Week 2 Flashcards
what is altered mental status
pt demonstrates changes in cognition, affective behavior, orientation, arousal, and/or alertness compared to normal
confusion/bahavior changes
not a disease but a sign of other diseases
symptoms of AMS
arousal change = legthargy, obtunded, etc
disorientation = confusion
cognitive changes = memory impairement, slow processing
behavior changes = agitation, depression
psychosis = delusions, paranoia
examples of causes of AMS
acute infection
Rx meds
alcohol/drugs
acute neuro injury
metabolic changes
cognitive disorders
dementia definition
pathological condition of the mind affecting memory
caused by brain disease/injury
not “normal” cognitive decline
global decline can be caused by delirium or depression
delirium definition
reduced level of consciousness hallmarked with acute confusion
depression definition
negative disturbance in mood causing low vital sense and poor attitude
what is the normal rate of decline for the nervous system
1% per year starting at 30
demographics of those diagnosed with dementia
6% of those over 65
50% of those over 85
most people affected over 65
most common in women with family hx
etiologies of dementia
neurodegenerative disorders
cerebrovascular disorders
toxic/metabolic encephalopathies
depression
diagnosis of dementia must include at least three of these categories
language
memory
visuospatial skills
emotion
cognition
describe the physiology of dementia
structural/chemical changes in brain
shrinkage of brain tissue
reduction of white matter
deterioration of brain cells
loss of synapses
4 main types of dementia
alzheimer’s
vascular (due to ischemia/stroke)
lewy body disease (parkinson’s)
frontotemporal
characteristics of alzheimers dementia
most common; 50-60% of cases
progressive
-early = memory loss
-late = can’t converse/respond to environment
quality of life affected, not quantity
leading cause of institutionalization among elderly
cause of dementia
unknown
associated with “plaques and tangles” in neurons
abnormally folded proteins that block communication between nerve cells
caused by free radicals
how do alzheimers plaques and tangles vary from normal population
more are developed and in a predictable pattern
begin in areas important for memory before spreading to other regions
