2: Memory problems - assessment Flashcards
What is memory?
The ability to store and retrieve information
Memory allows us to ___ from past experience.
learn
What are the three broad types of memory?
How long does each last for?
Sensory memory (< 1 sec)
Short-term memory (< 1 min)
Long-term memory (> 30 mins, up to a lifetime)
What are the two subtypes of long-term memory?
Explicit (i.e your conscious memory)
Implicit (i.e your unconscious memory)
What is contained within your explicit long-term memory?
Facts
Events and experiences
What is contained within your implicit long-term memory?
Routines
Unconscious skills
Unconscious behaviours and routines are contained within your ___ memory.
Facts and experiences are contained within your ___ memory.
implicit
explicit
What do you need to do in order to learn new information?
Pay attention
Concentrate
If you’re concentrating on learning something new, it is then ___ in your memory.
encoded
as words, sound, feelings etc.
What do you need to do to bring information back into your short-term / working memory?
Retrieve it
What is amnesia?
Memory loss
What are the two types of amnesia?
Describe the memory loss experienced in each,
Anterograde (loss of memories after a disease or illness starts)
Retrograde (loss of memories preceding the onset of a disease or illness)
What are some presenting complaints of patients with a memory problem?
Forgetting names
Frequently losing things
Getting lost
Forgetting to do important tasks
Losing track of conversations
Memory loss occurs with ___ and is normal.
age
What is the term used to describe memory loss somewhere between age-related forgetfulness and dementia?
Mild cognitive impairment
In the elderly, it is important to differentiate dementia from which mood disorders?
Anxiety
Depression
which are very common and cause a “pseudodementia” which is treatable
Dementia is a chronic, progressive decline in cortical function.
Which aspects of cortical function are affected?
Memory
Decision making
Judgement
Orientation
Comprehension
Language
What is the most common cause of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease
What is the second most common cause of dementia?
Cerebrovascular disease
How would you describe the onset of
a) delirium
b) depression
c) dementia?
a) Acute
b) Gradual
c) Insidious
To assess a patient’s current cognitive state, you need to know what their ____ cognition was like.
premorbid
Which scoring system is used to assess patients for delirium?
4AT
What is a
a) normal
b) abnormal MMSE score?
a) > 27/30
b) < 24/30
Which scoring systems can be used for
a) brief
b) in-depth screening for dementia?
a) MMSE, MOCA
b) ACE-III, GPCOG
