Confusion Flashcards
Cognition
the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses
State the key features of delirium
Disturbed conciousness, change in cognition, acute onset and fluctuant
State some other features of delirium
Disturbance of sleep wake cycle
Disturbed psychomotor behaviour
Emotional disturbance
delusions
State the possible causes of delirium
Infection (but not always a UTI!) Dehydration Biochemical disturbance Pain Drugs Constipation/Urinary retention Hypoxia Alcohol/drug withdrawal Sleep disturbance Brain injury
How is delirium diagnosed
Cognitive assessment (LADY)
State the treatment of delirium
Treat the cause
State the pharmacological management of delirium
Stop drugs (anticholinergics, sedatives) and 12.5mg quetiapine orally
State the non-pharmacological treatment of delirium
Re-orientate and reassure agitated patients USE FAMILIES/CARERS Encourage early mobility and self-care Correction of sensory impairment Normalise sleep-wake cycle Ensure continuity of care avoid frequent ward or room transfers Avoid urinary catheterisation/venflons
What is dementia
Acquired decline in memory and other cognitive functions in an alert person sufficiently severe to cause functional impairment and present for more than 6 months
State the different types of dementia
Alzheimers Vascular dementia Mixed Alzeimers/Vascular Dementia with Lewy Bodies ‘Reversible’ causes
State the features of alzheimers
Slow, insiduous onset
Loss of recent memory first
Progressive functional decline
State the features of vascular dementia
Classically step-wise deterioration
Executive dysfunction may predominate
Associated with gait problems often
State the features of dementia with Lewy Bodies
Link with Parkinson’s Disease 2/3rds will have movement problems Often very fluctuant Hallucinations common Falls common
State the features of fronto-temporal dementia
Onset often at earlier age
Early symptoms different from other types of dementia Behavioural change Language difficulties Memory early on often not affected Lack of insight into difficulties
State the non-pharmacological treatment of dementia
Support for person and carers Cognitive stimulation Exercise Environmental design Music/light therapy Reality orientation therapy vs validation therapy
