Dementia

Caused by an increase in certain proteins inside and outside damaging the brain cells in the hippo campus which is the center of learning and memory. Memory loss is usually the first warning sign of Alzheimer's.

Alzhemier's dementia

How do we treat a dementia patient?

Approach slowly and do not surprise the patient. Talk to them at their level (squat or sit of in a wheelchair) Use simple phrases and one step commands. Give time to respond. Research shows that it may take up to 90 seconds REPETITION Caregiver education

a progressive disorder of the central nervous system. In later stages of Parkinson's disease, some patients develop dementia.

Parkinson's Dementia

a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life

Dementia

Memory loss Impaired judgment Difficulties with abstract thinking Faulty reasoning Inappropriate behavior Loss of communication skills Disorientation to time and place Gait, motor, and balance problems Neglect of personal care and safety Hallucinations, paranoia, agitation

Dementia Symptoms

Reversible causes of memory loss

Depression Medication side effects Excess use of alcohol Thyroid problems Vitamin deficiencies Infection *Altered mental status in the elderly is usually the first sign of an infection or sepsis

What is Dementia

Describes a wide range of symptoms that are associated with memory or thinking skills that can mildly or severely affect activities of daily living. Is not Alzheimer's though this disease process accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia. There are other causes of confusion/dementia - some reversible.

an inherited, degenerative disease. The disease causes involuntary movement and usually begins during mid-life. Caused by a defective gene on chromosome 4.

Huntington's Disease

Stage 3

Mild Cognitive Decline People can detect problems such as trouble with planning, forgetting material just read

Stage 4

Moderate Cognitive Decline Forgetfulness of recent events / inability to perform mental math / greater difficulty performing complex tasks such as arranging a dinner party/ becomes moody or withdrawn/ forgets own personal history

Stage 5

Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline >> more noticeable Gaps in memory noticeable and individual may need help with day to day activities Unable to recall address/ phone number/ their high school Need help choosing proper clothing but can still feed and toilet self Repeats self often

Stage 1

No Impairment Normal function - no mental decline

Stage 6

Severe Cognitive Decline Memory worsens / needs extensive help with all ADLs / personality changes may occur Wanders - can become lost / knows familiar faces but may not remember names Changes in sleep habits /incontinence /personality changes/ behaviors - compulsive/repetitive

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

The disease progresses rapidly along with mental deterioration and involuntary movements. Involves prion proteins that become 3 dimensional and begin to fold over destroying brain cells.

Treatment of dementia

There is no cure Treatment can include medications such as Aricept and Namenda to improve or slow down symptoms. Being mentally, socially, and physically active can help

Lewy Body Disease

This disease causes symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. Individuals experience hallucinations and can become fearful. Hallmark brain signs are abnormal microscopic protein deposits called Lewy bodies. The protein within Lewy bodies is normally found in the brain.

results from a series of small strokes or changes in the brain's blood supply. Sudden onset of symptoms may be a sign of this dementia. Symptoms can include confusion, disorientation, aphasia, and or vision loss.

Vascular dementia

Stage 2

Very Mild Cognitive Decline Age related mild memory loss or early Alzheimer's

Stage 7

Very Severe Cognitive Decline Lose ability to respond to environment/ to carry on a conversation/ to control movement/there may be impaired mobility, swallowing and reflexes may become abnormal

- It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for two-thirds of all diagnosed cases. 5 million Americans currently are living with Alzheimers. More than 2/3 are women. - Is the sixth leading cause of death in the US - Medications can delay the onset of more debilitating symptoms. Early diagnosis can prolong independence and is the first step towards treatment, management, and living life fully. - Majority of people with Alzheimers are over 65 though there can be early onset. - Is progressive. Average length of time with Alzheimers is 8 years though the range can be two to twenty years. - Is the most costly disease process in the US - Brain has tangles and plaques - seen only on autopsy

What is Alzheimers' Dementia?

Pick's Disease

affects personality, orientation and behavior. It may be more common in women and occurs at an early age.

Slower thinking and problem solving - learning speed slows down; short-term memory takes longer to function; reaction time increases. Decreased attention and concentration - More distracted. All of the interruptions make learning more difficult. Slower recall - A greater need for hints to jog the memory.

normal aging