Dementia, Stroke, Nurse-Patient Theory, and Psychotherapies

Vocabulary flashcards covering dementia concepts, Nurse-Patient Theory phases, diet and medical management, stroke types, and facilitated psychotherapies based on lecture notes.

Delirium

An acute state of confusion that develops rapidly.

Depression (Dementia context)

Persistent sadness, loss of interest, and cognitive slowing (memory loss).

Dementia

A chronic, progressive, irreversible decline in multiple cognitive domains– memory, reasoning, executive function that impairs daily functioning.

Amnesia

Impairment of memory.

Aphasia

Loss or impairment of ability to communicate, speak, or understand language.

Apraxia

Inability to perform purposeful, learned movements or tasks despite intact motor function.

Agnosia

Inability to recognize familiar objects, tastes, sounds, or people despite having intact sensory faculties.

Apathy

Loss of initiative, motivation, or goal-directed behavior.

14 Risk Factors of Dementia

1. Hearing loss, 2. Poor vision, 3. Lower quality of education, 4. High LDL cholesterol, 5. Depression, 6. Head trauma, 7. Obesity, 8. Physical inactivity, 9. Smoking, 10. Hypertension, 11. Diabetes, 12. Social isolation, 13. Excessive alcohol consumption, 14. Air pollution.

Pre-Interaction Phase

Phase 1 of Nurse Patient Theory where the nurse prepares for initial interaction with the patient.

Orientation Phase

Phase 2 of Nurse Patient Theory where the goal is to build trust, rapport, and establish boundaries.

Working Phase

Phase 3 of Nurse Patient Theory where the goal is to promote behavioral change and problem solving.

Termination Phase

Phase 4 of Nurse Patient Theory where the goal is to summarize progress and foster patient independence.

MIND Diet

Diet therapy for dementia combining Mediterranean and DASH diets; includes leafy greens, veggies, healthy fats, lean proteins (like fish!), whole grains, and legumes, while limiting red meats, saturated & trans fats, added sugars, and sodium.

Donepezil

A cholinesterase inhibitor used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s that keeps acetylcholine in the brain to help with memory and thinking. Watch out for (WOF): bradycardia, GI upset.

Memantine

An NMDA receptor antagonist used for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s that blocks excess glutamate to prevent brain cell damage.

BPSD

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia. Symptoms include agitation, aggression, psychosis, mood changes, and vegetative signs (change in sleep pattern/eating habits). Caused by unmet needs, environmental changes, or brain changes.

F.A.S.T.

Clinical presentation acronym for stroke: F - Face drooping, A - Arm weakness, S - Speech difficulty, T - Time to call 911.

Ischemic Stroke

The most common type of stroke, caused by a thrombus in the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel leading to bleeding in the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A mini stroke.

Cinema Therapy

A facilitated psychotherapy that uses carefully selected films as a therapeutic tool to help clients gain new perspectives, experience emotional release (catharsis), and improve mood.

Music Therapy

A facilitated psychotherapy involving active music-making, song writing, singing, or guided listening to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance emotional regulation.

Art Therapy

A facilitated psychotherapy using painting, drawing, or sculpting to encourage self visualization, helping to externalize complex emotions that are difficult to articulate verbally.

Play Therapy

A facilitated psychotherapy that uses play to encourage imagination and so

Game Therapy

A facilitated psychotherapy using tabletop games, trivia, etc. to maintain cognitive acuity, encourage healthy socialization, and prevent isolation.