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eFit – HCP: Dementia
Dementia is an overall term for symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. Symptoms may include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language, changes in mood or behaviour severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Dementia is progressive as symptoms get worse due to damaged brain cells that eventually die.
Dementia is not a specific disease. Many diseases can cause dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia (due to strokes), Lewy Body Dementia, fronto-temporal dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. These conditions can have similar and overlapping symptoms. Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, sleep disorders, or mental illness can produce symptoms like dementia. (1)
Ascertain Dementia 8-Item Informant Questionnaire:
Link
Alberta Health Services Wandering Risk Assessment:
Link
Clock Drawing Test:
Link (Instructions included)
Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory:
Instructions eForm Print Form
Cornell Scale Depression in Dementia Screening Tool:
Instructions eForm Print Form
Mini-Cog Assessment:
Instructions Print Form
Best Practice Guideline for Accommodating and Managing Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Residential Care (British Columbia Ministry of Health):
Guideline
Dementia: Assessment, Management, and Support for People Living with Dementia and their Carers (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence):
Website
Guidelines for Care: Person-centered Care of People with Dementia Living in Care Homes (Alzheimer Society):
Framework
Behavioural Symptoms of Dementia: Care for Patients in Hospitals and Residents in Long-Term Care Homes (Health Quality Ontario):
Quality Standards
Dementia Care for People Living in the Community (Health Quality Ontario):
Quality Standards
How to Talk to Families About Advanced Dementia (Guide for HCPs) (Patient CareLink):
Guide
Recommendations on Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults (Canadian Medical Association Journal):
Guideline
RNAO: Delirium, Dementia, and Depression in Older Adults: Assessment and Care (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario):
Guideline
The Assessment and Treatment of Mental Health Issues in Long-Term Care Homes: Focus on Mood and Behaviour (Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health):
Guideline
Reading List: Dementia in Older Adults
Reading List: Supporting Care Partners of Those with Dementia
Caregiver Resources – Dementia (Sagelink):
Caregiver Resources
Foundations for the Future: Dementia Care for LGBT Communities (VODG):
Report
Helpful home Changes for People Living with Dementia (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation):
Fact Sheet
The Last Taboo: Sexuality, Aging & Dementia (Sagelink):
Presentation
Understanding Behaviour (Alzheimer Society Canada):
Website Resource
View the CSAH Lesson on Dementia & Responsive Behaviours
View CSAH Courses for HCP: Caring for the Older Adult
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