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Type of Submission

Podium Presentation

Keywords

dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, geriatric, trauma-informed care

Proposal

Abstract

A bidirectional relationship exists between dementia and the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD increases the risk of dementia, and dementia increases the likelihood of PTSD developing later in life (Desmarias, et.al, 2020). In addition, the symptoms of PTSD can be mistaken for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (Martinez-Clavera, et. al, 2017). This misdiagnosis impacts the intervention strategies used in the assessment, treatment, and care of geriatric patients with these diagnoses.

Professionals must be aware of the connections between dementia and PTSD. The education on this reality should shape the assessment methods and treatment utilized in care for the populations affected. In addition, employers of nursing homes and hospice centers, as well as psychiatrists and palliative care providers must be aware of this bidirectional relationship and be aware of the importance of trauma-informed treatment.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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A Literature Review: On the Bidirectional Relationship Between Dementia and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

Abstract

A bidirectional relationship exists between dementia and the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD increases the risk of dementia, and dementia increases the likelihood of PTSD developing later in life (Desmarias, et.al, 2020). In addition, the symptoms of PTSD can be mistaken for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (Martinez-Clavera, et. al, 2017). This misdiagnosis impacts the intervention strategies used in the assessment, treatment, and care of geriatric patients with these diagnoses.

Professionals must be aware of the connections between dementia and PTSD. The education on this reality should shape the assessment methods and treatment utilized in care for the populations affected. In addition, employers of nursing homes and hospice centers, as well as psychiatrists and palliative care providers must be aware of this bidirectional relationship and be aware of the importance of trauma-informed treatment.