Geriatric Dementia Case Study

Mrs. M, a seventy-seven year-old Italian, visited the Geriatric Assessment Unit (GAU) in October 14, 2015, for a follow up checkup related to dementia. Patient arrived at the unit with a walker, accompanied by her daughter, Ms. C. In April 2014, the patient’s family doctor referred her to the clinic due to the progressive decline with her memory and functioning. The documents entail that, prior to diagnosis, the patient forgets food in the oven and her laundry in the dryer. There were also reports of recurrent falls in the past that were associated with comorbidities. A Computerized Tomography (CT) scan was ordered, and report has shown age related brain atrophy with secondary ventriculomegaly. A mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was also conducted and patient scored 19/28. Different tests were also performed, confirming the diagnosis of mild dementia. Mrs. M is also known to having dyslipidemia, hypertension and osteoporosis. Because of the progression of the dementia, the court had issued a mandate in case of incapacity to the daughter (mandatary), in addition to the power of attorney (POA).

C. in a two-story house in Laval. According to the daughter, the patient is independent with her activities of daily living (ADLs). Mrs. M is able to make her bed in the morning and prepares her breakfast, but requires assistance with bath due to mobility and environmental constraints. With regards to the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), Mrs. M. requires assistance with most of the activities, especially with finances, groceries, transport and others, hence the POA and the mandate. Although the dementia is progressing, Ms. C did not notice any changes with her mother’s cognition and functioning within the last six