Key Question Flashcards
what is the key question?
How can psychologists understanding of memory help dementia patients?
what is the most common cause of dementia?
alzheimer’s disease
what causes alzheimer’s disease?
the formation of abnormal deposits of proteins (plaques and tangles) in the brain.
these cause nerve cells to die, causing the brain to shrink
what is often the first part of the brain to shrink from alzheimer’s?
the hippocampus
which is often one of the last regions to be affected by alzheimer’s?
amygdala
what is dementia’s prevalence?
55 million people have dementia worldwide
what is the prognosis of dementia?
8 - 10 years
the limbic system
collection of structures with a key role in several brain functions
what does alzheimer’s disease make it harder for people to do?
to form new memories
to learn new information
what is the hippocampus needed for?
the retrieval of memories
retrieving those from longer ago may depend on it less
what is the impact of the amygdala being affected later than the hippocampus?
a person may often recall the emotional aspects of something even if they don’t recall the factual content
what part of the brain becomes thinner due to the disease?
the cortex
this means that memories from longer ago are lost
what causes problems with semantic memory and language?
damage to the left hemisphere
what does damage to the right parietal lobe cause?
a person may have problems with judging distances in three dimensions
navigating stairs is a common difficulty
what does damage to the visual system and temporal lobes cause?
it makes recognising familiar faces and objects harder
what does damage to the frontal lobes cause?
struggle with decision making, planning or organising
what kind of abilities are retained?
those acquired long ago
e.g. dancing or playing the piano
what is cognitive stimulation?
a therapy for dementia that stimulates the mind
what does cognitive stimulation involve?
getting together in groups to discuss, play games and solve puzzles
often the activities are linked to memories, like looking at old photographs, listening to old songs or using old skills
what stages of dementia does cognitive stimulation work best for?
mild to moderate
what benefits does cognitive stimulation therapy have?
it can slow down the progress of the disease
reduce loneliness
helps to retain cognitive skills
stimulates memory by reminiscing on events
what is the aim of validation therapy?
it advocates that, rather than trying to bring the person with dementia back into our reality, it is more positive to enter their reality.
empathy is developed with the person
reduces anxiety
why does validation therapy help patients?
prevents muddling schemas
reduces stress and anxiety
gives dementia patients a sense of security
what is Hogeway?
a care home in the netherlands for the elderly with extreme dementia
patients live nearly normal lives here
