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Polypharmacy and
its attendant risk for medication side effects or drug interactions implies a
need for careful medication management.
Patient, family and/or staff should be educated on symptoms which
might indicate toxicity or adverse side effects. The practice of minimizing numbers of medications is
particularly important to follow in this population because the patient often
cannot report his/her symptoms.
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Attention to the
preservation and enhancement of function should be a primary focus in patient
management. These patients often
experience loss of function due to their primary condition. Therefore, taking steps to prevent further
loss and maximize current capability is key.
Vision and hearing should be carefully assessed and any deficits
responded to with necessary adaptive equipment.
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Behavioral
issues may be significant and require PCP attention. They can have impact both on the social
functioning of the patient as well as their physical health.
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