How To Take Care Of Dementia Patients
Taking care of individuals who have dementia is not an easy task and may require assistance. The following options are available:
Assisted living facility: Some people may be unable to take care of their family members with dementia due to their busy schedules or inability to understand and cater to their needs. Many assisted living facilities and care homes are operational all across the UK where the patients are taken well care of, and all their needs are fulfilled accordingly.
At-home carer: Some people wish to take care of their elderly parents by themselves. In such cases, it is important to have vast knowledge about dementia and how it progresses, the behavioural changes that may occur over time, the medications and the dos and donts. . In the last stages of the disease, the patient may require 24/7 care which may be hard to manage along with work. In such cases, an at-home carer may be required. Understanding the medical model of care for dementia is essential. In these testing times of COVID-19 pandemic, live-in care may be preferred.
Is There A Cure For Parkinsons
Theres presently no cure for Parkinsons, an illness that is chronic and worsens in time. More than 50,000 new cases are reported in the United States each year. However there may be much more, because Parkinsons is often misdiagnosed.
Its reported that Parkinsons complications was the 14th major cause of death in the United States in 2016.
Dont Miss: Va Compensation For Parkinsons Disease
Availability Of Data And Materials
Data are available from the Korea National Health Insurance Sharing service Institutional Data Access/Ethics Committee for researchers who meet the criteria for the access to confidential data. Researchers can apply for the National Health Insurance data sharing service upon approval by the Institutional Review Board of their institution. After a review by the Korea National Health Insurance Sharing Service Institutional Data Access/Ethics Committee, the authors are required to pay a data access fee and confirm that other researchers will be able to access the data in the same manner as the authors.
Don’t Miss: Parkinson’s Disease And Cognition
Diagnosis: Parkinson’s Dementia Or Dementia With Lewy Bodies
During assessment, a specialist may look at when the dementia symptoms first appeared before reaching a diagnosis of Parkinson’s dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies.
If there have been motor symptoms for at least one year before dementia symptoms occur, specialists will often give a diagnosis of Parkinson’s dementia.
If dementia symptoms occur before or at the same time as motor symptoms, specialists will usually give a diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.
However, it should be noted that in some cases of dementia with Lewy bodies, no motor symptoms develop at all.
Theres no single test – diagnosis is made through several different assessments, usually starting with an appointment with your GP or Parkinson’s nurse.
Some people find it helps to go to the appointment with someone who knows them well, who can give the GP or Parkinson’s nurse information about changes they’ve noticed.
Your GP can discuss your symptoms with you and carry out a physical examination, including blood and urine tests, to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms .
Your GP may also review your medication, in case your symptoms are side effects.
If your GP thinks you have dementia, they can refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist, psychiatrist or geriatrician.
You might be referred to a memory clinic or memory service. In some areas of the country, you can refer yourself to these services.
But if you feel you need to see the specialist again, you can ask to be referred back.
What To Know About Taking These Drugs
The medications work by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical that helps relax and contract your muscles.
When this chemical is blocked, peoples memory and attention can become impaired which is the reason so many people complain of acute confusion and memory loss while taking these medications.
Its thought that over time anticholinergics can inhibit these cognitive functions and eventually make certain people more vulnerable to the type of degeneration that occurs in dementia.
Long-term blockage of the transmitter may lead to an acceleration of memory loss or even potentially degeneration of these types of cells in the brain, Dr. David Merrill, a neurologist and geriatric psychiatrist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, told Healthline.
Still, more research is needed to better understand exactly why anticholinergic drugs may increase peoples risk of dementia.
While there may be other factors at play, the researchers suspect that anticholinergics may cause about 10 percent of all new dementia cases.
If youre on any anticholinergics drugs, you may want to check in with your doctors about these risks, health experts warn.
Read Also: Essential Tremor And Parkinson’s
How Can We Support The Sleep/wake Cycle Of Pdd
For people with PDD who are confused about the day-night cycle, some daily strategies can be helpful. At night, starting a lights out routine that happens at the same hour every day, where all curtains are closed and lights are turned off, can help the person understand that it is sleep time. During the day, opening the curtains, allowing the person with PDD to spend as much time in the daylight as possible, avoiding naps, and organizing stimulating activities, can be helpful. Having lots of calendars and clocks in every room might also help a person with PDD be less confused about the time of day.
Read Also: Types Of Parkinsons Disease
How Do I Know My Loved One Has Medication
Early diagnosis of the disease can help manage it properly and slow down the progression. A person developing medication-induced dementia will show symptoms that can be examined to confirm the diagnosis. The medical symptoms of dementia include:
- The patient struggles to concentrate for a long period
- Behavioural changes
- Struggling to remember daily life information
- State of confusion
If the symptoms are overlooked and the medication is not stopped, the condition may worsen with time. As dementia is a progressive disease, it never stops advancing and continues to aggravate. Different medicines are used to treat the symptoms such as dementia medication donepezil is used to manage the state of confusion.
