Dementia syndrome: a challenge for the patient relatives
Information for nursing staff, 2025, 57(2), 41-45.
G. Markova1, A. Chifligarska1, M. Pavlova2, T. Badeva2, S. Stoyanova1
1 Departament of Surgical Nursing,
Faculty of Health Care, Medical University – Pleven
2 Specialty „Nurse“, Faculty of Health Care, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract. Dementia is a common and debilitating syndrome. Approximately 50 million people worldwide live with dementia. According to a World Health Organization report, most dementia patients are cared for by their relatives, who are forced to cope on their own. The case involves a 69-year-old woman diagnosed with limited brain atrophy, as a result of which her higher cortical functions are reduced. An interview with her daughter revealed that when her mother was diagnosed, no one from the medical team explained the nature of the disease or its prognosis. No guidelines were provided regarding the care needed for her mother, considering the possible manifestations of dementia symptoms. The young woman was forced to manage on her own. The lack of professional information regarding the manifestations of dementia syndrome hinders the adequate preparation and readiness of relatives to provide care. This, along with the absence of professional support at home, forces them to make decisions that do not make them feel calm or satisfied.
Key words: dementia syndrome, clinical case, health care