T1L15 dementia neurobiology and clincial

Question 1

what is dementia

Answer 1

a SYNDROME
- no single accepted definition

cognitive impairment:

• progressive
• more than one cognitive function (memory, language, visuospatial, execute)
• affecting daily living
• due to brain disease
• in adults

8 million new cases per year

prevalence doubles with every 5 years of ageing

Question 2

causes of dementia

4 categories and causes of each

Answer 2

non progressive - stroke, meningitis/encephalitis

appears progressive but no brain damage- systemic disease (endocrine, metabolic), prescribed drugs, psychiatric illness, poor sleep, chronic pain

damaging brain but not neurodegenerative- cerebrovascular disease, MS, alcohol, neoplasms, hydrocephalus

neurodegenerative - Alzheimer’s, dementia with lewy bodies, huntingtons

Question 3

treatment?

Answer 3

depends on cause

yes:

• depression
• drugs
• pain
• sleep
• tumours

no:
- neurodegenerative

symptom management:

• memory aids
• cholinesterase inhibitors
• behaviour

maintain function:
- physical and mental activity
- diet
these prevent complications eg falls, infections, malnutrition