Delirium & Dementia Lecture Notes

These flashcards focus on key concepts related to delirium and dementia, including definitions, types of dementia, and relevant nursing interventions.

Delirium

A sudden, temporary change in thinking and awareness, usually caused by a medical problem such as infection or dehydration.

Dementia

A slow, long-term decline in memory and thinking caused by damage to brain cells, which can be reversible or irreversible.

Reversible Dementia

Types of dementia that improve when the underlying cause is treated, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid disorders.

Irreversible Dementia

Types of dementia that do not improve, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Alzheimer's Disease

The most common cause of dementia characterized by brain cell damage, leading to a gradual decline in memory and thinking.

Competence

The ability to understand information and make decisions about health and daily life.

Incompetence

A legal term declared by a court when a person cannot make safe decisions.

Guardianship

A legal arrangement where a court-appointed person makes decisions for someone unable to understand medical or legal information.

Social Isolation

A lack of meaningful contact with others, often leading to loneliness and depression.

Community Resources for Geriatric Clients

Support services like senior centers and geriatric day care that facilitate social interactions and activities for elderly people.

MMSE (Mini-Mental State Exam)

Screens for baseline cognitive function and chronic cognitive impairment (dementia)

not designed to detect delirium

Domains assessed via MMSE

• Orientation (person, place, time)

• Registration & Recall

• Attention & Calculation

• Language

• Visuospatial ability

CAM (Confusion Assessment Method)

Identifies delirium, an acute, fluctuating, reversible condition

Domains assessed via CAM

• Acute onset & fluctuating course

• Inattention

• Disorganized thinking

• Altered level of consciousness