Dementia Flashcards
What is dementia?
Syndrome of generalised decline of memory, intellect and personality leading to functional impairment
What are the main types of demenita?
Alzheimer’s disease
Vascular dementia
Lewy body dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
What is the pathophysiology of AD?
Degeneration of cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert
Leads to deficiency of ACh
What are the microscopic changes seen in AD?
Intracellular neurofibrillary tangles
Extracellular B-amyloid plaques
What are the macroscopic changes seen in AD?
Cortical atrophy
Widened sulci
Enlarged ventricles
What are features of AD?
Memory loss
Disorientation to time + place
Impairment of cognitive + executive functions
- problem solving
- visuospatial abilities
- dysphasia
- apraxia
- agnosia
What is the pathophysiology of vascular dementia?
Cerebrovascular disease - multiple mini infarcts
How is the progression of vascular dementia described?
Stepwise
What are the features of vascular dementia?
Memory loss
Emotional + personality changes
Confusion
Neurological signs/symptoms
What is the pathophysiology of LBD?
Abnormal deposition of lewy bodies within neurones
Leads to ACh loss
In the brainstem -> dopaminergic loss + Parkinsonism
What are the features of LBD?
Day to day fluctuatoins
Visual hallucinations
Parkinsonism
Depression
What is the pathophysiology of frontotemporal dementia?
Atrophy of frontal + temporal lobes
What age does frontotemporal dementia develop?
50-60
What are the features of frontotemporal dementia?
Disinhibition
Loss of social behaviour
Language problems
Repetitive behaviour
How can dementia be managed supportively?
PT/OT
Advance care planning
Social support
