Supporting cognitive functional capacity in elderly with dementia : A literature review

Dementia is a chronic and irreversible impairment with gradual depletion in cognitive functions which includes loss of memory and troubles with language. These cognitive functions are affected by aging and structural changes in the brain. The aim of the thesis is to find out how cognitive functions are supported in elderly with dementia. The purpose of this thesis is to find useful methods for patients, their relatives and health care workers in helping to maintain cognitive functions which are necessary for independent living. The research question of the thesis is: How can cognitive functions be supported in elderly with dementia? The data collection method was literature review. Inclusive and exclusive criteria were set, keywords chosen and CINAHL, MEDLINE and SAGE databases used. The collected data were analyzed following inductive content analysis. The chosen material was read through several times, findings were grouped and categories were formed to discover results. The results of the thesis suggested that different recreational activities, music, diet modification, physical activity, treating co-occurring problems, different group activities and social support could improve the cognitive functions in elderly with dementia. Suggestions on how to support cognitive functions in elderly with dementia are presented from the aspect of nurses since they deal with demented patients and their families continuously