Cognitive Dysfunction Flashcards
What is the definition of cognitive dysfunction?
An alteration in cognition- dementia or delirium
What can be the cause of cognitive dysfunction?
Hypoxia, hypoglycemia, atherosclerosis, cerebral infarction, metabolic imbalance, vitamin deficiency, CNS infection, tumors, trauma, alcohol withdrawl, drug toxicity
What are the cognitive functions?
Orientation, memory, affect, intelligence, behavior, judgement.
What is the definition of dementia?
Global impairment of intellectual function which is usually of sufficient severity to interfere with a person’s normal function.
What is the etiology of dementia?
Unknown cause; theories of infectious agents, neurotoxic, neurotransmitters, abnormal proteins.
What is the epidemiology of dementia?
1 of 6 over age 65; 4th most common cause of death
What are the signs of dementia?
Irreversible, slow onset, chronic
What is stage 1 of dementia?
Onset/Mild; recent memory loss, confusion, distracted, absentminded, mild behavior problem
What is stage 2 of dementia?
Middle or moderate; progressive memory loss, behavioral problems, sundowners syndrome, incontinence, confabulation (like a delusion), aphasia
What is stage 3 of dementia?
Terminal/Severe; Unable to talk, total incontinence, vegetative state, leads to death.
What are common responses to deficits?
Denial, regression, compulsiveness, withdrawl, aggression
What is Pseudodementia?
A person may be thought of to have dementia, but they may just have depression and be unable to concentrate on anything.
What is the definition of delirium?
A medical emergency that deals with disturbed consciousness, change in cognition, memory deficit, and perceptual deficit over a short period of time.
What is the criteria of delirium?
The person may die if untreated, usually lasts a week if not treated. Alchoholic delirium is critical after 2 days.
What is the first stage of delirium?
Restless, talkative, distortion of time/space, increased sensitivity to stimuli, difficulty remembering
What is the second stage of delirium?
Incoherent, concentration is impaired, disoriented, overactive, hallucinations, delusions.
What is the third stage of delirium?
Coma and death
What is delirium often a sign of?
Worsened medical conditions
What are some diagnostic tests for delirium?
EEG, CAT scan, drug screen, ABG, accucheck
What is the treatment of dementia?
Assess the cause, Cognex- treats acetylcholine neurotransmitter deficiency
What is the treatment of delirium?
Treat the cause immediately.
What are some interventions for cognitive dysfunction?
Orient, address by name, repeat information, assure pt they are safe, consistent staff, maintain connection, avoid restraints, observe for potential to harm, allow for freedom, simple directions, safety measures
