final exam

Question 1

Define dementia

Answer 1

A group of symptoms caused by various diseases and conditions that affect the brain which lead to a progressive decline in cognition, language and personality which interferes with independent functioning

Question 2

how does dementia happen?

Answer 2

Brain cells die → reduced neural communication → symptoms

Question 3

Alzheimers

Answer 3

• 60-70% of dementia cases
• characterized by amyloid plaques and beta tangles
• symptoms include impairments in memory, language, and visuospatial skills

Question 4

Vascular dementia

Answer 4

• 10-20% of dementia cases
• characterized by disease or injury to the blood vessels leading to the brain
• symptoms include motor skills and judgement

Question 5

Frontotemporal dementia

Answer 5

• 10% of cases
• characterized by deterioration of frontal and temporal lobes
• symptoms include personality changes and issues with language

Question 6

Lewy Body dementia

Answer 6

• 5% of cases
• characterized by lewy body protein deposits on various cells
• symptoms include hallucinations, disordered sleep, impaired thinking and motor skills

Question 7

Other dementias

Answer 7

5%
- parkinsons
- huntingtons
- HIV
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
- Korsakoff Syndrome

Question 8

Evidence of significant cognitive decline from a previous level of performance in one or more cognitive domains - what are the domains?

Answer 8

Learning and memory
Language
Executive function
Complex function
Perceptual-motor
Social cognition

Question 9

When diagnosing dementia, you must rule out

Answer 9

• Delirium
• mental disorder

Question 10

How does dementia impact swallowing?

Answer 10

• Overall slowing of the swallowing process
• Reduced sensation, will hold food in mouth (oral stasis)
  Reduced tongue and mandibular strength (reduced oral manipulation/coordination)
• Food/liquid remain in mouth/throat (reduced bolus clearance)

Question 11

Comprehensive dementia assessment

Answer 11

-History
-Consider location/time of day
-Assess the environment (distractions)
-Speak with caregivers (MECQ-LTC)
-Assess speech, language, and cognitive skills

Question 12

Communication strategies for dementia

Answer 12

• Use short, simple, one-idea sentences (limit load on WM)
  Ex. Let’s get a few thing steady for the family tomorrow for when the family comes

Questions that do not place demands on recent memory - reduce WH questions

Eliminate distractions
E.g. dining room, nurse’s station, TV, radio

Avoid suddenly shifting topic
Speak slowly

Ask one question or give one instruction at a time

Approach slowly from front; establish eye contact

Avoid interrupting; allow plenty of time for responding

Don’t argue