Week Four - Dementia and Parkinson's Disease

Question 1

Define genrotology

Answer 1

The study of older adults (65+yrs)

Question 2

What is dementia?

Answer 2

Term relating to a cluster of symptoms associated with lower cognition and memory impairments

Question 3

Define fluid abilities and how are these effected in individuals with dementia?

Answer 3

• Processing speed, flexible reasoning in novel situations
• Often the fastest to decline

Question 4

Statistics of those with Alzheimer’s Disease

Answer 4

520,000+ in UK , life expectancy 8-10yrs after first symptom
50,000 die in USA every year from physical complications

Question 5

3 main causes of Alzheimer’s

Answer 5

• Plaques and Tangles : protein build up loosing nerve cell connections (decaying tissue)
• Neurotransmitters: shortage of acetylcholine = signals not effectively transmitted (ach for memory)
• Early onset Alzheimer’s : genetic defect [FAD gene] - inheritance

Question 6

Define plaques and tangles

Answer 6

Plaques = Small, round protein deposits
Tangles = Twisted fibres of tac protein formed from inside dying cells

Question 7

Define vascular dementia

Answer 7

Occurs when blood vessels in brain are damaged - may cause vascular cog. impairment

Causes issues with movement/coordination/ speech

Often due to cerebovasular disease

Question 8

2 main symptoms of alzheimer’s

Answer 8

Memory loss
Memory consolidation failure (hippocampus- failure to transfer STM to LTM)

[language, visuospatial skills, organisation, mood]

Question 9

How can alzhiemer’s risk be reduced?

Answer 9

Lifestyle : activity, not smoking, balanced diet, limit alcohol intake
Brain Training: puzzles, crosswords

Question 10

3 main treatments of alzhiemers

Answer 10

Medication: (prevent Achestrase / increase nerve communication OR reduce glutamate)

Person centred treatment : understand likes and dislikes, involves family, manage behavioural and psychological symptoms

Talking Therapy : focus on specific symptoms and speak about adjustment

Question 11

Define Parkinson’s disease / symptoms

Answer 11

LT degenerative disease of CNS, mainly motor
Tremors, bradykinesia, dystonia

Question 12

Causes and treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Answer 12

Causes = Genetic changes, environmental, loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra (less dopamine)

Treatment= Supportive therapy, medication, surgery

Question 13

Define and explain the symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia

Answer 13

Lewy Body = protein deposits in nerve cells, involved in thinking / memory / cognition

Affects memory and ability to recognise faces/ carry out simple actions

Caused by genetic changes and environmental factors

Question 14

What are memory aids?

Answer 14

Things often used to trigger cues of memory
eg. newspapers, sticky notes, medication day boxes, photos

Question 15

Two main screening tests for dementia and parkinsons disease

Answer 15

Mini Mental Screening Exam (more common)
Abbreviated Mental Test Score