Vascular Disease Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is dementia?
An umbrella term for conditions which affect the cognitive function of the brain
What is the link between dementia and LOC?
Dementia rarely causes LOC
What is Alzheimer’s?
A loss of the connection between nerve cells
What are the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
- Memory issues
- Mood changes
What is episodic memory?
Specific personal events and their context
What is semantic memory?
General knowledge about the world
What is implicit memory?
Unconscious memory
What is explicit memory?
Conscious memory
What parts of the brain are involved in memory?
Frontal cortex
Hippocampus
Medial temporal lobe
What are four factors for the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease?
Genetics
Usually over 65
Bias to females
What is vascular dementia?
Reduced blood flow to the brain?
What is the pathophysiology behind Alzheimer’s?
Amyloid plaques in memory areas, such as frontal cortex, medial temporal lobe and hippocampus
What causes Lewis body dementia?
Deposits of a protein called Lewy bodies inside the areas responsible for movement and memory
Where does Lewy body affect In the brain?
Lewy bodies in the temporal lobe cause hallucinations
Symptoms of Lewy body?
Characteristic of hallucinations
Symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Tremor
Slow movement
Stiff muscles
How do strokes occur?
Blood clot blocks blood flow to a part of the brain
Where do anterior cerebral strokes affect?
Weakness in opposite leg
Where do middle cerebral strokes affect?
Dysphasia, paralysis on opposite side
Where do basilar and vertebral strokes affect?
decreased LOC, ataxia, cranial nerve palsy
How do posterior strokes affect?
Visual loss in one half of vertical field. Visual issues, motion intolerance, balance issues, vertigo, dizziness
What is the pathway for a stroke?
FAST positive
Under 4 hours since onset
Rule out stroke mimics
Pre alert to stroke unit
What medication is used for a stroke patient?
-
What is a TIA?
Transient ischemic attack - cerebral
Ischemia, due to temporary blockage. Quick onset, and self resolves within 1-24 hours
