Apr 15, 2015 - NEW: Online learning unit. Mental Health ... sion and length of hospital stay. Although one in ... ment a
Nursing Practice NEW: Online learning unit Mental Health
Keywords: Dementia, Delirium, Depression, Older People, Mental health
Nursing Times Learning has launched a new unit on how to tell the difference between dementia, delirium and depression in older people, to ensure they receive the right care
Differentiating dementia, delirium and depression
D
ementia, delirium and depression are all serious conditions that are particularly common in older people. Their similar symptoms mean the conditions can go undetected and untreated. However, although they may present in similar ways, there are differences in the treatment and support approaches used for each. It is vital that health and care professionals can identify key risks, signs and symptoms associated with all three conditions so that appropriate support, treatment and management can be given.
Dementia
There are approximately 850,000 people in the UK with dementia and this figure is predicted to rise to more than a million by
Dementia, delirium and depression learning objectives After studying this unit you will be able to: Describe the most common symptoms associated with dementia Explain the range of issues people with dementia may encounter Describe the most common symptoms associated with depression Describe the most common symptoms associated with delirium List the measures that can be taken to prevent people with dementia developing delirium Explain the key differences in symptoms of dementia, depression and delirium Identify symptoms indicating the need to assess patients for dementia, delirium or depression
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2025 (Alzheimer’s Society, 2015).The risk of developing dementia rises with age, and approximately one in three people over the age of 90 will have dementia. Dementia is a term for a group of conditions that cause a decline in brain function and difficulties with skills such as: » Memory and attention; » Orientation to time, place or person; » Language, reasoning and judgement; » Regulating emotions; » Processing information. Diagnosis Since many illnesses can affect cognitive function, initial screening aims to exclude other causes through routine haematology, biochemistry tests, thyroid function tests, and serum vitamin B12 and folate levels. A full assessment, physical examination and medications review should also be undertaken. Diagnosis often involves referral to specialist services such as a memory clinic, psychiatric services or older people’s mental health services after the GP has undertaken a screening test. Community psychiatric nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists may also be involved in the diagnostic process. Caring for people with dementia While drug treatments may slow the rate of decline in certain types of dementia, nonpharmacological treatment, including therapeutic relationships, is the key intervention. This should focus on promoting and maintaining independence. A focus on the lived experience of dementia and understanding why a person with dementia may be experiencing stress or displaying distress is important in delivering person-centred care. This care should be responsive to changing circumstances and reviews should be carried out accordingly. People with dementia who have capacity should have choice and control in decisions that affect them.
18 Nursing Times 15.04.15 / Vol 111 No 16 / www.nursingtimes.net
Delirium
Delirium is a syndrome involving the “sudden deterioration of mental functioning, which is triggered by acute illness of the body or brain, acute injury or drug intoxication” (Manning et al, 2013). It is common, serious and a medical emergency (NICE, 2010). The condition causes significant distress and is associated with poor outcomes including increased risk of dementia, death, long-term care admission and length of hospital stay. Although one in eight of all hospitalised patients (MacLullich et al, 2013) and 20-30% of those on medical wards have delirium (NICE, 2010), it is often not detected or diagnosed (MacLullich et al, 2013). People admitted to hospital or a care home who are at risk of delirium should be assessed and given support and treatment to reduce their risk. The care and treatment of patients with delirium needs a multidisciplinary and person-centred approach. Key is identifying those most at risk. Risk factors are: age over 65 years; cognitive impairment or dementia; hip fracture; and severe illness (Holt et al, 2013). Preventing delirium Measures to prevent delirium include: » Involving family members in care; » Providing frequent orientation; » Ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition; » Detecting and treating pain, constipation and infection; » Avoiding urinary catheterisation; » Reviewing medication and avoiding delirogenic drugs; » Providing activity that stimulates cognition; » Reducing noise and avoiding interventions during sleep periods (MacLullich et al, 2013). What causes delirium? Delirium has a number of possible causes and in many cases two or more factors
Find the full programme of learning units at nursingtimes.net including nutrition screening and pressure ulcer prevention
contribute to it (Manning et al, 2013). Identifying the cause is important as treating it may reverse the delirium. Causes include infection, constipation, dehydration, change of environment, acute metabolic disturbance, trauma, hypoxia, and alcohol or drug withdrawal. Detecting delirium Delirium can sometimes be the only symptom of a serious underlying disease (Manning et al, 2013). Its serious nature means it is vital that professionals working with older people or those with long-term conditions know the main features of delirium to ensure further assessment and treatment can be organised promptly. This is particularly the case for people with dementia, who are at increased risk of delirium (MacLullich et al, 2013). Signs and symptoms of delirium include impaired attention, memory disturbance, disorientation and disorganised thinking, altered perceptions (visual hallucinations, illusions, delusions), and emotional disturbance (Manning et al, 2013), Treatment Delirium requires a holistic, person-centred approach – prevention and treatment may overlap and may not be distinct (MacLullich et al, 2013). Needs such as pain, hunger, thirst, and sensory aids should be identified and addressed, while staff should adopt a reassuring approach, incorporating effective communication and reorientation. Environmental interventions for addressing the cognitive impairments and disorientation associated with delirium are similar to those for dementia.
