Cognition Flashcards
Characteristics of Delirium?
Usually a symptom of another condition and resolves when the underlying condition is treated. Abrupt, usually fluctuating changes in cognition including:
disorganized thinking, disorientation, restlessness, agitation, confusion, mood instability
What conditions can trigger delirium?
infections, trauma, metabolic imbalances, CNS disease, hypoxia, hypothermia, hyperthermia, toxins, sleep deprivation, drug and alcohol use, withdrawal.
Risk factors for delirium
older adults, children, emotional disorders, onset of new illness.
What type of tests may be done on a patient who has experiences delirium?
Confusion assessment method (CAM) test can help to differentiate between delirium and dementia, neuro exam, drug and alcohol screening
Medications that may help with delirium?
Not suitable for all pt’s and does not cure illness.
antipsychotics, antidepressants.
nonpharmacologic therapies for delirium?
Music therapy, providing reassurance of safety, orienting pt to person, place and time, comfort measures, O2, IV fluids.
Most common type of Alzheimers?
Sporadic, late onset. No clear pattern of inheritance.
Less common form of Alzheimers?
Familial, early onset, inherited.
Associated issues related to the onset of AD?
Neurofibrillary tangles.
Amyloid plaque
How does AD begin?
Subtle, may be virtually unnoticeable.
Early signs of AD?
Disorientation to time or place, changes in mood, frequently misplacing things, difficulty finding words, impaired judgment.
Drug for AD?
Will not treat, but can slow symptoms. Acetychollinesterase (AChE) inhibitor.
- They decrease acetylcholine breakdown.
examples: Donepezil (Aricept)
Galantamine (Razadyne)
Rivastigmine (Exelon)
MMSE
Mini mental status exam. Most common test to assess cognitive function.
onset, peak, duration for Aricept/donepezil
less than 20 minutes
3-4 hours
variable
Memantine (Namenda)
Drug used for moderate/servere AD
