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Treating Nondementia Illnesses in Patients With Dementia

Article Abstract:

Doctors provide tips on treating medical conditions in patients with dementia. A case that illustrates the difficulty is that of an 80-year-old woman with mild Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. She complained of back pain and an X-ray of her spine revealed a fracture. She was treated with a drug called alendronate and was hospitalized four weeks later because of damage to her esophagus. This is a side effect of alendronate and she and her family had been warned to take the drug with plenty of water and to remain upright for a while after taking it. She died from the injury.

Aged patients, Elderly patients

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Hospital Care of Patients With Dementia

Article Abstract:

Many patients with dementia may receive inappropriate care when they are hospitalized. A study published in 2000 found that dementia patients who develop pneumonia or fracture their hip have higher mortality rates than non-demented patients with pneumonia or a hip fracture. Yet many of the patients with dementia did not have an advance directive stating which treatments should be withheld. On the other hand, only 24% of the demented patients were receiving medication for pain.

Editorial, Hospital patients

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Dementia

Article Abstract:

An overview is presented on dementia and its causes, diagnosis, and care and treatment. Alzheimer's disease is specifically noted.

Diagnosis, Causes of, Alzheimer's disease

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