Neurocognitive Disorders (really Dementia) Flashcards
1
Q
Cognition
A
- the method that the central nervous system uses to process and utilize information
- outcome of an ongoing dynamic interaction between person, activity, and the environment
- ex: dressing = includes knowledge of the weather, schedule of activities for the day, awareness of which clothes coordinate with others, sequencing, and problem solving
- cognition is essential to the performance of everyday occupations
2
Q
Cognitive (neurocognitive) domains
A
- perceptual-motor function
- language
- learning and memory
- social cognition
- complex attention
- executive function
3
Q
Perceptual-motor function
A
- visual perception
- visuoconstructional reasoning
- perceptual-motor coordination
4
Q
Language
A
- object naming
- word finding
- fluency
- grammar and syntax
- receptive language
5
Q
Learning and memory
A
- free recall
- cued recall
- recognition memory
- semantic and autobiographical long-term memory
- implicit learning
6
Q
Social cognition
A
- recognition of emotions
- theory of mind insight
7
Q
Complex attention
A
- sustained attention = “I am going to do this right now”
- divided attention = getting dressed while being engaged in conversation
- selective attention
- processing speed
8
Q
Executive (functional) cognition
A
- planning
- decision-making
- working memory
- responding to feedback
- inhibition
- flexibility
9
Q
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
A
Slide 4
10
Q
Normal age-related cognitive decline
A
- it’s normal to have some decline as you age but once it starts to really interfere with the occupations, then that’s not normal
- subtle decline in cognitive abilities
- thinking is slower/names are harder
- decreased working memory = forgets part of something and remembers later
- reduced capacity to pay attention
- decreased attention/complex multi-tasking/organizing
- sensory changes: vision or hearing
- uses notes to remind themselves of something
- may forget where they put their keys but can retrace their steps to find them
- does not get lost in store/new place
- independent in all ADL/IADL
- does not progress to dementia
11
Q
Delirium
A
- NOT a long term, it’s short term
- typically caused by a disease, an illness, or an intoxication or being high in some sort of a drug
- can be reversible
- disorientation or psychosis
- usually occurs when a person is being treated or in need of treatment for a physical condition
- high fever
- UTI = an indicator of being delirious
- symptoms end when medical condition clears
12
Q
Diagnostic criteria of delirium
A
- a disturbance in attention with decreased ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention
- an additional change in cognition (such as memory loss, disorientation, or language disturbance) or the development of perceptual disturbance (hallucination, paranoid thoughts)
- changes in attention and cognition cannot be explained by a preexisting or developing NCD
- medical evidence that the disturbance is either caused by a medical condition or developed during intoxication or withdrawal from a substance
13
Q
Delirium diagram (slide 7)
A
- dehydration is huge with delirium
Early intervention is key to prevention:
At risk patients include those: - who are over 65
- with existing cognitive decline
- who are actually ill
- with a fractured neck of femur
Single question to identify delirium (SQID): - Are they more confused then normal?
Prevention and management: - treat the cause of delirium
- avoid transfers
- reorientation to current place and time
- pain management
- adequate fluids
- use of eyeglasses and hearing aids, if applicable
- familiar objects and stimulating activities
- reduced noise and avoid sleep interruptions when possible
- address mobility
- engage with family and carers
Screen for increased risk factors - D = dehydration
- E = eyes and ears
- L = limited mobility
- l = infection
- R = reduced pain
- I = impaired cognition
- U = up at night
-
M = medication
Assessment and Review - review level of confusion on admission
- daily observation for at risk patients
- use 4AT rapid assessment test for delink to diagnose delirium in more confused patients
- clinical assessments to identify source of delirium
14
Q
Subtypes of delirium
A
- if there is preexisting dementia, then changes may not be completely reversible (delirium can sort of kick-start the dementia and make it progress a little bit more
- hypoactive
- hyperactive
- once causative factor is cleared, it typically resides in 3-7 days
15
Q
Hypoactive delirium
A
- slowing or lack or movement, paucity of speech, and unresponsiveness
- premorbid dementia leads to the worse survival rate
16
Q
Hyperactive delirium
A
- more common, associated with medication side effects or substance withdrawals, restlessness, constant movement, agitation
17
Q
Incidence and prevalence of delirium
A
- high rate of delirium in medical and surgical settings
- 20% of all hospital inpatients acquire delirium
- 25% at 50 years of age
- 35% at 85 years of age
- 1-2% at older than 65 years of age in the community
*the older you get, the more likely you’ll get it
18
Q
Medical treatments of delirium
A
- treat the underlying in medical condition
- clear the infection, simplify polypharmacy (takes lots of medications at once)
- antipsychotic medication to help with agitation, aggression, paranoia, and hallucinations (Haldol)
- this medication has a risk of increased cerebrovascular adverse events, death, and this risk elevated for months after use (have to be careful because they do lead to a risk of a stroke)
19
Q
Occupational performance deficits of delirium
A
- impairments due to cognitive, motor, and sleep deficits
- impairment in orientation, attention, memory, and visuospatial abilities
- motor agitation or retardation limits their physical abilities
- can cause an increase in length of hospital stay and high rates of nursing home placement
20
Q
Neurocognitive disorders (NCD)
A
- mild
- major
- based on the level of function
21
Q
Mild NCD
A
- can set lots of timers, reminders, have people check on you and can still live on your own
- mildest decline in cognitive function performance
- requires compensatory strategies and accomodations to maintain independence
- may or may not progress to major NCD
- not due to delirium
- not due to other mental disorders
22
Q
Major NCD
A
- dementia
- a significant decline in cognitive performance
- interferes with independence in everyday activities
- supervision, more assistance
- affects motor issues
- not due to delirium
- not due to other mental disorders
23
Q
Dementia
A
- an umbrella term used to describe a collection of brain diseases and their symptoms, which include: memory loss, impaired judgment, personality changes, and an inability to perform daily activities
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Other Dementias