Delirium, Dementia, and Schizophrenia Overview

A collection of vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terms and concepts related to delirium, dementia, and schizophrenia as discussed in the lecture notes.

Delirium

A sudden and transient state of confusion that can cause difficulty in processing information, disorientation, and impaired judgment.

Dementia

A gradual, irreversible decline in memory and other mental functions affecting an individual's daily life, commonly seen in older adults.

Cognitive Impairment

A reduction in cognitive function that can occur at any age, characterized by difficulties in memory, learning ability, and overall mental processes.

Alzheimer Disease

A type of dementia characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, presenting in two forms: early onset and late onset.

Positive Symptoms (of Schizophrenia)

Manifestations of schizophrenia that include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech.

Negative Symptoms (of Schizophrenia)

Symptoms that reflect a decrease in the ability to function; these include impaired speech, lack of enjoyment in relationships, and reduced emotional expression.

Pathophysiology

The study of how disease processes impact the function of the body, here related to conditions such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

Aphasias

Language disorders that affect communication, potentially occurring in advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Cognitive Functions

Mental processes that include thinking, learning, memory, and problem-solving which can change with age.

Drug Therapy (in schizophrenia)

Treatment that may include antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics, used to manage symptoms.