Cognition: Alzheimer's vs Vascular Dementia Flashcards
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Cause: Genetic and environmental factors; possibly viral
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Cause: Strokes or other vascular disorders that decrease blood flow to the brain
Vascular dementia
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Pathophysiologic changes: Chronic, terminal disease that is characterized by formation of neuritic plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and vascular degeneration in the brain
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Pathophysiologic changes: Impaired blood flow to the brain, causing ischemia or necrosis of brain neurons
Vascular
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Course of dementia: Steady and gradual decline of cognitive, mobility, and ADL function from mild through severe stages; patients usually die from complications of immobility
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Course of dementia: Stepwise progression of dementia symptoms that get significantly worse after each vascular event, such as a stroke or series of ministrokes; symptoms may improve as collateral circulation to vital neurons develops
Vascular dementia
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Risk factors: Female
Over 65 years of age
Down syndrome
Traumatic brain injury
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Risk factors: Male
Over 65 years of age
History of diabetes mellitus (DM), high cholesterol, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, hypertension, smoking, obesity
Vascular dementia
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Management: Safety measures to prevent injury, wandering, or falls
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Behavior management
ADL and mobility assistance as needed based on stage
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s or Vascular dementia?
Management: Identification of risk factors and management of the risk for or actual vascular event (e.g., antidiabetes drugs for DM, antihypertensive drugs, low-fat diet, smoking cessation, weight loss)
Safety measures to prevent injury or falls
Behavior management
Vascular dementia
