Memory and Memory Loss Flashcards
What process does information in working memory undergo?
Consolidation
What is consolidation?
Memories stored in more permanent form
Where does consolidation predominantly take place in the brain?
Hippocampus
How is information more readily archived in long term memory?
If stored with other related info
Augmented by practice
Using mnemonic devices
What are the two types of long term memory?
Declarative
Non-declarative
What are the two types of declarative memory?
Episodic
Semantic
What is episodic memory?
Memory of personally experienced events
What is semantic memory?
Store of
- Facts
- Concepts
- Words and their meanings
What sort of problems do disorders of attention lead to?
Filtering out background noise
What is the most common cause of a disorder of attention?
Delirium
What can cause delirium?
Range of conditions, including
- Infections
- Hypoxia
- Certain medications
What can conditions affecting the memory areas of the hippocampus lead to?
Problems with storing info from short term to long term memory
What can cause problems of storing information in long term memory?
Variety of disorders like Alzheimer’s disease
What kind of memory does Alzheimer’s disease especially affect?
Episodic
What do you ask about the quality of memory loss?
Short term memory
Long term memory
What do you ask about the severity of memory loss?
Impact on activities of daily living
Ability to function independently
What do you ask about the time course of memory loss?
Onset - Sudden: ask about fall or change in medication - Gradual Progression - Stable - Steadily progressive - Stepwise decline
What do you ask about the context of memory loss?
Trauma
Stroke
Surgery
What do you ask about the relieving factors of memory loss?
Pill container = dosette
Memory aids
Cholinesterase inhibitors
What do you ask about the aggravating factors of memory loss?
Infection Admission to hospital Medication - Narcotics - Tranquilisers - Anticholinergics
What do you ask about the associated features of memory loss?
Change in behaviour
Change in personality
Difficulty with language
Other neurological symptoms
What do you ask about in past history of memory loss?
Head injury Diabetes Hypertension Smoking Alcohol
What do you ask about in family history of memory loss?
Dementia
How can you fill in the gaps on a memory loss history?
Get supplementary history from another person
Interview together AND separately
What are environmental measures you can take to improve communication with a patient who has cognitive impairment?
Reducing background noise and other distractions
What actions can you take to improve communication with a patient who has cognitive impairment?
Speak clearly and slowly
Maintain eye contact
