B1. Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias

Question 1

Why is Alzheimer’s more prevalent today ?

Answer 1

We are all living longer therefore more at risk of dementias such as Alzheimer’s.

The older you are the more likely you’ll get it.

Hygiene and health care is better.

Question 2

What are the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s ?

Answer 2

Sleep disorders 
Aggression 
Paranoia 
Disturbance in memory 
Crying 
Confusion

Question 3

Why is Alzheimer’s more common in women ?

Answer 3

Women live longer than men

Question 4

How is dementia diagnosed

Answer 4

• Blood tests to rule out deficiencies and other abnormalities
• rule out depression , anxiety, stress

Additional questions:

• what day it is
• What time it us
• Who is the priminister
• perform a task, count backwards from 100
• determine the outcome, patient is referred to a dementia specialist or memory assessment team/clinics

Question 5

What happens if dementia is suspected ?

Answer 5

• Detail examination of the brain where they asses whether their is any damage in the brain e.g. I’m vascular dementia
• Computer tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance immigrant (MRI) scan

Can be used to identify structural damage

Question 6

What type of dementia occurs as a result to damage in the brain ?

Answer 6

Vascular dementia