Alzheimer's dementia

Question 1

Dementia is a n_________ disorder with a decline in c_____ over time

Answer 1

neurodegenerative
cognition (memory, judgement, language)

Question 2

What is a breakdown product of amyloid precursor protein (APP)?

Answer 2

Beta amyloid plaques

Question 3

Around what % of dementia is Alzheimer’s?

Answer 3

60%

Question 4

In Alzheimer’s, there are beta amyloid plaques and t__ n_______ t_____ in cerebral cortex

Answer 4

tau neurofibrillary tangles

Question 5

In Alzheimer’s, there is increased cortical s____ and brain atrophy and decreased ___ (neurotransmitter)

Answer 5

scarring
ACh

Question 6

What are risk factors for Alzheimer’s?

Answer 6

Down’s syndrome (inevitable, APP gene mutation)

ApoE4 allele in familial Alzheimer’s with late onset

Question 7

What are symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

Answer 7

Agnosia (can’t recognise things)

Apraxia (can’t do basic motor skills)

Aphasia (can’t talk as well as normal)

Question 8

True or false: there is a step-wise decline in cognitive function in Alzheimer’s?

Answer 8

False, steady decline.
Stepwise decline in vascular dementia

Question 9

How do you diagnose dementia?

Answer 9

Mini mental state exam (MMSE) out of 25

Brain MRI shows cortical atrophy

Question 10

What does a score of over 25/30 mean in MMSE?

Answer 10

No dementia, normal

Question 11

What MMSE score relates to impaired cognitive function?

Answer 11

18-25 / 30

Question 12

What MMSE score correlates to severely impaired cognition?

Answer 12

Under 17

Question 13

How is dementia managed?

Answer 13

social stimulation
Exercise

Question 14

What medication is given for Alzheimer’s dementia?

Answer 14

Anticholinesterases / ACh-ase inhibitor like donepazil or rivastigmine