Introduction to Dementia

Question 1

What are the pharmacological treatments for Dementia

Answer 1

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

NDMA receptor agonist

Question 2

What is the mode of action of cholinesterase inhibitors

Answer 2

They prevent acetylcholinesterase from breaking down acetylcholine in brain so there’s an increased conc of Ash. This leads to increased communication between nerve cells which may alleviate or stabilise some symptoms

Question 3

What is the mode of action of NDMA receptor agonist

Answer 3

Glutamate is a chemical that helps send messages between nerve cells. Glutamate is released in excessive amounts when Brain cells are damaged by Alzheimers which causes brain cells to be damaged further.

These drugs protect brain cells by blocking effects of excess glutamate

Question 4

What are psychological and behavioural disturbances in dementia

Answer 4

delusions and hallucinations

Anxiety and depression

apathy

Aggression

Purposeful walking, abnormal vocalisation

Sleep and appetite

Question 5

How is a diagnosis for dementia made

Answer 5

Signs and symptoms noticed

Screening tests (mini mental state exam)

Diagnosstic assessments undertaken- neuropsychological testing, CT head scan, blood testing for biomarkers

Need to exclude other conditions like delirium and depression

Question 6

Are scans and biomarkers helpful

Answer 6

Yes- but less so in very old people

Question 7

What is reminiscence therapy

Answer 7

Using objects to jog memories and ask dementia patients to talk about things

Question 8

relationship between social networks and risk of dementia

Answer 8

People with cognitive impairment have less rich social networks than those without

Having weaker Social networks is associated with a higher likelihood of having anxiety and depression