Cognitive impairment refers to difficulties with mental abilities such as memory, thinking, reasoning, concentration, or problem-solving. It can range from mild forgetfulness to more significant challenges that interfere with daily life.
Pharmacological Treatment
Cognitive, non-cognitive and functional symptoms Dementia most commonly affects older adults, and there are many different types. The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease, but other types include Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia, among others.
Non-cognitive symptoms of dementia are often an expression of unmet needs in a person with dementia.
Early recognition of changes in behaviour is key to understanding and managing NCSD effectively. Behavioural symptoms are often an expression of unmet needs or underlying issues, rather than simply being a feature of dementia itself.
Person-centred care, training and support for carers, communication, social and physical environments, comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment. Effective management of NCSD requires a holistic, person-centred approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors. While NCSD cannot always be prevented, early recognition and tailored interventions can help minimise distress and improve quality of life.
A Functional Assessment of Behaviour is the process of understanding why certain behaviours are happening and what can be done to manage or reduce them. It involves observing the behaviour in context and asking questions.
To identify the non-cognitive symptoms of dementia, it is important to closely observe the person’s behaviour, mood, and emotional state. Are they showing unusual or distressing actions or emotions?
Assessing the non-cognitive symptoms of dementia involves looking at different changes in behaviour, emotions, and mental health. These symptoms can greatly affect a person’s daily life and well-being.
Non-cognitive symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and aggression (both verbal and physical), require a comprehensive approach to manage effectively. This approach mainly includes non-pharmacological strategies, but in some cases, medication may also be necessary. When appropriate, combining both methods together can greatly improve the person’s quality of life.
When it comes to treating non-cognitive symptoms of dementia, such as behavioural changes or psychological issues, medication may be used.
Below are some helpful resources for further information on managing non-cognitive symptoms of dementia (NCSD).
Take this quiz to review and reinforce your understanding of non-cognitive symptoms of dementia (NCSD) and their management.
