neuro (class 9) degenerative diseases Flashcards
dementia
cognitive decline caused by any disorder that permanently damages areas of the brain necessary for memory & learning.
progressive impairment of cognitive function, personality & behavior.
um brella term for disorders that result in neuron death or loss of communication between cells.
dementia risk factors
age, family history, smoking/ETOH use, ethnicity, diseases: high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, DM, down’s syndrome, TBI.
various types of dementia
Alzheimer's disease vascular dementia lewy body dementia fronto-temporal dementia mixed dementia reversible causes
Alzeimer’s disease
pathophysiology
cause unknown-interaction of multiple factors.
brain changes: loss of nerve cells & vascular supply causing brain atrophy.
neurotic plaques
group of degenerated cells that clump around amyloid core begin in areas for cognition & memory, disrupt transmission of nerve impulses
tangles
twisted fibers of tau protein that build up cytoplasm of affected neurons
progressive alzheimers
more areas of the brain over time- loss of neurons/neurotransmitters with enlargement of ventricles & structural changes.
alzheimer’s manifestations
dementia often categorized as mild-moderate-severe.
7 stage classification systme.
stages 1-2 mild
trouble finding words, decrease memory & planning, lose objects, social & work problems, stage 3 may become noticable to others & measurable in exams.
stages 4&5 moderate
ST memory loss, loss of mental functions, can’t perform complex tasks, become withdrawn, may need ADL assist, poor recall, disorientation to place, time, context
stages 6&7 severe
worsening memory, personality changes, lose context, need supervision, sleep-wake cycle disruptions, wandering, personality changes, suspicious, in final stage lose ability to respond to environment, speech, & purposeful movement, decrease reflexes, muscle rigidity, swallowing impairments, vision loss, malnutrition & aspiration are frequent complications.
alzheimers diagnosis
no single specific test to R/O things that mimic.
medical & medication hx. unintentional wt loss. hx of behavior patterns over time, lab work. physical exam. neuro exams, mood evaluation, cognitive testing. brain scans: CT, MRIs
treatment meds
meds for memory- slow progression.
acetylcholinesterase inhibitors-donepezil.
prevents breakdown of ACH=enhanced neuron activity
NMDA receptor antagonist-memantine.
reduces glutamate & blocks excessive Ca entry into cells =prevent cell death
meds for behaviors-antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics.
meds for sleep changes
treatment: non-med strategies
reminiscence, validation therapy, cueing, reality orientation, manage aggression: space, low stimuli environment, distraction, alternative activities, touch-caution.
dementia
group of cognitive disorders could have problems with memory, judgement, using and understanding language and motor function. result in death of neurons. gradual onset, slow decline, no cure
delirium
caused by underlying medical problem.
occurs abruptly
symptoms fluctuate throughout day.
more profound state of confusion, delusions, and agitation.
other medical problem is identified and treated
confusion
mild form of delirium
acute change in mental status
abnormal & fluctuation change in attention.
may give warning of development of more severe disorder.
creutzfeldt-jakob disease
cause
prion disorder(protein) cns disease, effects dependent on where proteins are active. familial, sporadic, or infections causes buildup of abnormal prion proteins. 4+ yr incubation
creutzfeldt-jakob disease symptoms
rapid progression (wks to months). behavior & personality changes. CNS: memory, vision loss, dysphagia, abnormal movement.
creutzfeldt-jakob disease diagnosis
can only by confirmed by autopsy