Chapter 6 Flashcards
(164 cards)
What are normal signs of aging
Changes or loss of brain cells
Slower nerve conduction and reflexes
Changes in vision, hearing, taste, and smell
Confusion
Memory changes
What is dementia
The loss of cognitive function and memory loss caused by changes in brain
A cluster of symptoms include loss of thinking, remembering, reasoning ,poor judgment, personality changes
Causes of Dementia
Hereditary
Environment
Drugs
Alcohol
CVA-stroke
depression
multiple sclerosis
parkinson’s disease
brain tumors
infection
trauma
How much is alzheimers disease is dementia
70%
What is delirium
A temporary change in cognitive function which occur over a short period of time
Reversible
Usually a direct physiological consequence from a medical condition
Diagnosis of dementia
Neurological/mental exam
CT scan-Computerised tomography
Neuropsychological testing
Spinal tap
PET-positron emission tomography
EEG-Electroencephalograph
What is PET
PET-positive emission tomography
What is a CT
Ct- computerised tomography
What does CSF stand for?
CSF- spinal tap
A procedure in which a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the lower part of the spine to collect a sample ofcerebrospinal fluid(CSF).
Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF, shown in blue) is made by tissue that lines the ventricles (hollow spaces) in the brain. It flows in and around the brain and spinal cord to help cushion them from injury and provide nutrients.
Neurons
We have about 100 billion neurons
New research shows that new neurons are developed throughout life
Cell body
Dendrites
Axon have two distinctive parts- tube like structure and axon branches at the end
(axon terminals) that connect to dendrites of other cells
Myelin Sheath
covers axon. Increases the speed of neural signals down the axon
Axon terminals
have small storage sacs called synaptic vesicles. This contains neurotransmitter molecules.
Neurotransmitters
binds to receptors that it fits
What are Plaques formed from?
beta amyloid protein
This protein accumulate around the neuron and cause the cells to die.
What are tangles caused by?
twisted strands of protein called tau that form within the cells. Neurons become deformed and clump together.
5.3 million people in US are suffering from AD today
Prevalence of AD in 65 years or older-10%
25-30% - 75 or older
47% - 85 or older
Alzheimers disease
What are risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease
Increase in age
Family history
Diabetes
Hypertension
Estrogen deficiency
Smoking/Alcohol intake
How early do changes in the brain happen for alzheimers start before diagnosis?
20ys
Violent or hostile. Raising one’s voice, yelling, hitting, shoving, kicking, throwing things, biting, spitting, insulting others, and resisting care
Combative
How can a NA promote safety with a combative resident
Observe for early signs of possible combativeness, such as pacing, tensing the body, a flushed face, and angry look
Giving a bath to patient and person doesn’t want to and screaming and yelling
it is ok. Leave them alone. Lower bed and give call light.
what happens in the first stage of Alzheimers disease?
Gradual stage-General- Anxiety
Memory- Look at clocks, calendar frequently, takes long time to do routine tasks
Orientation- Time disorientation
Judgment-Impaired
2-4 years
Memory- forgets name words, difficulty focusing attention, initiating actions, difficulty with decisions, spending irresponsibly, cannot make decisions at job. Difficulty concentrating, frequent errors with check books.
stage 1 of AD
Stage 2 of AD
Increase loss of intellect
More obvious memory loss
Time, place disorientation
Restlessness, uneasy
Dulled senses
Lose impulse control (swear/inappropriate behaviors)
memory loss like important papers, forgets simple directions, forgets medicine
Easily lost, day/ night confusion, forgets meals, judgment is poor, cannot follow
Problem recognizing family and friends
Sun downing
Suspicious, irritable, teary, repetitive movements like tapping
2-10 years