Introduction to Dementia Flashcards
What age range does the chances of dementia increase exponentially
Research shows that when you reach 70 years or older, your chances of contracting Dementia increases significantly.
Is dementia a normal part of aging
Dementia is not a normal part of aging. Although we hear people suffer from Dementia or are diagnosed as having Dementia, Dementia itself is not the diagnosis. We need to identify the type of Dementia and the causes, some of which may be reversible, but most of which are incurable.
What is the most common cause of dementia
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of Dementia. It is an irreversible, progressive disease. It causes gradual deterioration of mental functions and of the ability to take care of one’s self.
Alzheimer’s is by far the most common type of dementia, attributed to approximately 2/3 of cases. It was first identified 100 years ago
What are the symptoms of dementia
- Decline in memory, thinking and reasoning.
- Changes in personality, mood and behavior.
- Difficulties in the ability to communicate, to recognize people and places and to engage in activities.
- Forgetfulness - forgetting names and appointments.
- Difficulties with once-familiar activities.
- Impaired judgment.
- Problems with spatial and temporal orientation.
What type of dementia is reversible
Some dementias are reversible, when the causes are, for example:
- Inadequate fluid intake leading to dehydration or acute infections.
- Chronic conditions that have gotten out of control (Hypothyroidism; Diabetes; Psychiatric conditions; reaction to medications).
Those at greater risk of the Alzheimer’s
Those at greater risk of contracting Alzheimer’s include:
The Elderly - there is an increased risk after the age of 65. By age 85 or more, there is an almost 50% risk of acquiring the disease.
Females - females are at a greater risk of contracting the disease than males.
Genetics - if there is a genetic history of Alzheimer’s in the family, there is a greater risk of developing the disease.
Vascular multi infarct dementia
Vascular, or multi-infarct, dementia is the second most common cause of dementia, estimated to be 20% of cases. It is caused by reduced blood flow to parts of the brain, often as a consequence of tiny strokes that block small arteries.
The onset of symptoms may seem more sudden and clear. Memory may or may not be as seriously affected as is the case with Alzheimer’s. This can depend on whether blockage has occurred in the memory regions of the brain.
How is fronto temporal dementia(FTD) distinguished from Alzheimer’s
Inappropriate and anti-social behaviors.
- Apathy; compulsions (relative preservation of visual spatial and cognitive skills).
- Language deficits progressing to mutism.
- Changes in the brain include shrinkage of the frontal and temporal lobes (which can be seen on PET scans).
What is lewy body dementia
Lewy Body Dementia is caused when abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies are left in the brain. Symptoms include hallucinations and memory loss.
Which dementia mimics Parkinson’s
Lewy body dementia -This is similar to Alzheimer’s disease, but characterized more often by early changes in movement or the development of extra pyramidal symptoms. This includes: tremors; tics; rigidity; shuffling; gait, which can make individuals look like they have Parkinson’s disease.
Huntington’s Disease
an inherited degenerative and fatal brain disease starting in mid life. Characteristics include personality changes, depression and the development of involuntary movements.
Jakob’s Disease
rare and rapidly fatal brain disorder causing Dementia. It affects coordination and causes behavioral changes. It is caused by an abnormal protein (called prion) that turns normal proteins into infectious ones. This disease is related to Mad Cow Disease.
HIV Dementia
direct infection of the brain with toxic viro-proteins. It is believed to cause dementia in 20-30% of people with advanced HIV and 50% of those with fully developed AIDS. Initial signs are poor concentration, forgetfulness, depression, apathy, weakness and myoclonus (sudden, involuntary twitching of muscles).
