Alzheimers Dementia

Question 1

Aetiologies?

Answer 1

Environmental and genetic causes

RF: strong FH, down syndrome, Vascular RF, alcoholism, smoking

Question 2

Pathology?

Answer 2

Selective neuronal loss in the cortex

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms?

Answer 3

Main initial domains of neuronal loss: spatial awareness, self awareness, memory, higher function, verbal
Progresses into intellect/behavioural/psychotic decline

Question 4

Investigations and Findings?

Answer 4

Diagnosis purely clinical

Excludatory investigations

Question 5

Management?

Answer 5

No definitive cure
MDT based support for family and patient
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors = symptomatic, BP control

Question 6

Complications?

Answer 6

Progressive decline into sedation