Depression
Depression is common in older people and is under-detected and under-diagnosed (Rodda et al, 2011). In older people its symptoms can be slightly different to those typical for younger adults. For example, older people may experience more physical symptoms and increased anxiety or agitation (Rodda et al, 2011). Sleep disturbance is also common, and is a risk factor for depression in this group (Fiske et al, 2009). There is a higher risk of
What’s in a nursing times learning unit: Learning objectives so you know what you will learn
suicide among older people with depression (Rodda et al, 2011). Depression is a broad diagnosis in which low mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities are key features. Other symptoms include: irritability; anxiety; social withdrawal; pain; fatigue; reduced or altered sleep and appetite; feelings of guilt and worthlessness; reduced self-esteem and confidence. Depression assessment Various assessment tools are available, and staff should select one that is appropriate and validated. Assessment should be person-centred, and should not focus solely on symptoms but also on the degree of difficulty with daily living the person is experiencing, and the impact of the suspected depression. A variety of physical investigations should be completed to eliminate other causes. Treating depression Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments (alone or in combination) can be effective in treating depression. Non-pharmacological treatments include cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, behavioural activation, and counselling. Mindfulness based on cognitive therapy may prevent relapse, while sleep hygiene advice can be important for people experiencing changes in their sleep pattern (Downing et al, 2013). NT Jilly Polson and Suzanne Croy are dementia lead associates, Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling References Alzheimer’s Society (2015) Online resource: www.alzheimers.org.uk/statistics Downing LJ et al (2013) Geriatric Psychiatry review: Differential diagnosis and treatment of the 3 D’s – delirium, dementia and depression. Current Psychiatry Reports; 15: 6, 365. Fiske A et al (2009) Depression in older adults. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology; 5:363-389. Holt R et al (2013) Effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention to reduce delirium incidence in elderly care wards [abstract]. Age and Ageing; 42: 6, 721-727. MacLullich AMJ et al (2013) New horizons in the pathogenesis, assessment and management of delirium. Age and Ageing; 42: 6, 667-674. Manning W et al (2013) Delirium. (2nd ed.) Stirling: University of Stirling/Hammond Press. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Pre-study multiple choice questionnaire to find out what you already know Evidence-based review with live links to key reading, national policy and guidelines
This unit was developed in association with
Test your knowledge Can you answer these questions? To check whether you are correct, go to our learning unit at nursingtimes. net/dementia
1
Which of the following are common causes of delirium?
A. Infection B. Constipation C. Dehydration D. Headache E. Change of environment F. Medication side effects G. Incontinence H. Trauma I. Fatigue
2
Approximately what proportion of older adults in hospital experience delirium? A. Up to 10% B. Up to 50% C. Up to 75% D. Over 80%
3
Approximately how many people in the UK have dementia?
A. 30,000 B. 150,000 C. 850,000 D. 1,000,000
4
Which of the following are symptoms of dementia? A. Aggression B. Agitation C. Disorientation D. Forgetfulness E. Language difficulties F. Perceptual difficulties G. Sequencing difficulties H. Wandering
(2010) Delirium: Diagnosis, Prevention and Management. www.nice.org.uk/cg103 NICE (2006) Dementia: Supporting People with Dementia and Their Carers in Health and Social Care. www.nice.org.uk/cg42 Rodda J et al (2011) Depression in older adults. British Medical Journal; 343: d5219.
Case-based scenarios with questions and feedback, so you can apply your learning Live links to further reading Downloadable portfolio pages to undertake optional further
study and store in your portfolio Post-study multiple choice questionnaire to see how your learning has grown Personalised certificates as a record of your learning
www.nursingtimes.net / Vol 111 No 16 / Nursing Times 15.04.15 19
