Chronic

Confusion
a.k.a.
Dementia
Definition – Chronic Confusion
• also called dementia.
• a long-term, progressive, and possibly degenerative process
and occurs over months or years.
• variable in nature and may usually involve problems with
memory recall, problem-solving, language, and attention.
Types
• Cortical Dementia
Dementia where the brain damage primarily affects the brain’s
cortex or outer layer.
Tends to cause problems with memory, language, thinking, and
social behavior.
Types
• Subcortical Dementia
Dementia that affects parts of the brain below the cortex.
Tends to cause changes in emotions and movement in addition to
problems with memory

• Progressive Dementia
Dementia that gets worse over time, gradually interfering with
more and more cognitive abilities.
Types
• Primary Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease that does not result from other disease.

• Secondary Dementia
Dementia that occurs as a result of a physical disease or injury.
Causes
• Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. Also causes it are
the following:
Factors Affecting Dementia
Prevention
Home Management
• Help the person stay calm and oriented.
• Make dressing and grooming easier.
• Talk to the person
• Help with memory loss.
• Manage behaviour and sleep problems.
• Encourage activities that are both stimulating and
enjoyable.
Medical Management
The following are used to temporarily improve dementia
symptoms:
• Cholinesterase inhibitors.
• Memantine.
• Other medicines.
Medical Management - Medicines
• Cholinesterase inhibitors
these medicines work by boosting levels of a chemical
messenger involved in memory and judgment. They include
donepezil (Aricept, Adlarity), rivastigmine (Exelon) and
galantamine (Razadyne ER).

Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019#:~:text=The
%20following%20are%20used%20to,and%20galantamine%20(Razadyne%20ER).
Medical Management
• Memantine
Memantine (Namenda) works by regulating the activity of
glutamate. Glutamate is another chemical messenger
involved in brain functions such as learning and memory.
Memantine is sometimes prescribed with a cholinesterase
inhibitor.

Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019#:~:text=The
%20following%20are%20used%20to,and%20galantamine%20(Razadyne%20ER).
Medical Management
• Other medicines
You might take other medicines to treat symptoms or other
conditions. You may need treatment for depression, sleep
problems, hallucinations, parkinsonism or agitation

Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019#:~:text=The
%20following%20are%20used%20to,and%20galantamine%20(Razadyne%20ER).
Medical Management - Therapies
• Occupational therapy.
An occupational therapist can show you how to make your
home safer and teach coping behaviors. The purpose is to
prevent accidents, such as falls. The therapy also helps you
manage behavior and prepare you for when the dementia
progresses.

Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019#:~:text=The
%20following%20are%20used%20to,and%20galantamine%20(Razadyne%20ER).
Medical Management - Therapies
• Changes to the environment.
Reducing clutter and noise can make it easier for someone
with dementia to focus and function. You might need to hide
objects that can threaten safety, such as knives and car keys.
Monitoring systems can alert you if the person with dementia
wanders.

Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019#:~:text=The
%20following%20are%20used%20to,and%20galantamine%20(Razadyne%20ER).
Medical Management - Therapies
• Simpler tasks.
Breaking tasks into easier steps and focusing on success, not
failure, can be helpful. Structure and routine help reduce
confusion in people with dementia.

Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019#:~:text=The
%20following%20are%20used%20to,and%20galantamine%20(Razadyne%20ER).
Caregiver Intervention
• Learn about the disease and participate in caregiver
education programs.
• Find out about supportive services in your community, such
as respite care or adult care. These services can give you a
break from caregiving at scheduled times during the week.

Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019#:~:text=The
%20following%20are%20used%20to,and%20galantamine%20(Razadyne%20ER).
Caregiver Intervention
• Ask friends or other family members for help.
• Take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual health.
• Ask questions of health care professionals, social workers
and others involved in the care of your loved one.
• Join a support group

Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019#:~:text=The
%20following%20are%20used%20to,and%20galantamine%20(Razadyne%20ER).
Personal Reflections
After learning about chronic confusion, a.k.a. dementia, it
encouraged me to avoid the different risk factors that cause
it. It is time to change our lifestyles while we still can. We
have to watch what we eat, stay active, look after our hearts,
and socialize. Of course, we should always be careful not to
hurt our heads. As future caregivers, it is vital for us to learn
these things, as we will be the ones to help those families
with loved ones suffering from this condition.