Dementia Flashcards
What is dementia?
An organic impairment of cognitive function and personality without impairment of consciousness. It is due to degenerative brain changes and so cannot be reversed.
What is the most common type of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease
What are the potential causes of dementia?
Genetic
Vascular –> smoking, alcohol, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension
Nutritional –> diet high in saturated fats
Lower education
Poor social network
Give examples of protective factors for dementia
Vitamin A and E, vegetables, fish, sports, walking, reading, knitting, gardening, dancing, complex work
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Memory loss Loss of language Apraxia (lose ability to do skilled motor movements) Agnosia (cannot recognise things) Personality and behavioural changes Psychotic symptoms Seizures and myoclonic jerks
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
Memory loss, dysphagia, dyspraxia, wandering behaviour, apathy, psychotic symptoms
What are the symptoms of vascular dementia?
Gait disturbance, personality change, labile mood, urinary frequency, preserved insight
What are the symptoms of Lewy body dementia?
Fluctuating dementia, delirium like stages, parkinsonism, visual hallucinations,
What are the symptoms of Huntington’s disease?
Schizophrenia like psychosis, choreiform movements, depression, irritability
What are the symptoms of frontotemporal lobe dementia/
Stereotyped behaviours, personality change, loss of insight, expressive dysphasia, memory relatively preserved
Why should antipsychotics not be used in Lewy body dementia?
Increased risk of stroke and sudden death
How is dementia managed conservatively?
Good sleep pattern Prevent wandering Regular exercise Toilet routine Community support Keep familiar environment
How is dementia managed psychologically?
Art therapy, music therapy, memory training, reminiscence therapy
How is dementia managed medically?
Analgesia
Treat infections
Treat depression
Can use sedatives if the patient is aggressive
