7. Dementia Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
850,000 people in UK
Increasing prevalence
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
Mostly elderly
Can get early onset
F>M
3
Q
What causes it?
A
Several subtypes
Alzheimers = amyloid plaques
Lewy body = protein deposits
Vascular = narrowed / damaged cerebral vessels
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
HTN, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes
Increasing age
Family history
5
Q
How does it present?
A
Memory loss
Disorientation
Struggling with ADLs
6
Q
What signs may the patient have on examination?
A
Behavioural changes
Apathy
Confusion
7
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
Parkinson's Huntington's Depression Delirium Aphasia Amnesia
8
Q
How would you investigate?
A
Neuroimaging
FBC, U+Es
Full neuro exam
