From: What should we know about dementia in the 21st Century? A Delphi consensus study
A: | Basic characteristics of dementia (14% of total items) |
1 | Dementia refers to a group of diseases that affect the brain. |
2 | People with dementia have a disease that affects the structure and function of their brain. |
3 | Dementia is not a psychological condition. |
4 | Dementia always becomes worse over time. |
5 | Dementia is a terminal condition that will result in death. |
6 | Dementia most commonly affects older adults. |
7 | Dementia can occur in younger adults. |
8 | Dementia is not a part of normal ageing. |
9 | Prevalence of dementia is increasing within many societies. |
B: | Symptoms and progression (30% of total items) |
10 | Dementia affects people across five domains: cognitive, functional, psychiatric, behavioural, and physical. |
11 | Difficulty swallowing is a symptom of dementia. |
12 | Difficulty with movement is a symptom of dementia. |
13 | Difficulty speaking is a symptom of dementia. |
14 | Memory loss is a symptom of dementia. |
15 | Behavioural changes are symptoms of dementia. |
16 | Personality changes are symptoms of dementia. |
17 | Wandering is a symptom of dementia. |
18 | Confusion is a symptom of dementia. |
19 | Difficulty making decisions is a symptom of dementia. |
20 | Difficulty with problem solving is a symptom of dementia. |
21 | Difficulty with learning is a symptom of dementia. |
22 | Cognitive and functional losses can fluctuate in a person with dementia. |
23 | Symptoms of dementia differ by type of underlying disease. |
24 | People with dementia often have other chronic medical conditions. |
25 | It may take years for dementia to develop to the point that it affects cognition and functioning. |
26 | Dementia has discernable stages. |
27 | The course of dementia is unpredictable. |
28 | It is possible to communicate with a person who has advanced dementia. |
29 | A person with advanced dementia may be able to communicate non-verbally. |
C: | Diagnosis and assessment (17% of total items) |
30 | Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. |
31 | Dementia with Lewy Bodies is a common form of dementia. |
32 | Vascular dementia is a common form of dementia. |
33 | Fronto-temporal dementia is a common form of dementia. |
34 | Definitive diagnosis of dementia in a living patient is difficult. |
35 | Early diagnosis of dementia improves treatment outcomes. |
36 | A high proportion of people who have dementia do not have a diagnosis. |
37 | Assessment of a person with dementia is important to determine whether they are suffering from treatable and co-existing medical and psychiatric conditions. |
38 | Depression in a person with dementia should be identified and treated. |
39 | Delirium should be ruled out in a person with suspected dementia. |
40 | Pain in a person with dementia should be identified and treated. |
D: | Treatment and prevention (15% of total items) |
41 | There is currently no cure for dementia. |
42 | Symptoms of dementia can be improved with medication. |
43 | Psychosocial interventions can improve quality of life for people with dementia. |
44 | Non-pharmacological interventions are often more appropriate for treating dementia-related behavioural problems. |
45 | Psychotropic medications may cause undue harm to a person with dementia. |
46 | Cognitive stimulation for the person with dementia can improve symptoms. |
47 | Exercise for the person with dementia can improve symptoms. |
48 | Some of the risk factors for dementia are modifiable. |
49 | A healthful lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing dementia. |
50 | In most cases, having parents with dementia does not greatly increase the risk of developing the condition. |
E: | Care for people with dementia (24% of total items) |
51 | It is possible for a person with dementia to live independently during the initial stages of the condition. |
52 | Most people who have dementia live in their own homes in the community. |
53 | People with dementia are not always a risk to themselves and others. |
54 | People with dementia will eventually require a high level of care and assistance with activities of daily living. |
55 | It is important to plan the future care of a person once a diagnosis of dementia has been made. |
56 | Education following diagnosis is important to help a person with dementia and their carer to manage the condition. |
57 | The wishes of a person with dementia should be taken into account when planning for their treatment and care. |
58 | A palliative approach to care is appropriate for a person with dementia. |
59 | A person-centred approach to care is appropriate for a person with dementia. |
60 | Aggressive and invasive treatments are often not appropriate for people with dementia. |
61 | Relationships remain important for a person with dementia. |
62 | People with dementia should continue to be involved in meaningful physical, social, and mental activities. |
63 | Caring for a person with dementia can be stressful. |
64 | Caregivers of people with dementia require support. |
65 | A person with dementia may retain more understanding than they can express. |
66 | A person’s past can be important for understanding behavioural problems. |