Dementia

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

A syndrome of progressive decline in multiple areas of cognitive function eventually leasing to a significant inability to maintain occupational and social performance

Question 2

Clinical features

Answer 2

• Memory loss that affects daily function • Problem with language
• Disorientation of time and place
• Poor or decreased judgement
• Misplacing things
• Problem with abstract thinking
• Change in mood, behavior and personality • Loss of initiative
• Gait disorder

Question 3

4 types of dementia

Answer 3

1. Alzheimer’s disease (60%)
   • Primary, cortical, irreversible
2. Vascular dementia (15%)
   • Secondary, subcortical, irreversible
3. Fronto-temporal dementia(5%) • Primary, cortical, irreversible
4. Lewy body dementia (20-25%) • Primary. irreversible

Question 4

Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 4

Gradual onset of memory decline with at least one additional area
affected (language, visuospatial, executive function, insight)
• Short-term memory is affected first

Question 5

Vascular Dementia

Answer 5

• Caused by reduced blood supply to the brain due to diseased blood
  vessels
  Symptoms:
• Gait disturbances
• Problem with executive function
• Slower speed of thought
• Problems concentrating, short period of sudden confusion

Question 6

Fronto-temporal lobe dementia

Answer 6

• May present differently depending on the area affected
Symptoms
• First symptoms are behavioral changes
• Poor insight, disinhibition, socially inappropriate behavior
• Language difficulties occur in early stages
• Memory and intellectual deficits occur in later stages of the disease • Impaired executive function

Question 7

Lewy Body Dementia

Answer 7

• Early problems with executive functioning, attention, visuospatial
  skills and verbal fluency
  3 distinguishing features:
  • Fluctuating level of confusion • hallucinations
  • Spontaneous parkinsonism

Question 8

Role of OT care

Answer 8

• ADLs
• IADLs
• Rest and sleep
• Leisure
• Social participation
• Support the best functioning of the person with dementia
• Work with strengths and abilities • Provide to caregivers
• education and skill training (communicating effectively, simplifying activities)
• support