. Cambridge: Alzheimer's Research Trust.

Macnab, D. and Fitzsimmons, G.W., 1987. A multitrait-multimethod study of work-related needs, values, and preferences. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 30(1), pp.1-15.