Neurodegenerative Disorders

Question 1

Which impairments characterize dementia?

Answer 1

1. cognitive impairment.
2. behavioural problems.
3. functional disability.

Question 2

Which deficits are categorized in neurodegenerative disorders?

Answer 2

1. complex attention.
2. executive functioning.
3. learning and memory.
4. language.
5. perceptual-motor skills.
6. social cognition.

Question 3

Which treatable illnesses/conditions can cause dementia?

Answer 3

1. toxic disorders.
2. systemic/metabolic disorders.
3. infectious disorders.
4. brain tumours.
5. depression.
6. sensory deprivation.

Question 4

What characterises Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 4

1. memory deficits.
2. gradual development.
3. progressive deterioration.
4. no other specific causes.

Biomarkers: neuroimaging, CFL, and plaques and tangles.

Question 5

What characterises vascular dementia?

Answer 5

1. abrupt onset.
2. focal neuro signs.
3. stepwise progression.
4. cognitive impaired executive functioning.
5. history of cerebrovascular disease.

Question 6

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 6

1. not yet detectable.
2. not yet distinguishable.
3. detectable cognitive problems.
4. clear cut symptoms.
5. help with daily activities.
6. constant supervision and care.
7. lose the ability to communicate.

Question 7

How can you diagnose Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 7

1. personal history.
2. physical neurological examination.
3. neuropsychological testing.
4. functional status.
5. blood tests.
6. neuroimaging.
7. CSF.

Question 8

What are diagnostic tests to help determine dementia?

Answer 8

1. MMSE.
2. Clock test.
3. MoCa test.

Question 9

What are treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 9

1. symptomatic drugs: acetylcholinesterase and memantine.

2. disease-modifying drugs.