Cognition

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

What are normal age-related cognitive changes?

Mild forgetfulness like trouble recalling names or words, not noticed by others (Reisberg Stage 2).

What is Alzheimer's Disease (AD)?

A chronic, progressive, degenerative brain disease causing memory and cognitive decline.

What percentage of dementia cases are caused by AD?

About 60% of all dementia cases.

What are hallmark findings of Alzheimer’s disease?

Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.

What causes cell loss in AD?

Loss of neuron connections and cell death.

How many stages are in the Reisberg Model of AD?

Seven stages from normal function to severe decline.

At what stage of AD can a person no longer live independently?

Stage 5 (Moderate AD).

At what stage of AD does a person lose ability to respond to surroundings?

Stage 7 (Severe AD).

What is delirium?

A neuropsychiatric abnormality with disturbance in attention and awareness that develops suddenly.

What is dementia?

A progressive loss of memory, thinking, language, and judgment.

What is the time of onset for delirium?

Hours to days.

What is the time of onset for dementia?

Gradual and progressive.

How does the course of delirium differ from dementia?

Delirium fluctuates over 24 hours; dementia is steady and progressive.

Is delirium reversible?

Yes, if the cause is identified and treated.

Is dementia reversible?

No, neuronal damage is permanent.

What are early warning signs of dementia?

Memory loss, poor judgment, confusion, withdrawal, and mood changes disrupting daily life.

What are common causes of cognitive dysfunction?

Circulatory problems, infection, dehydration, medications, or nutritional deficiency.

What are risk factors for delirium?

Brain disease, stroke, Parkinson’s, infection, organ failure, substance use, depression.

What are risk factors for dementia?

Age, family history, head injury, heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, and gender (women higher risk).

What assessment tool is used to diagnose dementia?

Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE).

What confirms Alzheimer's disease on imaging?

Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles visible on brain scans.

What tool is used to diagnose delirium?

Confusion Assessment Method (CAM).

What are the CAM criteria for delirium?

Acute onset and fluctuating course with inattention plus disorganized thinking or altered consciousness.

Why are neuroimaging tests done for delirium?

To determine and treat the underlying cause, not diagnose delirium directly.

Why must nurses know a patient’s baseline cognitive function?

To detect changes and identify delirium as a deviation from baseline.

Why is safety a priority for cognitively impaired patients?

They cannot make safe decisions, increasing risk of injury, falls, or aggression.

What are key nursing interventions for dementia or delirium?

Ensure safety, promote orientation, support nutrition, manage environment, and treat pain.

What are examples of safety interventions?

Bed alarms, sitters, fall precautions, frequent monitoring, and safe wandering spaces.

What environmental changes help dementia patients?

Maintain day/night cycle, reduce noise, cluster care, and ensure hearing/vision aids are used.

How should nurses communicate with dementia patients?

Stay calm, avoid agitation, use de-escalation, distraction, and offer limited choices.

What medications improve memory in Alzheimer’s?

Cholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine).

What do cholinesterase inhibitors do?

Prevent breakdown of acetylcholine, improving alertness and memory.

What medication is used for moderate to severe AD?

Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist regulating glutamate activity.

What other medications are used in AD care?

Antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and antidepressants for symptom management.

What should nurses assess for caregivers of dementia patients?

Support levels, ability to cope, and signs of burnout or emotional distress.

What is respite care?

Short-term temporary care for patients to give caregivers relief.

Who helps arrange respite or safe placement?

Social work or case management teams.