Cognitive Function
Posted by admin on November 18th, 2009Intellectual impairment alone can make institutionalization neces¬sary. Even supportive families may find disruptive behavior, such as nocturnal wandering or paranoia, intolerable. If 24-h care is required, nursing home placement may be appropriate. But mildly to moderately demented patients can often function quite well in their own familiar environment, especially if families have been taught coping strategies for dealing with dementia and periodically get some respite (see RE¬SPITE CARE in Ch. 25). Physicians and other care providers must be supportive not only of the patient but of the family as well.
