cognitive key question

Question 1

what is the cognitive key question?

Answer 1

‘How can knowledge of memory improve care for people with dementia?’

Question 2

AO1 - definition of dementia and symptoms

cogntiive key question

Answer 2

• dementia describes different brain disorders that trigger a loss of brain function
• These conditions are all usually progressive and eventually severe.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting 62% of those diagnosed
• Symptoms include memory loss, confusion and problems with speech and understanding

Question 3

AO1 - Explain how dementia care is an issue for society

cogntiive key question

Answer 3

Dementia care is an issue for society because…

Current rate of dementia in the UK is high and is increasing, it is estimated that there are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK

There is a high financial cost to the individual - Local authority residential care costs up to £700 a week, with private care around £1,000. The total cost of dementia in the UK is £26.3 billion

And to the NHS/Government - The NHS picks up £4.3 billion of the costs and social care £10.3 billion

Question 4

AO1 - Explain how dementia care is an issue for individuals with dementia

Answer 4

Dementia care is an issue for individuals with dementia because…

a lot of ‘care’ environments lack effective stimulation which can prompt LTM and make people feel less distressed.

Question 5

AO2 - Cognitive Stimulation Therapy

Answer 5

This is offered through weekly, 2 hour group sessions for people with mild/moderate dementia. They take part in meaningful activities, such as discussions/word games/quizzes

This improves care because it slows down cognitive decline - using STM to rehearse info, encode semantically into the LTM and retrieve back into STM to take part (MSM)

Question 6

AO2 - Dementia villages

Answer 6

Dementia villages are a form of dementia care
This is offered in a stimulating and safe environment. Remain independent and active. Grouped by shared interests and backgrounds. Homes & surroundings tailored to lifestyles

Improves care because memories are stimulated - hobbies, exercising, daily tasks such as cooking, knitting is procedural, whilst recognisable surroundings and shared interests stimulates episodic past memories

Question 7

AO3 - Cognitive key question strength

Answer 7

P: Improved dementia care based on knowledge of MSM, which has supporting evidence

E: Removal of HM’s hippocampus led to an inability to create new LTM, shows there are seperate ST and LT stores, info must be rehearsed to move into LTM and retrieved back into STM.

T: This means care for people with dementia is based on valid theories

Question 8

AO3 - Cognitive key question weakness

Answer 8

P: MSM is reductionist, so it is difficult to base care on a simplified explanation of memory

E: Reduces complex memory processing down to 3 stores suggesting info is processed in a linear way, suggesting dementia will effect everyone in the same way

T: Thus individual differences in experiences of dementia are ignored which can make care less effective

Question 9

Cognitive key question AO3 Conclusion

Answer 9

Cognitive Psychology cannot cure dementia but it is very useful in informing treatments to improve quality of life.
Society must implement better care to help people maintain dignity, a sense of control and their identity when coping with such a challenging disease.