When a person has dementia, they are unable to do many of the things people would normally be able to. It is extremely difficult for them, and the disease progresses in such a way that they don’t even know what is going on, why they feel this way, or how to ask for help. Naturally, this confusion leads to outbursts and other disruptive behaviors. While these behaviors are an avoidable part of the condition, medical staff and caregivers have been responding in some pretty disturbing ways. The human rights group Human Rights Watch recently published a report with evidence that nurses and assistants have been using anti-psychotic drugs to sedate their patients, a practice that has become known as the use chemical restraints.
The Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia degrades the brain slowly, until motor skills, communication skills, and ability to perform basic tasks are debilitated. The confusion and inability to understand the hospital environment, they naturally become frightened. The loss of memory, confusion, frustration, and lack of self-reliance make the patient depressed. All of these symptoms make it difficult for the staff to handle the patient. [Read more…]
