Dementia, Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Lead To A Faster Progression (Article Critique Sample)

Dementia
Dementia is one of the most stressful and costly medical conditions concerning not only the suffering patients but also their close family members. In their article Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia 2017, Gerlach and Kales claim that families are deeply affected because they are the primary caregivers and the care of patients usually takes place in their home (Gerlach & Kales 3). The consequences close family members endure, are not only financial but also emotional, which are the most important ones. Dementia is related to Alzheimer’s disease. In 2016 an estimated 5.2 million Americans had Alzheimer’s disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in USA (Gerlach & Kales 1). It is believed there will be at least twice the number of sufferers in the next decades.
According to Gerlach and Kales, loss of memory is the hallmark of dementia (Gerlach & Kales, 2). Apart from that, they refer to the Cache County study which came into the conclusion that more than 97% of patients experience other behavioral and psychological symptoms. These are known as neuropsychiatric symptoms and they include depression, psychosis, hallucinations, delusions, agitation, aggression or even apathy, insomnia and finally sexually inappropriate behavior. As far as the agitation is concerned, it can be as simple as pacing, walking aimlessly or acting in a repetitive way. Aggression can be either verbal or physical. Apathy can mean patients stop caring for themselves and their personal interests or hygiene. Moreover, depression may be expressed through anxiety and lack of ability to rest and sleep or through guilt, tears and despair.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms lead to a faster progression of the disease and are related to high mortality. In addition, they are the most difficult for the family members to handle. They can cause serious emotional issues, such as higher levels of stress , depression and anxiety. As a result, the caregivers’ health and well-being also deteriorates gradually. Aggressive behavior of patients may cause their family members, who care for them, feelings of hurt and betrayal.
However, they should bear in mind that the odd behavior is not on purpose. Seminars on dementia could help towards this goal as they would inform the caregivers properly about what to expect and how to handle their emotions. Furthermore, it is found that environmental factors play a role in reducing the patient’s aggressiveness. Agitation is increased when changes in their routine or environment happen. In addition, every patient is different. Medical issues that cause pain and discomfort, pre-existing mental illnesses or even undiagnosed medical conditions can lead to more serious behavioral disturbances.
Gradually, dementia s...