Cognitive Issues

Question 1

what is pseudodementia?

Answer 1

apparent intellectual decline that stems from lack of energy or effort

Question 2

what are some characteristics of someone with pseudodementia?

Answer 2

Forgetful, move slowly, low motivation, mental slowing

Question 3

T/F: pseudodementia responds well to depression treatments

Answer 3

True!

Question 4

what are 5 ways that pseudodementia can be distinguished from dementia? (hint: MUM DW)

Answer 4

• More rapid decline in mental function
• Usually not disoriented
• More likely to comment on memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating, but less difficulty w STM
• Writing, speaking, motor skills usually not affected

Question 5

depression is more common in the ____ to ____ stages of dementia

Answer 5

early to moderate

Question 6

T/F: as the severity of dementia increases, so does the prevalence of major depression

Answer 6

False! Prevalence of major depression decreases as severity of dementia increases

Question 7

what are some of the main impacts of dementia on mental function? (hint: AJIPA)

Answer 7

• Abstract thinking
• Judgment and language
• Identification of people and objects
• Personality changes
• Ability to use object appropriately

Question 8

what are the 2 key features of AD?

Answer 8

• Gradual loss of memory and function leading to total dependence on caregivers
• Eventual inability to recognize family/friends/self

Question 9

what are the 5 areas of the brain affected by AD? (hint: HARME)

Answer 9

• Hippocampus*
• Amygdala*
• Regions of neocortex
• Mediotemporal
• Entorhinal area

Question 10

what is the most prominent change when someone goes from asymptomatic to MCI?

Answer 10

amyloid markers

Question 11

what is a potential diagnostic marker for MCI?

Answer 11

the degree of atrophy of medial temporal structures

Question 12

what are the 3 diagnostic markers for AD? (hint: MAT)

Answer 12

• Medial temporal atrophy
• Abnormal neuronal CSF markers (tau and/or A𝛽)
• Temporoparietal hypometabolism

Question 13

what areas of the brain are most affected by dementia, specifically AD?

Answer 13

memory and language

Question 14

what areas of the brain are affected by vascular dementia (VaD)?

Answer 14

• Medial temporal atrophy

- Cortical and subcortical lesion

Question 15

what are the clinical symptoms of VaD? (hint: LIDD)

Answer 15

• Language issues
• Impaired attention, planning
• Difficulties with complex activities
• Disorganized thought

Question 16

what are the key features of dementia with lewy bodies? (hint: CAP SF)

Answer 16

• Complex visual hallucinations
• Autonomic symptoms
• Parkinsonism
• Sleep disturbances
• Fluctuating cognition

Question 17

what areas of the brain are affected by DLB?

Answer 17

• Medial temporal lobe atrophy (less severe than AD)
• Loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra
• Brainstem
• Neocortex
• Occipital hypoperfusion and hypometabolism
• Limbic

Question 18

what are the key features of FTD? (hint: MMSD)

Answer 18

• More common in younger groups (50-60 year old)
• Memory often intact in early stage
• Significant changes in behavior and personality
• Disinhibition and impulsivity are common

Question 19

what are the 3 types of FTD?

Answer 19

• Pick’s disease
• Progressive supranuclear palsy
• Corticobasal degeneration

Question 20

which type of dementia has the slowest gait speed?

Answer 20

FTD

Question 21

findings suggest that ____ is an underlying precursor to cog impairment

Answer 21

HTN

Question 22

what amount of time should a pt participate in aerobic + strength exercises for significant cognitive and functional improvements?

Answer 22

6 mos (12-18 wks)