It is of utmost importance to get yourself checked frequently if dementia runs in the family or you are of age. Communicate to the doctor about common medications that may cause dementia and act accordingly.
Also Check: Parkinson’s Disease And Sleep
What Did It Find
- According to the UPDRS score, there was no difference in the progress of disease between the early-start group and the delayed-start group , .
- The estimated rate of change in progression of the disease, a secondary outcome, was similar in both groups between 4 and 44 weeks .
- Due to needing symptomatic relief, 87 people in the delayed-start group had levodopa before week 40.
- The estimated rate of change in progression was faster between weeks 44 and 80 in the early-start group . This means starting levodopa earlier did not slow disease progression.
- At 80 weeks, a similar proportion of participants were suffering complications, such as involuntary movements, from levodopa treatment .
Behaviors Seen In Parkinsons Disease Dementia
As dementia progresses, managing disorientation, confusion, agitation, and impulsivity can be a key component of care.
Some patients experience hallucinations or delusions as a complication of Parkinsons disease. These may be frightening and debilitating. Approximately 50 percent of those with the disease may experience them.
The best thing to do when giving care to someone experiencing hallucinations or delusions from Parkinsons disease dementia is to keep them calm and reduce their stress.
Take note of their symptoms and what they were doing before they exhibited signs of hallucinating and then let their doctor know.
This element of the disease can be particularly challenging for caregivers. Patients may become unable to care for themselves or be left alone.
Some ways to make caregiving easier include:
- sticking to a normal routine whenever possible
- being extra comforting after any medical procedures
- limiting distractions
- using curtains, nightlights, and clocks to help stick to a regular sleep schedule
- remembering that the behaviors are a factor of the disease and not the person
Read Also: Stage 5 Parkinson’s Disease Life Expectancy
Names Of Parkinsons Drugs
Drugs for Parkinsons can be divided into three categories.
On our website, we have listed drugs in the following order to help you see each category clearly.
- The class or type of drug, for example levodopa.
- The generic name, such as co-beneldopa, which will include the active ingredients of the drug. For example, co-beneldopa is a combination of levodopa and benserazide.
- The brand name. For example, Madopar is the name that the pharmaceutical company, Roche, uses to sell co-beneldopa.
Your specialist will decide whether to prescribe you branded or generic versions of your medication. It usually depends on which area of the country you are in or what is most common to prescribe in that area. Once there are no longer any legal rights to the brand name any company can make generic versions of a drug.
The active ingredient of a generic drug is always the same as the branded version and lots of people wont have any problems using the generic medication.
In the UK, a generic or branded medicine needs a licence and there is a strict process for this. This means that the quality of a generic or branded version of the same medicine will be the same, and they will also act in the same way.
If you find that you respond a bit differently to generic medication, discuss this with your specialist or Parkinsons nurse.
The brand name will usually be the most visible name on your packet of medication. The generic name is usually written in small print.
Managing Medication Interactions And Side Effects
All prescribed medications can have potential side effects, including those used to treat Parkinsons. Some things you think are symptoms of Parkinsons may actually be side effects of medication. Some peoples side effects will have a big impact on their lives and have to be kept under control along with the symptoms.
Don’t Miss: Doctors That Specialize In Parkinson’s Disease
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take rivastigmine if you are allergic to rivastigmine or similar medicines, such as felbamate, meprobamate, or carisoprodol.
You should not take oral rivastigmine if you have ever had severe redness, itching, or skin irritation caused by wearing a rivastigmine transdermal skin patch.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
-
an ulcer or stomach bleeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Rivastigmine May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:
- tremor or worsening of tremor
- increased sweating
- hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist
- uncontrollable movements and muscle contractions
Rivastigmine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
Recommended Reading: Toothbrush For Parkinson’s Patients
What Happens If I Miss A Dose
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
If you miss several doses in a row, call your doctor before taking any more of rivastigmine.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Is Parkinsons Disease Inherited
Scientists have discovered gene mutations that are associated with Parkinsons disease.
There is some belief that some cases of early-onset Parkinsons disease disease starting before age 50 may be inherited. Scientists identified a gene mutation in people with Parkinsons disease whose brains contain Lewy bodies, which are clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein. Scientists are trying to understand the function of this protein and its relationship to genetic mutations that are sometimes seen in Parkinsons disease and in people with a type of dementia called Lewy body dementia.
Several other gene mutations have been found to play a role in Parkinsons disease. Mutations in these genes cause abnormal cell functioning, which affects the nerve cells ability to release dopamine and causes nerve cell death. Researchers are still trying to discover what causes these genes to mutate in order to understand how gene mutations influence the development of Parkinsons disease.
