Module 4: Dementia and Delirium Flashcards
Aetiology of delerium
general anaesthetic hypoxia sepsis infections medication toxicity and interaction low BSL hepatic dysfunction renal dysfunction non-prescription illegal drugs
Pathophysiology of delirium
disruption of a widely distributed neural network involving the reticular activating system of the upper brainstem and its projections into the cerebral cortex and limbic areas
clinical manifestations of delirium
slurred speech altered level of consciousness restlessness inattentive grossly altered perception of reality misperception misinterpretation incoherent conversation agitation hallucinations violence
Routine care for delirium
vital signs
full neurological observations
monitor input oand output
FBC
Dementia
is a progressive failure of many cerebral fucntions not caused by impaired level of consciousness
Aetiology of alzheimers disease
characerised by decreased brain size
Pathophysiology of alzheimers disease
decreased brain size loss of neurons decreased number of neruonal synapses neurofibrillary tangles senile plaques
Clinical manifestations of alzheimers
increasing memory loss
reduced concentration
disorientation
mood alterations
pharmaceutical treatment for alzheimers
antipsychotics and antidepressants- relieve behavioural disturbances
Centrally acting anticholinesterases (donepezil)
What are the drug groups of antidepressants
tricyclic antidepressants (doxepin) selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Main antipsychotic agents
phenothaiazine derivatives
thioxanthines
atypical antipsychotics
Define Antipsychotics
drugs used to treat clinical psychosis. typical antipsychotics like haloperidol antagonise (Block) dopamine receptors
Define Antidepressants
drugs used to treat clinical depression. Antidepressant drug groups include the tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors
