Management of DementiaManagement of Dementia

by Sylvia Meijerby Sylvia Meijer

Nurse Practitioner Older AdultNurse Practitioner Older Adult

This presentationThis presentation• Strategic and personal approach• Overview of management concerns• Practical examples• Where to find support

Strategic approach to dementiaStrategic approach to dementia

Guidelines aligned to the MoHWork in progress on a regional

frameworkWork in progress on a DHB wide

frameworkMap of Medicine

Often voiced concernsOften voiced concerns

“I don’t need a shower, I just a had a wash !”,

“This isn’t my house.” , “Someone took my handbag !”

Brief explanation of Brief explanation of behavioursbehaviours

Aggressive behavioursAgitated behavioursDepression and dementia

Brief explanation of Brief explanation of behavioursbehaviours

Anxious behavioursDisinhibited behaviours

Key checksKey checksCommunicationKnowing the person is essentialWhat is the cause for this

behaviour: Eliminate:

◦Physical concerns◦Environmental concerns

Support availableSupport available

Community organisationsGP teams and specialist servicesDay and residential care

Take home message: ……

know the person

Thank you

Show patience

Be there ………..

ReferencesReferencesAlzheimers organisation NZ: http://www.alzheimers.org.nz/

Management of patients with dementia. A national clinical guideline.

www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=8809

Dementia management, recommendations for health professionals

http://www.alz.org/national/documents/phase_4_home_care_recs.pdf

Ministry of Health NZ: http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-

treatments/mental-health/dementia