Role of cholinesterase inhibitors in dementia care needs rethinking.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Ambulatory Care↗
Biomedical subjects
Graham A Jackson
Publications and source records attributed to Graham A Jackson.
Care needs of elderly people with schizophrenia. Assessment of an epidemiologically defined cohort in Scotland.
BACKGROUND: Little is known of the needs of elderly patients with psychotic illnesses. AIMS: To measure the care needs of an epidemiologically based group of patients over the age of 65 years suffering from psychotic illness, using a standardised assessment. METHOD: All patients aged 65 years and over with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and related disorders from a defined catchment area were identified. Their health and social care needs were investigated using the Cardinal Needs Schedule. RESULTS: The 1-year prevalence of schizophrenia and related disorders was 4.44 per 1000 of the population at risk. There were high levels of unmet need for many patients, including those in National Health Service (NHS) continuing-care beds. CONCLUSIONS: Many needs were identified, all of which could be addressed using the existing skills of local health and social care professionals. The investigation raises serious concerns about standards of hospital and community care for elderly patients with schizophrenia. The findings may be unique, reflecting long-standing problems within a particularly hard-pressed part of the NHS. However, it is not known whether a similar situation exists in other parts of the UK.
Aged↗
Common forms of dementia.
Dementia occurs in various forms and may be associated with other conditions (secondary dementias). Each type has a different impact on the brain, leading to a variety of cognitive losses and behaviour problems. Appropriate identification is vital so that the most suitable treatment can be instigated.
Biopsy↗
Dementia: Alzheimer's disease.
Dementia is a common condition that will increase as the average age of the population increases. It is a syndrome with major health and social implications. There are many different types of dementia and the effects of the illness relate to which parts of the brain are affected. This article looks at the types of brain damage that occur, and focuses on Alzheimer's disease.
Activities of Daily Living↗
Behaviour problems and assessment in dementia.
People with dementia develop behaviour problems, the causes of which are often complex. Such behaviour often challenges the ability to provide care. Patient dignity must always be considered when attempting to reduce antisocial behaviour. Medication may be necessary but should not be seen as a first resort. Cognitive testing, rating scales, physical examination, biochemical tests and brain scans are used to confirm a diagnosis of dementia.
Aged↗
Person-centred care in dementia.
People with dementia, particularly in its early stages, are aware of their problems, therefore it is vital that they are told of their diagnosis so they can make decisions about their future. The development of new drugs has led to major changes in the management of dementia, but 'postcode prescribing' means that all drugs are not widely available. Various means of support are available for patients and their carers but at all times healthcare professionals must ensure that the person is at the centre of a patient's care.
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