Degenerative diseases of the CNS Flashcards
What are some general characteristics of degenerative diseases of the CNS?
Usually late onset
Gradual progression
Neuronal loss
Structural imaging
What is dementia?
Progressive impairment of multiple domains of cognitive function in alert patients to loss of acquired skills and interference in social and occupational role
What are some causes of dementia?
Alzheimer’s
Lewy body
Vascular
What are some conditions which may mimic dementia?
Hydrocephalus
Tumour depression
Depression
What are some components of the examination of dementia?
Cognitive function
Neurological
Vascular
What are some important components of a history of dementia?
Progression FH Risk Factors MMSE MOCA
What are some useful investigations for dementia?
Bloods CT/MRI CSF EEG Genetics
What is a distinctive characteristic of vascular dementia?
Stepwise progression
What is a distinctive characteristic of Creutzfeld-Jakob disease?
Rapid progression
What are some characteristics of Temporo-parietal dementia?
Early memory disturbance
Language and visuospatial problems
Personality preserved until later
What are some characteristics of fronto-parietal dementia?
Early change in personality/behaviour
Often a change in eating habits
Memory and visuospatial elements mostly preserved
Early dysphasia
What are some elements of vascular dementia?
Mixed picture
Stepwise progression
What are some features of the treatment of Alzheimer’s?
Cholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) NMDA antagonist (Memantine)
What are some signs of parkinsonism?
Bradykinesia Postural instability Rigidity Tremor Dopamine loss in basal ganglia
What treatment does parkinsonism generally have a good response to?
Dopamine replacement therapy (Levodopa, Carbidopa)
