Speak Up brochure on the topic of memory problems and dementia

The Issue of Memory Issues and Dementia

The paper examines a Speak Up brochure developed by The Joint Commission. The booklet discusses memory issues and dementia. Dementia, also known as senility, is caused by a variety of brain illnesses that cause a long-term progressive decline in the patient’s ability to think and recall things. Finally, the disease might completely disrupt the brain’s regular functioning. Surprisingly, forgetting things every now and then is natural. However, it becomes a condition worth alarming when a person cannot be able to remember basic things such as finding one’s way home, making phone calls, and how to use the keys. Therefore, the brochure elaborates clearly on the facts figures about the condition of memory issues and dementia. Additionally, it analyses when a person should seek help, what kind of questions to ask health providers in the effort of understanding the condition, and the advice family members should find so as to help patients diagnosed with similar circumstances. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common types of dementia, and its diagnosis demands a change from the usual brain functioning of the patient and adverse effects are liable to occur in patients who have advanced on their ages. Notably, aging is the highest contributor of dementia as it affects both the body and the brain. There are specific examples which are identified with aging such as forgetting which words to use, taking a long time to learn new things, and being unable to put hands on things from time to time.

The First Topic: When Should a Person Be Bothered about Memory Loss?

In summary, the first topic to be covered by the brochure is the issue of when should a person be bothered about having the problem of memory loss. The moment memory loss affects the daily functioning of a person’s daily activities, and one should be inclined to seek help from the particular health care providers. Additionally, if one identifies that he or she has the problem of remembering the current day or season, remembering the name of a close family friend or member, getting lost in a known location, failing to manage money well, and being more forgetful, one should not hesitate to seek help. The second topic the paper covers is the issue of determining the exact cause of memory problems. Notably, there are a myriad of things that can cause memory problems, and many of them can be reversed if an early diagnosis is made (“Speak Up for Dementia,” 2015). Therefore, it is paramount for a person to seek medical attention the moment abnormality sets in. Depression, stress, or anxiety, liver, kidney, or thyroid infections, a minimal level of vitamin B-12, stroke, head injury, excessive consumption of alcohol, stroke, and some brain diseases are some of the most common causes of memory problems. Thirdly, the brochure determines whether a family member or friends should join the patient to visit the health providers. Remarkably, a patient should be accompanied by a sober third party who can come in handy to be the victim’s advocate. They help the patient to ask questions and are also able to take notes of any instructions given by the healthcare provider.

Expectations from the Doctor and Treatment for Dementia

Also, the expectations from the doctor are included. The doctor has the duty of running tests of the patient and conducting a physical examination or even referring them to a specialist. Notably, there are certain specific questions that the patient and his or her advocate should ask the doctor. They might be willing to know the cause of the symptoms, the test that will be conducted and whether there is any need to visit a specialist. On the other hand, dementia covers the decline of memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The moment a patient is confirmed to suffer from the condition, he or she should be aware of the changes to expect over time and the type medicines that have the ability to treat, reverse and maybe cure the condition. Remarkably, it is crucial for people to know in advance that they have dementia. The condition can be treatable when detected early. Consequently, finding the causative agent and the appropriate mitigation factors can help the patient to access medication that helps him or her to relief the symptoms. Finally, the brochure summarizes that the patient can use the help of family members and friends to stay connected and be active in addition to helping them to live as normally as possible.

The Importance of the Information in the Brochure

The information contained in the brochure is successful in encouraging the patient to communicate with his or her health care provider. The topic of memory problems and dementia is captivating in the sense that old age is an aspect that is unavoidable and thus people should learn to seek help from the relevant authorities when such complications set in. The information provided in the brochure was helpful in the sense that one can use the knowledge in patient education. Patients need to be empowered with diverse knowledge so as to minimize casualties of people who seek late medical attention when it is too late to restore their health. The information in the brochure is represented explicitly, and the author uses simple language that is easy to understand. Notably, the current nursing or healthcare related research support the information presented in the brochure especially the causes, diagnosis, and mitigation aspects of the condition (Burgener, & Twigg, 2015). The aging population is the one expected to benefit from the information provided in the brochure since the information contained mostly affects old people. The information submitted in the prospectus will automatically boost patient safety since, and patients will be in a position to know when, how, and where to seek help. The patients also learn the importance of integrating their families and friends quickening the healing process.

Conclusion and Benefits of Following the Brochure

In conclusion, the brochure covers are crucial aspects of memory problems of dementia. The patient can know when to seek medical attention and the causes of memory problems. Additionally, the patient can integrate the family members and friends in the healing process and also provide him or her with the procedures the healthcare provider will follow so as to treat or mitigate the problem (Burgener, & Twigg, 2015). Also, the brochure contains valuable information on how patients and doctors should relate and the importance of early diagnosis. Notably, numerous benefits accrue to patients who follow the advice in the brochure. Firstly, they can understand the condition they facing. Secondly, they can know where and when to seek help and finally, they can take prescribed drugs to cure or mitigate the health status and prepare for any immediate physical and mental changes.

References

Burgener, S., & Twigg, P. (2015). A personal guide to living with progressive memory loss. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Speak Up for Dementia. (2015). Neurology Now, 9(6), 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.nnn.0000441118.00797.f8