Memory concerns Flashcards
Rough structure to memory concerns history
HPC
Rule out the different causes of dementia/memory problems
Assess their ability to perform ADLs
Risk assessment
Impact of illness on family
Insight of the patient
PMH - including vascular pathology (stroke, TIA, peripheral arterial disease)
DH and changes
FH - dementia? depression
SH - Housing situation? Carers? Alcohol/smoking etc…
Questions to ask in the HPC in a memory concerns history
Onset, duration and progression of symptoms
Short term vs long term memory
Associated symptoms:
- Behavioural changes
- Confusion
- Loss of functioning in language or comprehension
- Physical symptoms - gait abnormalities, tremor
- Recent falls, head injuries
Ruling out the memory loss causes
Trauma or head injury
LBD - any visual or auditory hallucinations, any trouble walking?
Depression - any low mood, fatigue or anhedonia?
Risk assessment in memory loss
Wandering behaviour
Accidental or intentional injury
- Ask have they ever done anything unsafe?
Risk of financial exploitation
Driving?
Risk of self neglect including remembering to take prescribed medications
Risk of self-harm and suicide
Social history in memory loss
Housing situation
Live alone
Carers
Any dependents
Alcohol
Smoking
Recreational drug use
