Managing and Preventing Comorbidity

Discuss the challenges associated with preventing and managing comorbid illness, such as development of geriatric syndromes, in people with dementia.

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Last week, a conversation with my best friend was interrupted by an emergency call informing her that her mother-in-law had been admitted to the psychiatric ward because she was cussing, spitting, and flailing uncontrollably.

Images of this normally gentle-natured, woman with mild dementia, in a full-blown psychotic episode filled my head, and all I could think of was hyper-active delirium! 

As my friend rushed to get off the phone, I found myself interrupting her efforts, imploring her to ask her clinician targeted questions about what led up to these symptoms.

Please note: this resource comes from Healthinaging.org .

Expert information from Healthcare Professionals Who Specialize in the Care of Older Adults

A Guide to Geriatric Syndromes:

Common and Often Related Medical Conditions in Older Adults

 

Geriatric Syndrome

What Should You Do?

DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING

Tell your healthcare provider. Treatment for this syndrome depends on the underlying cause of the swallowing problem.

Below is a link to information on geriatric syndromes developed by the American Geriatrics Society that you may find helpful.  It includes a description of the following Geriatric Syndromes:

  • Bladder problems
  • Delirium
  • Dementia
  • Dizziness
  • Falls
  • Gait problems
  • Malnutrition & Swallowing problems
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Sleep disorders

The material is written in language appropriate for family caregivers.

Hi Everyone, I am conducting a pilot study with the geriatric population where I work using an intervention that enhances mindfulness on overall well being.  The intervention is known as Heart Assisted Therapy-SR (HAT-SR).  HAT-SR is a non-invasive breathing technique that increases awareness and acceptance by centering on the heart.  Individuals place their hands on their heart, clear their mind, perform a breathing technique and repeat an acceptance statement (Diepold, 2006, Diepold, 2013).

FRIDAY, Sept. 20 (HealthDay News) -- More than half of patients with dementia will experience delirium while hospitalized -- and failure to detect that delirium results in a quicker decline of these patients' physical and mental health, according to a new study.

To learn more: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_140872.html

 

Health Care Professionals as well as caregivers may need to know more about post-operative confusion. Below are

links to more detailed information about this condition. Delirium is a condition that should be understood by

anyone working with older adults.

The VA has devoted a lot of resources to try to help Veterans with dementia remain in their homes.  The Office of Rural Health Initiatives has posted a series of 20 videoclips on managing common challenges in dementia.

The link below will take you to those resources, which are available to all caregivers throughout the US.