Dementia Understanding and Management

Vocabulary flashcards covering dementia types, pathology, progression models, evidence-based assessments, and occupational therapy interventions based on Chapter 35.

Dementia

The progressive and irreversible loss of cognitive functioning due to neuron damage that impairs daily activities. It affects $14\%$ of people over age $71$ in the U.S.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common form of dementia, accounting for $60\text{-}80\%$ of cases, characterized by gradual cognitive decline, accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, and an average life expectancy of $8 \text{ years}$ post-diagnosis.

Beta-Amyloid Plaques and Tau Protein Tangles

Brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease that disrupt neuron communication, metabolism, and repair, leading to widespread brain damage and neuron loss.

Vascular Dementia

The second-most common type of dementia, caused by reduced blood supply to the brain, characterized by a 'stair-step pattern' of cognitive decline, and typically lasting around $5 \text{ years}$ after onset.

Lewy Body Dementia

The 3rd most common type of dementia, caused by abnormal deposits of alpha-synuclein protein, presenting cognitive impairment, movement symptoms (tremors, stiffness), visual hallucinations, and an average duration of $5\text{-}7 \text{ years}$ after diagnosis.

Alpha-Synuclein Protein

The protein that forms abnormal deposits known as Lewy bodies, leading to Lewy Body Dementia.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

A form of dementia caused by nerve cell damage in the frontal and temporal brain regions, often diagnosed between ages $45\text{-}64$, causing extreme changes in behavior, personality, language, and memory, with an average life expectancy of $7\text{-}13 \text{ years}$.

Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed before age $65$ (often in an individual's 30s, 40s, or 50s), formerly referred to as 'early-onset' and can be linked to rare genetic mutations.

Mixed Dementia

A diagnosis involving more than one type of dementia simultaneously, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease combined with vascular dementia or Lewy Body Dementia.

Hand-under-Hand™

A hands-on occupational therapy technique used in late-stage dementia to safely guide clients, provide physical support, and maintain comfort.

Sundowning

Late-day anxiety, agitation, and confusion in individuals with dementia, commonly triggered by fatigue, routine changes, or overstimulation.

Wandering

A behavioral symptom in dementia where a client gets lost, disoriented, or searches for something due to overstimulation, unmet needs, or past routines.

Global Deterioration Scale (GDS)

A numerical classification system used to describe the progressive stages of cognitive decline in dementia.

Allen Cognitive Levels (ACL)

A numerical classification system that categorizes cognitive function levels to guide occupational performance priorities and intervention planning.

The Gems™ Model

A dementia classification model that uses gemstones rather than numbers to describe stages of progression, focusing on a client's remaining strengths and abilities.

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

An evidence-based assessment tool used to evaluate cognitive functioning and mental status in clients living with dementia.

Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS)

An evidence-based screening tool used to assess cognitive function, memory, and executive performance in dementia care.

Allen Cognitive Level Screen

An evidence-based assessment tool used to evaluate a client's cognitive processing level, occupational performance, and daily living skills.

Pearl Stage

The end-of-life stage in dementia care where occupational therapy focuses on comfort, sensory experiences, family legacy projects, and adapting to changing client needs.

Nonpharmacologic Management

Non-drug strategies such as environmental modifications, task simplification, communication adaptations, and caregiver education used to address behavioral symptoms in dementia.

Caregiver Burden

The physical and emotional stress, as well as financial strain, experienced by informal or formal caregivers supporting individuals with dementia.