Articles: dementia.
-
Despite the many complications and minimal benefits associated with long-term enteral nutrition in patients with advanced dementia, it is, nevertheless, a widespread practice in nursing homes throughout the United States. This paper presents a review of the literature on dementia, geriatric nutrition, and enteral feeding. There appears to be limited research to support the long-term benefits and safety of enteral nutrition in advanced dementia. Additionally, it is not yet clear that long-term enteral nutrition in advanced dementia results in an improved quality of life.
-
Comparative Study
Prevalence of dementia in older Japanese-American men in Hawaii: The Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.
To determine prevalence of dementia and its subtypes in Japanese-American men and compare these findings with rates reported for populations in Japan and elsewhere. ⋯ Prevalence of Alzheimer disease in older Japanese-American men in Hawaii appears to be higher than in Japan but similar to European-ancestry populations. Prevalence of vascular dementia appears to be slightly lower than in Japan, but higher than in European-ancestry populations. Further cross-national research with emphasis on standardized diagnostic methods is needed.
-
Review
The experience of dementia: a review of the literature and implications for nursing practice.
This paper explores the early experience of dementia when the veil of uncertainty that surrounds the diagnosis of this condition is lifted. Consideration will also be given to the impact of dementia on carers and the service demands that are created. In the UK alone there are estimated to be 636,000 people living with dementia, with this figure rising to just under 900,000 by the year 2021. ⋯ Current services and interventions focus predominantly on the later stages of dementia, when a meaningful perspective of the person with dementia is difficult to obtain. Nursing has a relatively long history of caring for people with dementia and their family carers. The paper will also consider the contribution of nursing and nursing research to the field and explore additional avenues for service intervention and education.
-
The aim of the study was to examine changes in patient behavior that occurred as a consequence of looking in a mirror. How do dementia patients relate to their image in the mirror? Is the use of the mirror effective in raising levels of self-awareness, calmness and satisfaction? The survey was carried out on 100 patients suffering from dementia: 67 women and 33 men aged between 67 and 85. The findings showed that most responses to looking in the mirror were positive and raised the patients' awareness regarding self-care. ⋯ Findings indicated that the use of mirrors enabled nurses and caregivers to communicate better with patients. Most patients appeared to benefit in various ways from looking into the mirrors. The staff felt that use of mirrors was an inexpensive and efficient therapeutic tool for improving care of demented aged patients.