IntroductionThis assignment critically addresses dementia, a widespread disability among today's elderly. It provides an introduction to dementia and analyzes its prevalence in society. The different forms of dementia are elaborated with a description of the dysfunctions and symptoms. Nursing assessment and interventions are provided in the following sections which discuss actions nurses should take when assessing patients and treating them. Finally, communication, an important activity of daily living (ADL), is explored and advice to the patient/caregiver is presented in order to maintain good health conditions in the patient. Analysis of Dementia According to (Miller, 2009), dementia is the most accurate expression that illustrates the development of cognitive disorders. ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬It illustrates the various brain anarchies that ultimately lead to serious brain dysfunction (Alzheimer Australia, 2011). Dementia is the leading cause of disability among older people in Australia, accounting for 17 percent of cases (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2004). Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), frontotemporal dementia (FD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are the well-known forms of this disease. This usually occurs in people over the age of 65; however, it is a disability and not a normal symptom of aging. The chances of heredity are present but it depends on the individual and the type of dementia (Alzheimer Australia, 2011). The Global Deterioration Scale provides a detailed explanation of the seven stages of cognitive decline associated with dementia (Alzheimer's Association of Canada, 2005). Types of Dementia There are four main types of dementia, with AD being the most common form. It ac...... middle of paper ...... Interventions (1st ed.). London, UK: Jessica Kingsley. Miller, California (2009). Nursing care for the well-being of older people: theory and practice (5th ed.). Cleveland, OH: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2011). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved April 18, 2011 from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/picks/picks.htm.Person Directed Dementia Care Assessment Tool (2006). The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. Retrieved April 18, 2011 from http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/Genage/Pubs/pde0084.pdf Taylor, C., Dening, K., Duncan, A., & Kendall, T. (2009). . Therapeutic interventions in dementia. Retrieved April 18, 2011 from http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice-clinical-research/therapeutic-interventions-in-dementia-part-1-cognitive-symptoms-and-function/1961703.article