title: The dementias.
abstract: The dementias have been examined from the viewpoint of representing a primary memory system deficit leading to an array of cortical function impairments, behavioral alterations, and mood disturbances. Although several classification systems to categorize the dementias exist, a useful system to guide the planning of nursing care is to categorize the dementia according to the lobe of the hemispheres that is most seriously affected. From this approach, clinical manifestations and appropriate nursing interventions are more easily identifiable. Emphasis has been placed on the importance of evaluating a person who is evidencing the presence of a dementing process to determine if the etiology of the disorder is from a treatable cause, making it possible to halt the dementing process or to reverse the process. When cortical deficits persist in spite of treatment or when the dementing process is a progressive, nonreversible one, nursing's therapeutic approach is aimed at maintaining and maximizing use of remaining mental capacities, restoring cortical functions that may not be permanently lost, and minimizing the need for those abilities that are permanently lost. Often the family must be assisted to carry out the therapeutic approach in the home situation. Ongoing nursing assessment is required as is ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of the therapeutic approach.
mesh_terms: D003704:Dementia / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010347:Patient Care Planning