Management of Dementia Symptoms in Healthcare

Abstract

People with dementia are challenged with many cognitive symptoms affecting their daily life. This chapter aims to prioritize the needs of dementia patients who suffer from progressive cognitive decline and gradually lose their ability to make decisions. It describes the cognitive difficulties in each stage and provides information about cognitive symptom management in healthcare. The essential activities to ameliorate the effects of cognitive decline in dementia discussed are cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, use of serious games, virtual reality games etc., reminiscence therapy, reality orientation therapy, and physical and social activities. In addition, the chapter discusses the importance of educated clinical staff in healthcare to identify comorbidities and understand the progression of chronic diseases in people with dementia, especially in those patients who are not able to communicate their needs. Also, the chapter recommends future research and solutions for digital therapeutic interventions.