Dementia Care in Acute Hospital Settings

The symptoms of dementia and how the environment has an impact:

Memory loss – where am I, why am I here, I don’t recognise anyone, anything, anywhere

Communication skills – forgetting words, not able to speak/explain/ask clearly. Not able to understand what is being said

Emotions – a person with dementia may forget people and places but not how a person makes them feel

Visual perception – lack of spatial awareness (2D & difficulty judging distances), tunnel vision/loss of ability to distinguish between colours

Loss of ability to apply logic and reason (sense danger). Unable to sequence events correctly

Experience increased levels of stress and anxiety

Easily confused and disorientated

Age related ailments – sight, hearing, physical fitness, height, chronic conditions such as high/low blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, or heart issues

CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR IS VERY RARELY A SYMPTOM OF A DEMENTIA, BUT MORE LIKELY CAUSED BY THE ENVIRONMENT AND PEOPLE