Seniors who develop dementia are at risk of many complications that impact their physical and mental health. Dementia involves cognitive decline resulting in changed moods, personality and behaviors. The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or one of the other types of dementias increases with age. Complications relate to the impact of confusion, falls, immobility, decreased nutritional status and lack of stimulation.
Confusion Impacts Safety and Health
Seniors in the early stages of dementia become increasingly confused. They may mistakenly ingest toxins such as bleach thinking it is milk or consume cough syrup because it smells like candy. The home should be adapted with this in mind in the same way parents "childproof" an environment. In addition, individuals with dementia may drive dangerously, wander, get lost in their neighborhoods and go outdoors in cold weather without appropriate clothing. As the person becomes too confused to use the toilet and must wear adult underwear, the risk of developing urinary tract infections increases.
Increased Fall Risk
As we age we are all at increased risk of falls due to decreased balance and vision. However, individuals with dementia are at further risk because they lack the cognitive abilities to take precautions. They may walk down stairways without first putting on a light, shovel icy walkways or confuse the door to the bathroom with the one to the cellar. In addition seniors with dementia may live in cluttered environments with objects on the floor or slippery throw rugs that contribute to stumbling and falls.
Immobility
As dementia progresses, the person is likely to become too confused to continue walking. Immobility--in either a wheelchair or bed--impacts cardiovascular health and increases risk of thromboembolism, or blood clots. Inactivity causes muscles to lose mass and bone density decreases, contributing to osteoporosis. Immobile individuals lose range of motion and may develop joint contractures. In addition, if the person has limited ability to shift weight, she is at risk of developing bedsores.
Maintaining Nutritional Status
During the earlier stages of dementia the person has difficulty buying food and preparing nutritious meals. An individual may end up living on crackers and jelly because they are readily available and easy to eat. During the late stage, patients have difficulty coordinating muscles to chew, swallow and drink liquids safely. Residents in nursing homes may be given meals with adequate nutritional value. However, poor staffing often results in hurried meals, food may not be preferred or tasty and dining environments may be so overstimulating that the patient ends up with inadequate food intake.
Lack of Stimulation
Elderly people often lack stimulation because they have difficulty getting into the community, have lost a spouse or friends or ill health prevents participation in previous activities. Individuals with senile dementia suffer additional loss of stimulation because they may be too confused to use a telephone, television or read. They gradually lose the ability to engage in conversation. This places them at increased risk for depression and anxiety. However, individuals who are given stimulation adapted to meet their cognitive abilities can have the best quality of life possible given the devastation of dementia.
References
- "Still Giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer's Victim you Love"; Barbara A. Smith; 2008
- "Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery"; National Institute on Aging/National Institute of Health; 2002
- "Eldercare: A Guide to Clinical Geriatrics"; O'Hara-Devereaux; 1981
