Neurological Disorders Flashcards
What is dementia?
Dementia is the loss of ordered neural function which is seen in several unrelated disorders.
True or False. Dementia is a disease?
False.
What is the most common form of dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease
At what age do incidence rates of Alzheimer’s beging to increase?
Age 65 and greater.
What is DAT?
Disease of the Alzheimers Type.
What percentage of all dementia is Alzheimer’s?
64%
What are the two main forms (etiological) of Alzhemiers?
Idoipathic or Sporadic Form which accounts for 90% of all cases. Familial or Genetic form, which accounts for 10% of all cases.
What gene is affected in idiopathic sproradic Alzhemiers? What is the function of the gene?
Apolipoprotein E gene (APOE). This gene is involved in the formation of lipoproteins.
There are 3 genes involved in familial Alzheimers? What are they? Do any of the genes have relavance in other diseases?
The three genes involved in Alzhemiers are: APP - Amyloid Precursor Protein gene, PS1 - Presenilin Gene, and PS2. The Amyloid Precursor Gene (APP) is also a hallmark gene marked in those whom suffer from diabetes. The APP gene has an effect on the pathway of insulin. Individuals that have diabetes have an increased risk of getting Alzhemiers.
What chromosomes are involved in Alzheimers? Do any of the chromosomes have relavance in other diseases?
Chromosome involved in Alzhemiers are: 1, 12, 14, 19, 21. Chromosome 21 is also involved in Down’s Syndrome. There is a definiate link between Alzehimers and Down’s.
What is sulci?
Sulci are the dips in the brain.
What are gyri?
Gyri are the ridges in the brain.
What is the pathophysioloy of Alzhemiers?
Atrophy of the cerebral cortex which is characterized by prominent sulci and slender gyri. The amygdala and hippocampus are affected which result in the congnitive losses. Sensory cortex of the brain is unaffected. Alzheimers is also characterized by Lesions found in the brain. The lesions are neuritic plaques (deposits of amyloid plaques) and nerofibrillay tangles (fibrous proteins in cytoplasm). Those affected with Alzhemers also have decreased levels of acetocholin (ACh).
Manafestations of Alzhemiers can be broken into 3 categories. What are they? How long do they take to manifest? Can they be reversed?
Manifestations have an insidious onset. They progress in stages over approximately 10 years. The 3 categories of manifestations are: Mild AD (2-4 yrs), Moderate AD (2-10 yrs), and Severe AD (2 yrs).
What are the manifestations of Mild AD?
Begin to develop memory problems, usually detected by family member and friends. Careless work habits, but are able to do routine tasks. Familiar routine management is essential.
What are the manifestations of Moderate AD?
Moderate AD manifestations occur between 2 and 10 years. They include: decline in cognitions, confusion, language problems (speech, interpretation, reception), some motor disturbance, indifference, problems with ADL’s.
What are the manifestations of Severe AD?
Severe mental impairment, minimal voluntary movement, no self care (grooming, bathing, feeding), incontinence (bowel, urine), rigid and flexor posturing
What is paraphasia?
Using words in the wrong context. The speaker might use “foot” instead of “shoe”. It is an inabiity to communicate. Paraphasia is a common manifestation during moderate alzhemiers disease.
How is Alzheimers disease diagnosed?
There is no definitive test for AD. To properly diagnose the clinical presentation are used in conjunction with excluding other possible causes. Patients will likely undergo many test to rule out other diseases: EEG (electroencphalogram), CT Scan, MRI, and labs would all be completed.
What is the treatment for AD?
There is no cure. Patients will undergo symptomatic management and behavioral and environmental manipulations. Pharmacological treaments.
What are several drugs which AD patients will take? What do they do?
Memantine: Glutamate Receptor Blockers - Glutmate is a stiumlatory neurotransmitter which increases neural function, which if accumulated, it become toxic. This seems to stem the progression of the disease. Aricept: ACh-esterase Inhibitors - These drugs inhibit an enzyme that breaks up ACh. Acetocholin is greatly diminished in those suffering from AD, the idea is to prevent this decrease. Risperidone: Low Dose antipsychotics Effexor: Anti-depressants Other drugs to control symptoms.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS is an autoimmunity disease which targets the myelin in the Central Nervous System.
Who does MS typically affect, and what is the usual onset?
MS usually affects women at a two times higher rate than men. Onset is usually between 20-40 years, affecting caucaisen individuals. The disease is more prominent in colder regions.
What is the etiology of MS?
The actual etiology of MS is unclear. However, it is a complex trait with familial tendency. If you have a 1st degree relative with MS there is a 15 times greater chance of getting the disease. MS is also thought to have a viral trigger (EBV - Epstein-Barr Virus).
