Complications
Your Organisational Guidance
ebpracticenet urges you to prioritise the following organisational guidance:
Guide de pratique clinique pluridisciplinaire relatif à la collaboration dans la dispense de soins aux personnes âgées démentes résidant à domicile et leurs aidants prochesPublished by: Groupe de Travail Développement de recommmandations de première ligneLast published: 2017Multidisciplinaire richtlijn voor thuiswonende oudere personen met dementie en hun mantelzorgersPublished by: Werkgroep Ontwikkeling Richtlijnen Eerste Lijn (Worel)Last published: 2017Dysphagia of liquids and solids may increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Recurrent pneumonia typically characterises the terminal stages of AD and is often the cause of death.
Loss of independence, isolation, and depression may co-exist with physical complications such as bed sores and muscle contractures.
Urinary incontinence may require insertion of a urinary catheter, which is known to increase the risk of UTIs. Untreated UTIs can lead to serious, life-threatening complications, including sepsis and multiorgan failure.
Disorientation, apraxia, and impaired mobility all increase the risk of falls. Polypharmacy may contribute to orthostatic hypotension and confusion. Complications of falls include fractures, head injury, and prolonged immobilisation (which can lead to further life-threatening complications such as thromboembolism).
Weight loss may be associated with protein and energy malnutrition, leading to severe complications such as alteration of the immune system, muscular atrophy, and loss of independence.
Carer burden, isolation, neglect, limited resources, and ageist attitudes all contribute to this phenomenon. Financial motives may also complicate end-of-life decisions and legal arrangements.
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