Dementia - General

Question 1

General Types of Dementia (3).

Answer 1

1. Alzheimer’s Disease (commonest).
2. Vascular Dementia.
3. Lewy Body Dementia.

Question 2

NICE-Recommended Investigations in Non-Specialist Setting (2).

Answer 2

1. 10-CS (10-Point Cognitive Screener).
2. 6CIT (6-Item Cognitive Impairment Test).

Question 3

Investigations of Dementia.

Answer 3

1. Primary Care - Blood Screen (exclude reversible causes e.g. Hypothyroidism) and Referral to Memory Clinics/Old-Age Psychiatrists.
2. Secondary Care - Neuroimaging (exclude reversible causes e.g. Subdural Haematoma, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus).

Question 4

Depression vs. Dementia (6).

Answer 4

Depression :
1. Shorter History.
2. Rapid Onset.
3. Biological Symptoms e.g. Weight Loss, Sleep Disturbance.
4. Worry over Poor Memory.
5. Reluctance to Take Tests.
6. MMTS : Variable Score.
7. Global Memory Loss (Dementia = Recent Memory Loss).

Question 5

Delirium vs. Dementia (5).

Answer 5

Delirium :
1. Impairment of Consciousness.
2. Fluctuation of Symptoms (worse at night, normal periods).
3. Abnormal Perception (illusions and hallucinations).
4. Agitation and Fear.
5. Delusions.