Dementia involves cognitive changes that are more serious than typical age-related forgetfulness and can interfere with independent living. This lesson introduces dementia, distinguishes it from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and explains why assessment requires more than noticing memory lapses.
Some changes in memory and processing are common in later life and do not usually prevent a person from functioning independently. Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions involving brain damage, including cell death, that causes cognitive impairment and may disrupt daily functioning and independent living. Its symptoms vary with the cause and the person.
All flashcards
What is vascular dementia?
Cognitive impairment associated with brain tissue damage from disrupted blood flow or insufficient oxygen.
What are Lewy bodies?
Protein deposits in the brain associated with neuron loss and Lewy body dementia.
What is a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease based on?
Symptoms, cognitive test performance, medical history, and evaluation of other possible causes.
What is early-onset Alzheimer’s disease?
A rare form of Alzheimer’s disease that begins before age 65.
What is sundowning?
A tendency for dementia symptoms such as confusion or agitation to worsen in the evening.
Quiz questions
How do ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes differ?Answer: An ischemic stroke involves a blocked vessel; a hemorrhagic stroke involves bleeding from a ruptured vessel.
If someone suddenly develops a possible stroke warning sign, what should a bystander do?Answer: Contact emergency medical services immediately, even if no other warning signs appear.
Which symptom pattern is characteristic of Lewy body dementia?Answer: Visual hallucinations and attention that can fluctuate substantially over short periods.
Where are Alzheimer’s-related amyloid plaques and tau tangles found?Answer: Plaques form between neurons, while tau tangles form within neurons.
Which approach seeks biological evidence associated with Alzheimer’s disease?Answer: Testing for amyloid or tau in cerebrospinal fluid, or using PET imaging to locate amyloid plaques.
Based on Lifespan Development by Diana Riser, Rose Spielman, David Biek (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.