Authors: Koh Hui Mien, Jessie Tan, Jane Tan An-Qi, Ng Chong Jin, Lawrence Tan, Philip Yap
Published by: Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
Copyright: © 2015 Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
Document ID: GRM.PE.08.1115
Contents
FORWARD
INTRODUCTION
MEMORY LOSS AND MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
• Understanding memory loss
• What is mild cognitive impairment?
• What is dementia?
• Table 1: The 10 warning signs of dementia
• Types of dementia
• Table 2: Common types of dementia
• Symptoms in dementia
• Table 3: Common symptoms in dementia
• Table 4: Stages of dementia
• Risk factors and prevention
• Medical treatment
• Understanding behaviours
• Possible triggers
• Tips to prevent triggers
• Change in personality
• Personality changes you may see
• Tips to cope with personality changes
UNDERSTANDING AND CARING WELL FOR THE PERSON WITH DEMENTIA
• Understanding the person beyond the disease
• Planning the day for a person with dementia
• Considerations when planning activities
• Routines and reminders
• Considerations when planning daily routines
• Table 5: Daily routines
• Driving
• Lasting power of attorney
• Advance care planning
• When is a person at end-stage of dementia?
• Palliative care
• Communication
• Dysphagia
• Artificial nutrition and hydration
• Functional decline
• Urinary incontinence
• Constipation
• Skin care
• Music and us
• Music therapy
• What to expect in a music therapy session
• It is okay to ask for help
• Sharing by caregivers
FORWARD
Dementia is fast becoming commonplace in today's world. In several developed countries with aged populations today, most people know someone with dementia or whose life has been touched by it. In the coming years, Singapore will likewise become an aged society when 14% of our population is ≥65years, from the present 10%. With no cure on the horizon, we will have to learn to live with dementia as it permeates our workplace, public spaces, social circles, families and lives.
This handbook helps us come face to face with dementia, to learn, understand and accept it as a concrete reality in our lives. There has hitherto been no concise local publication that spans the entire spectrum of the condition, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment, end of life care and caregiving issues. It covers hot topics such as challenging behaviours, legal matters, advance care planning and even has a chapter on music therapy for dementia, a first for Singapore. Most importantly, the book devotes space to the philosophy of person-centred care, which is widely acknowledged as the standard of care for dementia today. This comprehensive yet succinct work can be read in half a day, making it particularly attractive for busy caregivers who often have to multi-task. It is a signpost of sorts for families who are seeking direction and guidance.
The KTPH memory and dementia care team must be congratulated for working to piece the book together. In particular, nurse Koh Hui Mien deserves special mention for initiating and overseeing the publication from its inception to production. We are also deeply grateful to our caregivers Leng Chan and Elsie for sharing their personal stories. The stories provide the human touch to a subject that is close to the hearts of many families and inspire us to rise above the disease with indomitable spirit and unconditional love.
This is a must read for all whose lives have been affected by dementia. We must learn to embrace dementia and the best way to begin is by learning more about it. Let's start now!
Dr Philip Yap Lin Kiat
Director, Geriatric Centre, Senior Consultant
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
INTRODUCTION
The statistics surrounding dementia are staggering. Worldwide, there are now more than 36 million people living with dementia. Without a major medical breakthrough in the fight against dementia, this number could exceed 100 million by the year 2050.
It is estimated that 30,000 people suffer from dementia in Singapore today. By 2020, the numbers will increase to 50,000 and by 2050, the projected figure will exceed 180,000.
Next Chapter: MEMORY LOSS AND MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
