Cognitive Dysfunction Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of cognitive dysfunction?

A

An alteration in cognition- dementia or delirium

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2
Q

What can be the cause of cognitive dysfunction?

A

Hypoxia, hypoglycemia, atherosclerosis, cerebral infarction, metabolic imbalance, vitamin deficiency, CNS infection, tumors, trauma, alcohol withdrawl, drug toxicity

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3
Q

What are the cognitive functions?

A

Orientation, memory, affect, intelligence, behavior, judgement.

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4
Q

What is the definition of dementia?

A

Global impairment of intellectual function which is usually of sufficient severity to interfere with a person’s normal function.

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5
Q

What is the etiology of dementia?

A

Unknown cause; theories of infectious agents, neurotoxic, neurotransmitters, abnormal proteins.

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6
Q

What is the epidemiology of dementia?

A

1 of 6 over age 65; 4th most common cause of death

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7
Q

What are the signs of dementia?

A

Irreversible, slow onset, chronic

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8
Q

What is stage 1 of dementia?

A

Onset/Mild; recent memory loss, confusion, distracted, absentminded, mild behavior problem

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9
Q

What is stage 2 of dementia?

A

Middle or moderate; progressive memory loss, behavioral problems, sundowners syndrome, incontinence, confabulation (like a delusion), aphasia

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10
Q

What is stage 3 of dementia?

A

Terminal/Severe; Unable to talk, total incontinence, vegetative state, leads to death.

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11
Q

What are common responses to deficits?

A

Denial, regression, compulsiveness, withdrawl, aggression

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12
Q

What is Pseudodementia?

A

A person may be thought of to have dementia, but they may just have depression and be unable to concentrate on anything.

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13
Q

What is the definition of delirium?

A

A medical emergency that deals with disturbed consciousness, change in cognition, memory deficit, and perceptual deficit over a short period of time.

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14
Q

What is the criteria of delirium?

A

The person may die if untreated, usually lasts a week if not treated. Alchoholic delirium is critical after 2 days.

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15
Q

What is the first stage of delirium?

A

Restless, talkative, distortion of time/space, increased sensitivity to stimuli, difficulty remembering

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16
Q

What is the second stage of delirium?

A

Incoherent, concentration is impaired, disoriented, overactive, hallucinations, delusions.

17
Q

What is the third stage of delirium?

A

Coma and death

18
Q

What is delirium often a sign of?

A

Worsened medical conditions

19
Q

What are some diagnostic tests for delirium?

A

EEG, CAT scan, drug screen, ABG, accucheck

20
Q

What is the treatment of dementia?

A

Assess the cause, Cognex- treats acetylcholine neurotransmitter deficiency

21
Q

What is the treatment of delirium?

A

Treat the cause immediately.

22
Q

What are some interventions for cognitive dysfunction?

A

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