Dementia is a terminal disease. If we can even prevent early...

Dementia is a terminal disease.  If we can even prevent early stage to moderate & late stage dementia, buy patients & families more time together without losing memory of children, grandchildren etc & anticipatory grieving whilst they are still alive.  It’s a rough deal, especially with concomitant health conditions.  They are very prone to delerium & if it’s a sudden increase in confusion, you need to be looking at urinary tract infections, constipation, what medication they are on...especially opioids & sleeping tablets.  

In early dementia, unless diagnosed, a little forgetfulness can be forgiven for simple explanations, as it goes on, it becomes apparent & parent problems.  You may not even notice until an adverse event like a fall & broken bone & they get assessed in hospital.  I’ve been working with dementia patients for 16 years & I highly recommend this course:  University of Tasmania,  it’s free & all online & in your own time, for everyone interested in dementia.  It explains a lot & chatrooms & support if you need it.  Enrolling Feb 19.  

http://www.utas.edu.au/wicking/understanding-dementia