5.2 - Introduction to Dementia Flashcards
What is Dementia?
4
Memory impairment
At least one of the following: aphasia, apraxia, or executive functioning impairment
Cognitive impairment must be severe enough to impact social + occupational functioning
Deficits cannot only occur during the course of delirium
What is the difference between MCI + Dementia?
MCI = a subtle but measurable memory disorder
Dementia = Multiple cognitive deficits including memory (memory + one other impairment)
How severe must cognitive impairment be in Dementia?
Severe enough to affect ones ability to participate in functional everyday activiites
Dementia must have a ______ and _______ course.
Gradual
Continuing
Can dementia symptoms be attributable to other CSN illnesses?
No
Can dementia symptoms be attributable to other systematic conditions?
No
Can dementia symptoms be attributable to delirium?
No
Can dementia symptoms be attributable to depression?
No
Can dementia symptoms be attributable to other psychiatric illness?
No
Do Dementia Symptoms generally come gradually?
Yes
Do Dementia Symptoms often begin mildly and progress over time?
Yes
Do Dementia Symptoms vary according to the cause of dementia?
Yes
What those with dementia have increasing difficulty remembering?
(7)
How to get to familiar locations
The names of friends, family members
Where common objects are usually kept
Simple math
How to perform usual tasks, such as cooking, dressing, bathing
How to drive
Bill paying
What are the 8 general signs of Dementia?
Memory failure
Disorientation
Lapses in judgment
Difficulty performing ADL’s
Difficulty with mentally challenging tasks
Misplacing things
Apathy and loss of initiative
Mood changes
Dementia affects ___% of the population older than age 65 worldwide.
1.5%
There is increasing incidence and prevalence of dementia with advancing age. Dementia affects ___% of persons over age 85
30
Dementia affects ___ per 1000 White Women.
34.7
Dementia affects ___ per 1000 White Men.
35.3
Dementia affects ___ per 1000 African American Women.
58.8
Dementia affects ___ per 1000 African American Men.
53.0
As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of ___________ will also increase.
Dementing illnesses
How does the rate of dementia in North America compare to that of other continents?
It’s is one of those with higher prevalence
What multi-factoral causes have Epidemiologic Studies found to increase susceptibility to dementia?
(5)
Genetic
Environmental
Experiential
Nutritional
Other factors
What are the 5 Dementia Taxonomies?
Pre-senile vs senile
Cortical vs Subcortical
Disease name
Causes (11 categories)
Reversible (treatable) vs irreversible
What are 6 Irreversible Dementia?
Alzheimer disease
Lewy body dementia
Fronto-temporal dementia
Multi-infarct dementia (multiple strokes)
Parkinson’s dementia
Vascular dementia (High BP, possibly stokes)
What are Reversible Dementias?
One that we can remedy by treating the underlying cause
What are 6 Reversible Dementias?
Drug toxicity
Metabolic imbalances
Infections
Tumors
Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Alcohol intoxication
What percentage of dementias are reversible?
10 -15%
Cognitive decline associated with depression (pseudodementia) is ______.
Reversible
Depression is present in ___% of all dementias.
50%
Is Differential Diagnosis between dementia and
pseudementia easy?
No. It’s difficult.
Is Polypharmacy an issues with Dementia?
Yes
Polypharmacy = taking multiple medications
What are 4 common OTC drugs?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen
Aspirin
Psudoephedrine hydrochloride (nasal decongestants)
Can medications impair cognitive function?
Yes
