Alterations in Cognition

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to alterations in cognition, dementia, and nursing processes.

Alterations in Cognition

Changes in mental processes, including thought, memory, and judgment, that can affect overall health.

Dementia

A progressive neurological disorder characterized by cognitive decline, affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.

Vascular Dementia

A type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke or other conditions affecting blood vessels.

Lewy Body Dementia

A type of dementia associated with abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies, leading to issues with cognition and movement.

Frontotemporal Dementia

A rare form of dementia that primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behavior and language.

Cognitive Processes

Mental activities that involve acquiring knowledge and understanding, including perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.

Pathophysiology

The study of the functional changes that occur in the body as a result of a disease or medical condition.

Neurofibrillary Tangles

Twisted fibers within brain cells, commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, that disrupt normal neuron function.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Medications used to treat symptoms of dementia by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter associated with memory and learning.

Fluid Intelligence

The ability to solve new problems and think abstractly, often assessed through logic and reasoning tasks.

Crystallized Intelligence

The ability to use learned knowledge and experience in problem-solving, often associated with wisdom.

Epidemiological Risk Factors

Statistical patterns and environmental influences that contribute to the occurrence of diseases in populations.

Nursing Process

A systematic method used by nurses for assessing and managing patient care that includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Delirium

A rapid-onset change in mental status characterized by confusion, disorientation, and disturbances in attention.

Therapeutic Communication

An interactive process that encourages patients to express their thoughts and feelings, promoting emotional and psychological health.

Caregiver Strain

The physical, emotional, and financial burden experienced by individuals who care for someone with chronic health conditions, such as dementia.