Susan Scanland
Dementia Connection® LLC, USA
Title: Medication management of behaviors in vascular/mixed dementia in long term care: Successful case studies
Biography
Biography: Susan Scanland
Abstract
Research trials on cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine and antidepressants for behavioral and psychological symptoms inrnvascular/mixed dementia in long-term care settings are nearly non-existent. The absence of approved medications for vascularrndementia offers practicing clinicians few treatment options. Off-label use of Alzheimer’s approved drugs and antidepressants are morernpractical than risking pneumonia, hip fracture, cerebrovascular accidents and dysphagia from anti-psychotic use for vascular/mixed dementia behaviors. Long-term care admissions for vascular dementia will rapidly increase with Baby Boomers diagnosed withrnType II diabetes, obesity and cardiac or cerebrovascular risk factors. Behaviors of vascular and mixed dementia; often compoundedrnby vascular depression, significantly impact quality of life of long-term care residents, cohabitant residents, family members andrnnursing staff. A gerontological nurse practitioner/dementia consultant will review behavioral and mood responses to cholinesteraserninhibitors, memantine and anti-depressants in nursing home residents diagnosed with vascular and mixed dementia. Case studiesrnand informal surveys summarizing four years of long-term care dementia management will be presented.
