Delirium, Dementia and Depression Flashcards
1
Q
What is delirium?
A
- acute confusion
- sudden heightened confusion
2
Q
What can delirium entail?
A
- impaired concentration
- altered cognition
- fluctuating consciousness
3
Q
What can cause delirium?
A
- medications
- neurological impairment
- illnesses
- environmental changes
4
Q
What is dementia?
A
- chronic confusion
- brain function impaired by degenerative or disease progress
- progressive disease
- The decline in short term memory
5
Q
Treatment options for dementia?
A
NOT CURABLE
- medications
- preservation of current state
6
Q
What are the types of dementia?
A
- Alzheimers
- Vascular (brain damage)
- Lewy Body (disease associated)
7
Q
Risk factors for dementia?
A
- drug and alcohol abuse
- can be family history
- cardiovascular changes
- brain injuries (stroke)
- illnesses (parkinsons)
8
Q
Facts about Alzheimers
A
life expectancy: 8-10 years after diagnosis
- Can be familial or not
- the gradual loss of function
- death by aspiration pneumonia
9
Q
What are some warning signs of Alzheimers?
A
- memory loss affecting skills
- problems with language
- changes to mood, behaviour and personality
- disorientation to time and place
10
Q
What is depression?
A
mood lowered for a prolonged period
11
Q
Why would children experience depression?
A
neglect and abuse
12
Q
Why would young adults experience depression?
A
- abusing/uncaring relationships
- long term job unemployment
- drugs and alcohol abuse
13
Q
Why would mid adults experience depression?
A
- abusive/uncaring relationships
- long term job unemployment
- drugs and alcohol abuse
- menopause
14
Q
Why would older adults experience depression?
A
- dementia
- major health problems
- following a loss
15
Q
What are the clinical manifestations of depression?
A
- persistent sadness
- insomnia, restlessness
- chronic fatigue
- thoughts/acts of suicide
