The aim and objective of this assignment are to critique and analyse the older person with dementia. The author will explore the pathophysiological process of ageing underpinning skeletal and cognitive decline, with an emphasis on discrimination and a focus on ageism, mental illness and the support of the National Service Framework (NSF) in combating this pandemic. A further investigation into the nurse’s role will be analysed along with the process of assessing and caring for an elderly patient with dementia.

Aveyard (2001) and Adams et al (1999) both state that it is increasingly difficult to find an acceptable working definition for dementia. However, Mosby’s Dictionary (2002) defines dementia as a progressive organic mental disorder characterized by chronic personality disintegration, confusion, disorientation, and stupor, deterioration of intellectual capacity and function, and impairment of control of memory, judgement and impulses.

Dementia is encompassed by multiple cognitive deficits; the author will now explore the pathophysiological aspect of the brain encompassed by the ageing process and its influence on the older person.

The author is aware that there are many contributory factors for cognitive decline for example genetic factors, where there is a family history of, infection, chemical and chromosome damage. It should also be noted that there are many forms of brain disorders that share the same characteristics as dementia, for example Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, however the author will focus on causes as it pertains to older people.

O’Connor (2002) and Redfern (1992) explains that macroscopically there is a marked atrophy, especially of the frontal and temporal lobes; the brain is reduced in weight to 1000g or less (normal average 1400g), a loss of cortical grey and white matter (See Appendix ). It appears that all around the