Chapter 31 : Mental health disorders of older adults Flashcards
The following flashcards are going to be on the study guide provided and the blackboard powerpoint
how is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by ?
signifiant deficits in cognition or memory that represents a clear-cut change from a previous level of functioning
what is delirium ?
an acute cognitive impairment with multiple causes
- a disturbance in consciousness and a change in cognition that develops over a short period of time
notes
some risk factors for delirium
- advance age
- pre-existing dementia
- functional dependence
- endocrine & metabolic disorders
- bone fracture
- infection
- medications
- change in vital signs
- electrolyte & metabolic imbalances
- aids
- pain
- acute or chronic stress
-substance use or alcohol withdrawal
what is the primary goal of treatment of individuals with delirium ? (2)
prevention or resolution of the acute confusion episode with return to previous cognitive status and interventions focusing on
- elimination or correct of the underlying cause
- symptomatic and safety and supportive measures
what is dementia?
characterized by the gradual onset of decline in cognitive function, especially memory, usually accompanied by changes in behavior and personality
( chronic cogntiive impiarment diferrentiatied by cause, not symptom pattern )
when we find a patient who has dementia, its important to follow the anagram ____ to make sure they dont have any problems with ?
( the anagram once again )
dementia
drug/alcohol/depression
eyes&ears
metabolic/endocrine disorders
emotional disorders
neurologic disorders
tumors/tramua
infection/cystitis
arteriovasuclar disease
what is Alzheimer disease?
degenerative, progressive neuropsychiatric disorder results in cogntivite impairment, emotional and behaviors changes and physical and functional decline
what are the 4 essential features of cognitive decline ?
aphasia
apraxia
agnosia
disturbance of executive functioning
what does these 3 terms mean?
aphasia
apraxia
agnosia
alterations in language
impaired ability to execute movement
failure to recognize or identify objects
what is happening cellularly in the brain when the patient has Alzheimer disease?
beta amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
notes
Research efforts continue to focus on understanding the relationship among the development of the beta-amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and cell death.
- Nursing care of a person with dementia depends on the stage of the disease and the availability of family caregivers.
- Educating and supporting families and caregivers through the progressive cognitive decline and behavior changes is essential to ensuring proper care.
- Other neurocognitive disorders may be related to specific brain changes (Lewy bodies), infections (prion disease), genetic diseases (Huntington), and substances/medication
what is the two classes of medications we are going to give to patients with Alzheimer?
cholinesterase inhibitors
NMDA antagonists
what is the function of cholinesterase inhibitors ?
block the normal breakdown of acetylcholine
what are the 3 medications for cholinesterase inhibitors?
Donezepil (Aricept)
Rivastigmine (Exelon)
Galantamine (Razadyne)
