T1 L15 Neurobiology of dementia Flashcards
Give some examples of memory impairment
Recent events
Facts & concepts
Encoding vs retrieval
Learning vs forgetting
Give some examples of language impairment
Naming, word-finding
Word meaning
Syntax Articulation
Give some examples of executive impairment
Working memory
Structured tasks
Set shifting
Attention
Give some examples of social impairment
Disinhibition
Loss of empathy
Obsessions
Poor self-care
Give some examples of visuospatial impairment
Way-finding
Hand-eye coordination
Arranging objects
Copying a drawing
What are some causes of brain dysfunction?
Thyroid Sodium Drugs Depression Poor sleep Pain
What are some causes of brain damage?
Vascular disease Multiple sclerosis Alcohol Tumour HIV B12
What are some causes of neurodegeneration?
Alzheimer’s
Lewy body disease
What happens to the proteins normally present in neurons in the CNS in Alzheimer’s disease?
They misfiled –> stick together & aggregate into amyloid structures
Inside neurons - tau proteins which form tangles inside brain cells
Gradual disintegration & disappearance of neurons in certain parts of the brain
Describe the effect of thiamine deficiency caused by alcohol
Wernicke’s: delirium, ataxia, eye movements
Korsakoff’s: amnesia, confabulation, consolidatin
Describe the long term effects of alcohol
Attention
Speed
Ataxia
Secondary effects: seizures, head injuries, malnutrition, liver disease, other drugs
What short term effects can be caused by a head injury?
Consolidation - anterograde & retrograde
What long term effects can be caused by a head injury?
Attention & executive deficits
What symptoms occur as Alzheimer’s disease progresses?
Disorientation Hallucination Aggression Paranoia Apathy Immobility Weight loss - lose drive to eat
What medications can be given to replace lost neurotransmitters?
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine Replace function of some of the lost cholinergic cells to boost memory
