Dementia Flashcards
What are the likely presenting features of dementia?
Chronic confusion
Personality change
Amnesia
What neurological-functions are affected in dementia and which ones are NOT affected?
Affected - memory, ability to learn new info, judgement and thinking, processing information, emotional behaviour and social control, motivation
Not affected - Consciousness
How long do symptoms have to have persisted for before a diagnosis of dementia is given?
6 months or longer
What are some different types of dementia?
Alzheimer's disease Lewy body dementia Vascular dementia Parkinsonian dementia HIV dementia Fronto-temporal dementia
What are some differentials for dementia?
DEMENTIA Drugs/delirium Emotional / depression Metabolic disorders Eye and ear disorders Nutritional disorders Trauma, toxins and tumours Infections Alcohol, atherosclerosis
What neurotransmitter is lacking in AD and how does this shape the theory of treatment?
Acetycholine
First line pharmacological management is acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
What are some examples of first line drug treatment options in AD?
Rivastigmine, Neostigmine and Donepezil
In some severe cases of AD an additional drug is used, what is it?
Memantine
What are first line drug treatments in DLB?
Rivastigmine and Donepezil
Should anti-psychotics be given to patients with dementia?
They can sometimes be given but only if the patient is at risk of hurting themselves and/or is experiencing, BPSDs or symptoms of hallucinations/delusions and agitation
Give at low dose ask review every 6 weeks
What scans are recommended in vascular dementia?
MRI
What is the most common cause of dementia and what is the difference between early and late onset?
Alzheimer’s disease
Early onset <65
Late onset >65
What is the organic, neurological pathology in Alzheimer’s disease?
Deposition of Beta-Amyloid plaques
Implications of ApoE4 gene (involved in cholesterol metabolism)
Reduction in amount of Ach - due to reduction in number of cholinergic neurones at nucleus basalis
T21 at greater risk
3x greater risk with FH
What findings will be found upon imaging the brain?
Cerebral atrophy Plaque formation Senile plaques Neurofibrillary tangles Ach depletion
***REVIEW IMAGES
What tests can be used to formally assess cognition in possible AD?
MoCA or Adenbrooks (ACE-III)