Memory Problems: Assessment

Question 1

What is involved in memory processing?

Answer 1

Attention
Encoding
Storage
Retrieval

Question 2

What are some typical memory problems?

Answer 2

Forgetting a message 
Losing track of a conversation 
Forgetting to do things 
Inability to navigate in familiar places
Increased misplacing of things 
Struggling to remember names

Question 3

What is anterograde amnesia?

Answer 3

Difficulty in acquiring new material and remembering events since the onset of the illness or injury

Question 4

What is retrograde amnesia?

Answer 4

Difficulty in remembering information prior to the onset of the illness or injury

Question 5

Dementia must have 2 or more of what symptoms?

Answer 5

Forgetfulness
Memory Loss
Confusion
Poor reasoning and logic
Personality changes
Poor judgement
Loss of ability to focus
Visual perception

Question 6

What should be assessed in cognitive screening?

Answer 6

Memory
Attention and concentration
Executive functioning
Visuo-spatial functioning
Language

Question 7

What cognitive test should be used in dementia?

Answer 7

MMSE (ACE III more likely due to copright issues)

Question 8

What does ACE III assess?

Answer 8

Orientation
Attention
Memory
Executive functioning
Language
Visuo-spatial functioning

Question 9

How long does the ACE III take?

Answer 9

15 mins

Question 10

What are the purposes of neuropsychological assessment?

Answer 10

To identify areas of deficits and preserved functioning in the cognitive profile
Aid with diagnosis process
Provide information regarding prognosis
To obtain a baseline assessment of functioning
To inform and facilitate interventions and strategies
To monitor change in cognitive functioning
To evaluate effectiveness of interventions
To provide indicators regarding the rate of recovery

Question 11

What cognitive demains are assessed in neuropsychological assessments?

Answer 11

Pre-morbid functioning
Orientation & Attention
Memory & New Learning
Visuo-spatial & constructional functioning
Language
Executive Functioning
Emotional status

Question 12

What factors should be considered in undertaking cognitive assessments?

Answer 12

Mood 
 Handedness 
 Language & Word Finding 
 Verbalisations & Gestures 
 Fluctuations 
 Response to Encouragement 
 Response to Failure or Success
 Memory for Personal History
Motor Functioning 
 Effects of Substances (e.g. drink & drugs) 
 Sensory & Physical Impairments 
 Level of Co – Operation (Motivation & Effort) 
 Thought Content 
 Concentration & Distractibility 
Practice Effect

Question 13

What should be assessed in memory problems?

Answer 13

Background history
Brain scans
Cognitive screening
Neuropsychological assessment