SCD - dementia Flashcards
What is dementia
a syndrome - usually of a chronic or progressive nature
There is deterioration in cognitive function (i.e. the ability to process thought) beyond what might be expected from normal ageing
What does dementia effect
- memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, judgement
How is dementia diagnosed and measured
blood tests to eliminate treatable causes
neurological exams (MMSE)
What blood tests can be done for dementia
- FBC, U&E’s, kidney, liver and thyroid function tests
What are different cognitive tests
- MMSE
- Blessed Dementia Scale (Registers changes in managing daily activities)
- The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
- Single Neuropsychological Tests: Clock draw, delayed word recall, category fluency
- Combined single tests: 7 minute screen, IQCODE, AD8 Dementia Screening
What is the MMSE
- 30 point test
- it includes tests of orientation, attention, memory, language and visueal-spatial skills
What are pros of MMSE
- Well known
- Easy to administer
- Samples range of cognitive functions
- Test-re-test and inter rater availability
What are cons of MMSE
- Only three words are to be remembered on recall - not sensitive to mild impairment
- Old-new knowledge?
- Not standardised time between registration and recall
- Not sensitive in testing frontal lobe
Types of dementia
vascular
alzheimers
dementia with lewy bodies
frontotemporal
What is dementia characterized by
- Amnesia
- Inability to concentrate
- Disorientation in time, place or person
- Intellectual impairment
How to make healthcare environment dementia friendly
reception desk visible from entrance
ceilings floors etc acoustically absorbent
colour of walls distinctive from flooring
no non essential signs
minimise artificial light
