1.1 Describe a range of causes of Dementia Syndrome.

Dementia Syndrome is a condition caused by a set of symptoms. These symptoms can include but are not limited to: - memory loss, mood changes, communication difficulties, difficulty understanding or thinking.

Some causes of these symptoms are:- the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, therefore causing the brain cells to die.(Alzheimer’s disease) Once again this can be caused by various things, lack of oxygen to the brain (Vascular dementia), a build-up of proteins (Dementia with Lewy Bodies), frontal or temporal lobe damage (Pick’s Disease, CJD, Huntingdon’s or Parkinson’s)

Less common forms of dementia can include:- Infections of the brain (meningitis or
This diagnosis may be done through scans or other investigations however assessments and background information is vital and family medical history helps. The individual may be referred to a specialist in the area that covers the particular problems. These may be neurologists or psychiatrists or even geriatricians.

Assessments usually take place in the home but can be at the hospital outpatients department. The assessments consist of monitoring behaviours, analysis of background history, physical examinations, memory tests or scans.

2.2 Explain the importance of recording possible signs or symptoms of dementia in an individual in line with agreed ways of working

When a person or family member highlights that the mental abilities of someone are declining that person can feel vulnerable and in need of reassurance and support. People working closely with them need to do what they can to help the person retain their sense of identity and self-worth. Therefore it is really important to record any changes in the person’s behaviour or mood however small. This provides a bench mark of the illness and these changes can give a better understanding of how the disease is progressing. It is important to remember to pass on this information appropriately. Making sure that the right people have only the information they need about the