Dementia

Question 1

Define: dementia

Answer 1

umbrella term for over 100 conditions characterised by progressive and irreversible loss of brain function.

Question 2

what happens as brain function deteriorates

Answer 2

cognitive and behavioural patterns are affected Ultimately leads to complete dependence on others and death.

Question 3

describe alzhiemers

Answer 3

due to build up of proteins both in and around brain cells, which limits the ability of messages to be transmitted between cells, impairing brain function.
most common in people over 65

Question 4

desceribe vascular dementia

Answer 4

due to reduced blood flow to the brain – due to stroke/series of small strokes, or other damage to blood vessels and circulation.

Question 5

why do cells die in vascular dementia

Answer 5

reduced oxygen and nutrietns to brain cells - leading tod eath

Question 6

describe dementia iwth lewy bodies

Answer 6

• Caused by spherical proteins (Lewy bodies) inside nerve cells of the brain, causing their degeneration and death.

Question 7

describe frontotemporal dementia

Answer 7

due to progressive damange to frontal and temporal lobes (either or both)
frontal - judgement and social behaviour
temporal - understanding the meaning of words

Question 8

why is it an nhpa

Answer 8

• Contributes significantly to burden of disease (YLD as it causes significant impairment in daily functioning, and YLL as it leads to death)
• Contribute significant cost to both individuals and communities: especially with regards to formal and informal care.

Question 9

direct costs to indv?

Answer 9

• Patient co-payments for medication required to treat dementia
• Potential patient co-payments for GP visits

Question 10

direct costs to comm?

Answer 10

• Medicare contribution GP visits
• PBS contributions for medication to treat dementia.
• Funding for health promotion programs eg. Your Brain Matters

Question 11

indrect costs to indv?

Answer 11

If children have to take time off work to care for them:
• Lost income
• Paying for services
Copayments for carers

Question 12

indirect costs to comm?

Answer 12

If children have to take time off work to care for them:
• Loss of productivity
• Lost tax revenue
Cost of carers

Question 13

intangible costs to indv/

Answer 13

• Frustration

Question 14

intangible costs to comm?

Answer 14

• Frustration
• Sadness of them being forgotten
• Grief if they die

Question 15

biological risk factors?

Answer 15

Age 
•	Risk factor – rates increase in over 65 year olds
Sex
•	Lewy bodies more common in males
Genetic predisposition 
•	Increased chance if family members have
Body weight
•	Risk factor for Alzhiemers
Blood pressure: 
•	Risk factor for all
Downs syndrome
•	Risk factor for Alzheimers

Question 16

behavioural risk factors?

Answer 16

Tobacco smoking
•	Impaired blood flow  vascular
Alcohol consumption
•	Korsakoffs syndrome
Physical inactivity
•	Deteriorates blood vessels, increasing risk of vascular
Dietary behaviours
•	High blood cholesterol is a risk – hence are sat/trans, and poly/monounsaturated a protective.
Lack of mental stimulation
•	Risk factor for dementia

Question 17

physical env factors?

Answer 17

Vascular dementia :
Air quality/environmental tobacco smoke
• Environmental tobacco smoke can clog blood vessels and increase risk
Access to recreation facilities/transport systems/work environment
• Reduce physical activity, reducing function of blood vessels  vascular dementia
Transport systems – may increase risk of social exclusion, hence that of dementia

Question 18

social factors?

Answer 18

Education
• Lower levels  higher risk
Social exclusion
• Increases risk

Question 19

hpp?

Answer 19

your brain matters

Question 20

who?

Answer 20

alzheimer’s australia

Question 21

aim?

Answer 21

reduce risk of dementia my improving modifiable riskf actors

Question 22

describe the brainy app

Answer 22

• Quiz that assesses current risk of dementia
• Points to users profile every time they record behaviours that may reduce risk
• Word/memory game to promote mental stimulation.

Question 23

describes 5 simple steps to maximise your brain health

Answer 23

5 steps - describing how they relate to dementia, and tips for reducing risk in regards to each.
look after your heart
be physically active
mentally challenge your brain
follow a healthy diet
enjoy social activity

Question 24

describe tips given for each

Answer 24

Look after your heart: quit smoking, monitor bp/cholesterol
Be physically active: encourages people to do physical activity – 30 minutes of moderate activity
Mentally challenge your brain: by taking up a new sport/language
Follow a healthy diet: Eat more polyunsaturated/monounsaturated far, less trans/saturated
Enjoy social activity: take up dance classes/volunteer