Neurodegenerative disorders

Question 1

Dementia:

Answer 1

Dementia describes a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain

It is not one specific disease

It affects thinking, behaviour, learning and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of dementia:

Answer 2

Trouble with:
Judgement, slowness, planning and organisational tasks.

Memory, learning new things and remembering the past

Abstract thinking, clear speech, carrying out motor tasks

Question 3

Causes:

Answer 3

Alzheimer disease is the most common

Followed by Lewy Body dementia

Question 4

Generally anything that can:

Answer 4

Damage blood vessels/nerve cells
Decrease o2 to brain
Decrease glucose to brain
Increase pressure in brain
Increase waste products in blood

Can cause dementia

Question 5

Treatment

Answer 5

There is no cure for Alzheimer disease of Lewy Body dementia.

Early diagnosis and planning is important because symptoms can be treated and managed.

Question 6

Vascular dementia

Answer 6

25-30% of patients after a stroke
A general term describing general dementia S&Sx
Caused by brain damage that has resulted from impaired blood flow in the brain.

Question 7

Lewy Body disease/dementia

Answer 7

Degenerative nerve cells are found in certain areas of the brain. These cells contain Lewy Bodies.

Lewy Bodies are microscopic aggregates of protein deposits that develop inside nerve cells.

This disrupts normal brain functioning causing it to deteriorate. Especially the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia - decreasing dopamine.