Scientists think that about 10% to 15% of persons with Parkinsons disease may have a genetic mutation that predisposes them to development of the disease. There are also environmental factors involved that are not fully understood.
You May Like: Tce Exposure And Parkinson’s
What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinson Disease
Parkinson disease symptoms usually start out mild, and then progressively get much worse. The first signs are often so subtle that many people don’t seek medical attention at first. These are common symptoms of Parkinson disease:
- Tremors that affect the face and jaw, legs, arms, and hands
- Slow, stiff walking
Be Your Own Health Advocate
Every drug carries risks.The Save Institute recommends avoiding prescriptions drugs except in matters of life and death. The dire, life-altering consequences of DIP are a striking example of why this recommendation is so important for maintaining your health.
Do your own research about the potential side effects of any drug, and always seek a natural remedy instead of a synthetic drug. In the case of osteoporosis and osteopenia, reversal is possible through a combination of diet, exercise and bone-healthy lifestyle choices.
Also Check: Early Signs Of Parkinson’s Dementia
What To Do If A Family Member Is Using These Medications
Many medicines mentioned above are a part of the regime for a lot of elderly or mid-aged patients.
Now that we know that anticholinergic and benzodiazepines medication use and incident dementia are related, it is important not to panic if you notice a medicine in a family members routine, which comes under the class of medications that can worsen dementia. Often, individuals abruptly stop their medications, leading to other problems that can turn into a disease in the long term. Always consult the doctor and put forward your concerns before you stop taking prescribed medicine. Ask them to review the prescription and list alternatives. Moreover, medical tests for dementia can help with diagnosis.
In the case of over-the-counter medications, usually, anticholinergics can be stopped without the consultation of a doctor. However, using alternatives is a must because therapy cannot be terminated. For example, over-the-counter sleeping pills are strongly anticholinergic, and anticholinergic medications and dementia are linked. The therapy can be concluded if the patient exhibits symptoms of dementia or the condition declines. However, other therapeutic measures must be employed.
Living With Parkinson Disease
These measures can help you live well with Parkinson disease:
- An exercise routine can help keep muscles flexible and mobile. Exercise also releases natural brain chemicals that can improve emotional well-being.
- High protein meals can benefit your brain chemistry
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can help your ability to care for yourself and communicate with others
- If you or your family has questions about Parkinson disease, want information about treatment, or need to find support, you can contact the American Parkinson Disease Association.
Don’t Miss: Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease In Women
Types Of Dementia Medications
Several prescription medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat symptoms of dementia caused by AD. These drugs can provide short-term relief from cognitive dementia symptoms. Some can also help slow the progression of AD-related dementia.
While these drugs are approved to treat symptoms of AD, theyre not approved to treat symptoms of other types of dementia. However, researchers are exploring off-label uses of these medications for people with non-AD dementias.
OFF-LABEL DRUG USE
Off-label drug use means that a drug thats been approved by the FDA for one purpose is used for a different purpose that hasnt been approved. However, a doctor can still use the drug for that purpose. The FDA regulates the testing and approval of drugs, but not how doctors use drugs to treat their patients. So, your doctor can prescribe a drug however they think is best for your care.
According to the Alzheimers Association, some AD medications may benefit people with Parkinsons disease dementia and vascular dementia.
Some of the most commonly prescribed medications used to treat symptoms of AD are cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine.
Cholinesterase inhibitors work by increasing acetylcholine, a chemical in your brain that aids in memory and judgment. Increasing the amount of acetylcholine in your brain may delay dementia-related symptoms. It may also prevent them from worsening.
The more common side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors include:
How Is Parkinsons Disease Dementia Diagnosed
No single test can diagnose Parkinsons disease dementia. Instead, doctors rely on a series or combination of tests and indicators.
Your neurologist will likely diagnose you with Parkinsons and then track your progression. They may monitor you for signs of dementia. As you get older, your risk for Parkinsons dementia increases.
Your doctor is more likely to conduct regular testing to monitor your cognitive functions, memory recall, and mental health.
Recommended Reading: Metronome For Parkinson’s Disease
What Is The Self
Protein in the diet may affect the absorption of levodopa, the major medication used to treat Parkinsons disease. Fluctuations in the level of levodopa may worsen some behavioral and cognitive symptoms. A low-protein diet may reduce fluctuations in dopamine levels. In some patients with these fluctuations, dietary changes can improve symptoms. However, it is important to ensure that the person is getting adequate calories and other nutrients.
People with Parkinsons disease should remain as active as possible. Physical therapy helps the person maintain mobility.
In general, people with Parkinsons disease plus dementia should no longer drive vehicles. Movement problems may prevent quick reactions in hazardous driving situations. Certain medications, especially those given to treat symptoms of dementia, may make them less alert. However, this should be determined on an individual basis and in compliance with the laws of the state.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Also Check: Drugs That Cause Parkinson Like Symptoms