Neurocognitive Flashcards
onset/course of delirium
sudden onset, brief fluctuating course, rapid resolution once cause is treated
9 subcategories of dementia (NCD)
-Alzheimer’s
-vascular
-HIV
-TBI
-frontotemporal
-Prion disease
-Substance-induced
-multiple etiologies
-unspecified
4 categories of cognition
-memory
-visuospatial/construction abilities
-reading/writing/math
-abstraction ability
common neurological s/s of delirium
tremor
asterixis
nystagmus
incoordination
incontinence
what is the primary neurotransmitter involved in delirium
acetylcholine
beclouded dementia
delirium in a dementia patient
major neuroanatomical area and pathway affected in delirium
reticular formation of the brain stem
dorsal tegmental pathway
how do you differentiate delirium from schizophrenia
schizophrenia:
-delusions/hallucinations are more constant and better organized.
-usually no change in LOC/orientation
major neuroanatomical area associated with delirium
reticular formation of the brainstem
what is the principle area for regulating attention and arousal
reticular formation of the brainstem
major pathway associated with delirium
tegmental
what increases recovery time from delirium
lengthier delirium
older patient
delirium recall
spotty, like a dream or a nightmare
what are the 3 aspects of delirium that may require medication
psychosis
agitation
insomnia
what antipsychotic is not appropriate for delirium and why
ziprasidone as it can be activating
when in delirium can use benzodiazepines
alcohol-induced delirium
other types they may worsen confusion
what medication is approved for parkinson’s psychosis
pimavanserin
Principle goal of delirium treatment
treat underlying cause
which dementias have an insidious onset
Alzheimer’s, vascular, endocrinopathies, brain tumors, metabolic disorders
which dementia have rapid onset
head trauma, cardiac arrest, stroke, encephalitis
catastrophic reaction
marked agitation d/t subjective awareness of cognitive deficits under stressful circumstances
sundowner syndrome
characterized by drowsiness, confusion, ataxia, and falls
average survival for Alzheimer’s
8 years
range is 1-20
what are the cholinesterase inhibitors
donepezil (Aricept)
rivastigmine (exelon)
galantamine (Razadyne)
Tacrine