Approach to Dementia Flashcards
What defines Dementia?
Decline in memory and at least 1 other cognitive function
Dementia causes are determined definitively when?
At autopsy
What are the initial symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Short term memory loss and word issues
Mini-Mental State Examination result for Alzheimer’s?
Abnormal
What are the late symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Hallucinations – “stealing from me”
What is the main complaint if the patient has Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Memory complaint
If a patient has Mild Cognitive Impairment, they tested abnormally for memory but do not meet the criteria for Dementia. What is it likely a precursor to?
Alzheimer’s Disease
With Vascular Dementia, what signs will be found?
FOCAL neuro signs that are sudden in onset
– usually contralateral
With Vascular Dementia, what will be seen on brain imaging?
Evidence of cerebrovascular disease (dark) for older infarcts
With Vascular Dementia, what signs will be seen?
FOCAL neuro deficits that are sudden in onset
– usually contralateral
Stepwise progression of cognitive deficits can be seen with?
Vascular Dementia
Lewy Body Disease is a type of Parkinsonian syndrome. What are the 4 symptoms?
- Rigidity
- Bradykinesia
- Dementia
- Hallucinations
What are the symptoms of Lewy Body Disease?
- Slow
- Stiff
- Dementia
- Hallucinations
Does Lewy Body Disease have memory issues or a tremor?
No – Mental status exam will be normal
When do the hallucinations present with Lewy Body Disease?
EARLY
What type of hallucinations are common with Lewy Body Disease?
Visual hallucinations of kids/animals
– not bothered by them
What are patients with Lewy Body Disease very sensitive to that could possibly kill them?
Anti-psychotic agents
– use newer ones if you have to use them
Frontotemporal Degenerations involve dementia with deterioration of what things?
Social skills, intellect, memory and language
What are the symptoms of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus?
Wet, wacky, wobbly
- UI, Dementia, Gait issues
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus will show what on MRI?
Enlarged ventricles
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is potentially reversible. What is the treatment?
VP shunting
If Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is reversible with a VP shunt, what symptom will likely improve?
Gait disturbance will improve
