as a client’s appearance, change in behaviors, voice, speech, concentration and attention can signal possible declines in a person’s cognitive health. If a person is displaying cognitive decline, this can impact on the client’s ability to undertake all or elements of their everyday activities such as showering, dressing, attending appointments, meal preparation, managing finances. Cognitive issues may be perceived by older people, their families and health professionals as a result of ageing, not as health problems that could respond to treatment. Various cultures view cognitive impairment differently, i.e. with shame or as madness and should be considered when asking about changes in thinking and memory. For example, dementia may be a sensitive issue for Aboriginal people and people from CALD backgrounds, people with dementia may revert to their first language. It is important to help the client maintain their sense of self and include them in decision-making. The following table is a brief overview of elements that distinguish differences between dementia, delirium and depression: Dementia Delirium Depression Onset Insidious (over months); symptoms often Relatively sudden over to days, symptoms tend Over days to weeks. – fluctuate. to fluctuate. Prognosis Not reversible but manageable. Recovery likely with treatment; high mortality if left Risk of suicide, recovery likely with treatment. untreated. Behaviour Social skills may be preserved, withdrawal from Disturbed sleep/wake cycle; hyperactive - may be Often slowed, occasionally agitated, changes to social activities as memory deteriorates; may restless, hypoactive - may present as somnolent, sleep, energy and appetite. get lost in unfamiliar environments. withdrawn. Affect May be normal; may be flat or withdrawn; Fluctuating; may be irritable; may be flat, withdrawn. Sad or withdrawn or irritable; depressed, worried; mildly perplexed. helpless, guilty. Thought Shallow content; may appear to have paranoid May lack coherence; possible delusions. Slowed or decreased focus on past [guilt]; ideas due to memory problems. hypochondria; thoughts of death.
as a client’s appearance, change in behaviors, voice, speech, concentration and attention can signal possible declines in a person’s cognitive health. If a person is displaying cognitive decline, this can impact on the client’s ability to undertake all or elements of their everyday activities such as showering, dressing, attending appointments, meal preparation, managing finances. Cognitive issues may be perceived by older people, their families and health professionals as a result of ageing, not as health problems that could respond to treatment. Various cultures view cognitive impairment differently, i.e. with shame or as madness and should be considered when asking about changes in thinking and memory. For example, dementia may be a sensitive issue for Aboriginal people and people from CALD backgrounds, people with dementia may revert to their first language. It is important to help the client maintain their sense of self and include them in decision-making. The following table is a brief overview of elements that distinguish differences between dementia, delirium and depression: Dementia Delirium Depression Onset Insidious (over months); symptoms often fluctuate. Relatively sudden – over to days, symptoms tend to fluctuate. Over days to weeks. Prognosis Not reversible but manageable. Recovery likely with treatment; high mortality if left untreated. Risk of suicide, recovery likely with treatment. Behaviour Social skills may be preserved, withdrawal from social activities as memory deteriorates; may get lost in unfamiliar environments. Disturbed sleep/wake cycle; hyperactive - may be restless, hypoactive - may present as somnolent, withdrawn. Often slowed, occasionally agitated, changes to sleep, energy and appetite. Affect May be normal; may be flat or withdrawn; mildly perplexed. Fluctuating; may be irritable; may be flat, withdrawn. Sad or withdrawn or irritable; depressed, worried; helpless, guilty. Thought Shallow content; may appear to have paranoid ideas due to memory problems. May lack coherence; possible delusions. Slowed or decreased focus on past [guilt]; hypochondria; thoughts of death.
national_screening_and_assessment_form_user_guide_-_june_2015.docx