Neurocognitive Disorders

According to the Gerritsen et al. (2014) study on dementia in movies, what was the primary conclusion regarding the depiction accuracy of dementia’s clinical features?

The clinical picture portrayed is often mild and may be misleading

The Gerritsen et al. (2014) study found that among the various features of dementia depicted in films, which type of symptoms was shown most often?

Cognitive symptoms

In the analysis, Gerritsen et al. (2014) noted that while behavioral features are present, disengaged behavior (like apathy or being one’s own world) was depicted more often than other types of behavior. Which type of behavior was show less frequently or not at all?

Combative behaviors

Gerritsen et al. (2014) describe depictions of moments of “full lucidity” in characters with dementia. How are these moments characterized in the study’s discussion?

As often misleading, potentially reinforcing unrealistic expectations for caregivers

Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs) are described as unique in the DSM-5 because:

The underlying pathology is almost always known, and the etiology can usually be established

The DSM-5 categorizes impairment in one or more cognitive domains for Neurocognitive Disorders. Which of the following is listen as one of these domains?

Perceptual-motor abilities

What is identified as the single leading cause of dementia, responsible for a significant majority of cases?

Alzheimer’s disease

The description of the film Iris highlights several symptoms displayed by the title character. Which of the following was NOT listed as a symptom or behavior observed?

Retaining excellent self-care abilities

The film Memento is discussed as a psychological thriller focusing on a man with a specific type of memory disorder where he cannot transfer new experiences into long-term memory. What type of amnesia does this describe?

Anterograde amnesia

The Father (2010) is noted for providing a realistic depiction of dementia. Alongside symptoms like paranoia, confusion, and memory loss, what other clinical feature is specifically mentioned as remaining relatively intact in the protagonist, allowing him to partially hide his declining mental prowess?

Social skills and sense of humor

What is a common characteristic of how NCDs are depicted in films?

The focus is on memory deficits

Mild Neurocognitive Disorder is characterized by cognitive decline where the individual:

Is in the early stages of cognitive decline and is able to function independently with some accommodations

Which specific type of Neurocognitive Disorder is a degenerative brain disorder primarily affecting neurons in the substantia nigra and is characterized by slow motor problems?

Neurocognitive Disorder Due to Parkinson’s Disease

What key characteristic differentiates Frontotemporal Neurocognitive Disorder (Pick’s Disease) from Alzheimer’s Disease, although the symptoms can be similar?

Memory is typically preserved in Frontotemporal NCD

In the film Still Alice (2014), what specific diagnosis is Alice Howland given after experiencing difficulty remembering common words, names, and places?

Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease

In the film Still Alice (2014), what does Alice try to cling onto after her diagnosis?

Her job, identity, and memories

According to the Gerritsen et al. (2014) study, film is described as a powerful medium that can influence the public’s opinions and attitudes about dementia. How is information about a disease like dementia often processed by the viewer of a fictional movie?

Unintentionally and unconsciously

The Gerritsen et al. (2014) study included movies release in or after what year?

2000

In the context of Neurocognitive Disorders, the DSM-5 recommends that cognitive deficits be documented by:

Standardized neuropsychological testing whenever possible

What percentage of adults in acute/emergency facilities experience delirium?

20%

Mild Neurocognitive Disorder is characterized by cognitive deficits that are how many standard deviations below the norm on clinical assessment?

1-2

The most definitive way to diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease is through:

Autopsy

Vascular Neurocognitive Disorder is described as resulting from blockage or damage to blood vessels in the brain. It is identified as the:

Second leading cause of NCD

Neurocognitive Disorder Due to Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by slow motor problems, such as tremor and difficulty with posture and walking. However:

Not all individuals with Parkinson’s Disease will develop cognitive decline

In Frontotemporal Neurocognitive Disorder (Pick’s Disease), neuronal loss (atrophy) primarily affects the frontal and temporal brain lobes. This often leads to problems with:

Behavior (disinhibition, apathy) or language

Lewy Body Disease involves microscopic protein deposits that damage the brain. Symptoms can include impaired attention, visual hallucinations, and motor impairment. It accounts for what percentage of dementia cases?

20-30%

While psychosocial factors do not directly cause dementia, they may influence:

The onset and course of the condition

What is a notable characteristic of the brain in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Contains senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles

One of the most important tasks for clinicians working with older patients is discriminating between dementia and depression. Which of the following is a characteristic of true dementia, but less so of depression?

Covering up difficulties and denying problems

Delirium is described as a rapid onset of confusion and disorganized thinking. It typically develops over a few hours/days and often recovers within what timeframe?

1-2 weeks

Patients with amnesia are described as displaying marked impairment of short-term memory while their long-term memory is often intact. In extreme cases, this can result in the total inability to:

Learn new information

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a type of amnestic syndrome, is often found in older alcoholics and is particularly related to deficiencies in what vitamin?

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Anterograde amnesia, as depicted in Memento, is characterized by the inability to:

Transfer new experiences into long-term memory

The Lookout (2007) portrays a character with memory problems due to a serious closed head injury. What specific mantra does the character repeat to cope with his deficits?

Ritual. Pattern. Repetition.

Brain tumors involving the frontal lobes are likely to result in what types of symptoms?

Personality changes, such as passivity, apathy, or irritability

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is described as a “mini stroke.” What is a significant implication of experiencing a TIA?

Many patients who experience TIAs will go on to have actual strokes

Epilepsy is described as uncontrollable attacks of abnormal neuronal activity. What is identified as the most common cause of epilepsy?

Head trauma

Psychosocial treatments for NCDs aim to teach patients compensatory skills. Which of the following is an example of memory enhancement device?

“Memory wallets” autobiographical cards

The film A Separation (2011) focuses on the challenges of caretaking for a parent with Alzheimer’s. Besides managing practical issues like bathroom use and resisting escapist behaviors, what other difficult aspect of caregiving is mentioned?

Handling issues like encopresis

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to transfer new experiences into long-term memory

Retrograde Amnesia

Inability to recall past memories

Post-Injury Amnesia

Amnesia is noted as a symptom that lasts for at least one week after a traumatic brain injury (TBI); memory loss is most common symptom of TBI alongside learning

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrom

Brain disorder primarily caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B1); significant difficulty with new learning and the failure to recall recent experiences; often seen in older alcoholics

Dissociative Amnesia

A condition where a person experiences a loss of memory for certain periods of time, evens, or personal information, often due to trauma or stress; needs to be differentiated from amnesia caused by a substance or a general medical condition, including head injuries