Altered Thought Processes Flashcards
- increased reaction & response time
- individualized
- mild short term memory loss
- decline in problem solving
- long term memory usually remains intact
Normal Cognitive Changes
the ability to think
the ability to process and store information
the ability to solve problems
Cognition
What does cognition involve?
Cognition involves the mental processing of information. Memory and thought combine to store, retrieve and manipulate this information
A problem or lack of one or more of the three elements.
Cognitive Disorder
Conditions of a cognitive disorder
Delirium, Dementia, Amnesia/Amnestic disorder= forgetfulness
measures alertness, stuperious, comatose
Level of Consciousness (LOC)
An acute change in a person’s level of cognition and level of cognition, LOC that occurs over a short period of time–hours to days
Delirium
A progressive, irreversible decline in mental function. Not a part of normal aging, often not noticed at first. Decline in physical and cognitive function and personality changes.
Dementia
Progression of Dementia
slowly to very obvious
Acute change in mental status from baseline; disorientation mixed with lucidity
Confusion
Changes in Level of Consciousness can range from…
Stupor to Hyperactivity
unable to reason, disjointed, slurred speech
Disorganized thought/speech
have difficulty focusing
Decreased attention span
cannot form, store, or retrieve information
Impaired Memory
Apprehensive/bewildered
Fear
vague, uneasy feeling of discomfort or dread; source is non-specific or unknown
Anxiety
if persists over 1 week could be a symptom of schizophrenia
Paranoia
take brief naps day and night
Sleep-wake disturbances
oriented during the day, confused at night
Sundowner’s Syndrome
inaccurate perception of sensory stimulation. Stimulus is a real object. Iv line is a snake, garbage can is a dog. Can be explained and clarified
Illusions
a false belief held with conviction despite overwhelming evidence o the contrary. Belief of being poisoned–will not eat; delusion of persecution, delusions of grandeur.
Delusions
increased mental and physical activity. Especially physical–usually non-purposeful activity like pacing
Agitation
false sensory stimulation. See or feel things (bugs/rats) that others do not see.
Hallucinations
3 Most Common Types of Dementia
1) Dementia with lewy bodies
2) Vascular dementia or multi-infarct dementia 3)Alzheimer’s Disease
2nd most common late onset dementia
Dementia w/ Lewy Bodies
abnormal protein levels within the nerves, develop cognitive changes and then develop musculoskeletal changes
Dementia w/ Lewy Bodies
Fluctuating confusion, impaired alertness and attention, visual hallucinations, increased muscle tone, gait disorders, falling, syncope, LOC. delusions
Dementia w/ Lewy Bodies
Affects 60-75 years old
Affects more men than women
Abrupt onset with multiple remissions
Progressive step-wise decline in person’s mental functioning.
Vascular Dementia Multi-Infarct or Ischemic Vascular Dementia
Memory problems; forgetfulness; dizziness; leg or arm weakness; lack of concentration; moving with rapid shuffling steps; loss of bladder or bowel control.
Vascular Dementia Multi-Infarct or Ischemic Vascular Dementia
slurred speech; language problems; abnormal behavior; wandering or getting lost in familiar surroundings; laughing or crying inappropriately; difficulty following instructions; problems handling money.
Vascular Dementia Multi-Infarct or Ischemic Vascular Dementia
Can be late or early onset
Alzheimer’s Disease
