Neuro- Dementia Vs. Delirium Flashcards
Delirium is defined as
A transient, usually reversible, cause of cerebral dysfunction that manifests clinically with a wide range of neuropsychiatric abnormalities.
Delirium often involves other cognitive deficits, …
changes in level of arousal, altered sleep-wake cycle, and may include psychotic features such as hallucinations and/or delusions.
Key features of delirium
Altered level of consciousness
Change in cognition
Onset over hours to days
Fluctuating course
Behavioral changes
Sleep alterations
Delirium Etiology
● Infectious: encephalitis, meningitis, syphilis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection
● Withdrawal: alcohol and sedative–hypnotics
● Acute metabolic: acidosis, alkalosis, electrolyte disturbances, and hepatic or renal failure
● Trauma: heat stroke, burns, andpostoperative
● CNS pathology: abscesses, hemorrhage, seizures, stroke, tumors, vasculitis, and normal pressure hydrocephalus
● Hypoxia: due to anemia, carbon monoxide poisoning, hypotension, pulmonary embolus, and pulmonary or cardiac failure
● Deficiencies: vitamin B12, niacin, and thiamine
● Endocrinopathies: hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, hyperadrenocorticism or hypoadrenocorticism, hyperthyroidism or
hypothyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism
● Acute vascular: hypertensive encephalopathy, and shock
● Toxins: medications, drugs, pesticides, and solvents
● Heavy metals: lead, manganese, and mercury
DEMENTIA:
Impairment of memory and at least one other cognitive function (eg, language, visual–spatial orientation,
judgment) without alteration in consciousness, representing a decline from previous level of ability, and interfering with daily
functioning and independent living.
ALZHEIMER DISEASE (AD):
The leading cause of dementia, accounting for half of the cases involving elderly individuals,
correlating to diffuse cortical atrophy and hippocampal atrophy with ventricular enlargement.
