Objective 9-Cognitive Impairment & Associated Disorders

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and features related to cognitive impairment, associated disorders, and relevant nursing strategies.

Cognitive Impairment (CI)

Disturbances in cognitive functioning, often including delirium, dementia, and depression.

The Three D's of Cognitive Impairment

Delirium, Dementia, and Depression.

Delirium Onset Characteristics

Rapid onset, usually occurring over hours or days.

Dementia Onset Characteristics

Gradual onset with a slow, steady pattern of decline.

Distinguishing Features of Delirium

Sudden onset, fluctuating course, disordered attention, and perception disturbances.

Common Forms of Delirium

Acute confusion state, acute brain syndrome, reversible dementia.

Risk Factors for Delirium

Infection, medications, dehydration, hospitalization, sensory impairment.

CAM

Confusion Assessment Method, a tool for screening delirium.

Best Management for Delirium

Non-pharmacological interventions focusing on environment management.

Dementia Definition

Irreversible state progressing over years, causing memory impairment and loss of intellectual functions.

Types of Dementia

Degenerative (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) and Vascular cognitive impairment.

Common Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Memory loss, inability to concentrate, personality changes, impaired judgment.

Neurofibrillary Tangles

Protein structures in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease that lead to cell death.

Classic Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Bradykinesia, tremor at rest, cogwheel rigidity, postural instability.

Responsive Behaviours in Dementia

Behaviours resulting from unmet needs or misinterpretation of the environment.

Sundown Syndrome

Increased confusion and agitation occurring in the late afternoon in individuals with dementia.

GPA Approach

Gentle Persuasive Approach; person-centered care recommended for dementia patients.

Pharmacological Approaches for Dementia

Use of medications reserved for extreme responsive behaviours.

Validation Therapy

A method where caregivers validate feelings expressed by individuals with dementia.

Music Therapy in Dementia

Participation in music activities shown to reduce disruptive behaviour.

Pain Perception in Dementia

Pain receptors in the brain change how pain is perceived, leading to increased restlessness.

Major Concerns in Dementia Care

Responsive behaviours, wandering, and ensuring basic needs are met.

Key Nursing Actions for Wandering

Use the person's name, face them, listen, and redirect to prevent wandering.

Cognitive Impairment Symptoms

Decreased energy, altered appetite, decreased ability to concentrate.

Depression in Older Adults

Altered mental function due to chemical imbalances; not a normal part of aging.

Treatable Aspects of Depression

Combination of medications, psychotherapy, and psychosocial interventions.

Risk Factors for Depression

History of depression, caregiving, living alone, dementia.

Symptoms of Depression

Critical or envious feelings, loss of self-esteem, frequent complaints.

Importance of Effective Communication

Older adults may need more time; pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues.

Mental Capacity Definition

A person’s ability to make decisions, presumed to be present unless proven otherwise.

Types of Decisions Affected by Mental Capacity

Financial, housing, personal care, and health-related decisions.

Role of an LPN in Cognitive Disorders

Understand cognitive disorders and use effective communication and care approaches.

Assessment Importance

Critical for understanding mental capacity and appropriate decision-making.

Self-Care Management Strategies

Encouraging independence while ensuring safety.

Validation Therapy Technique Example

Supporting an individual’s feelings by acknowledging their emotions.

Environmental Management for Delirium

Minimizing stimuli to aid in calming and orientation.

Common Stressors Triggering Responsive Behaviours

Fatigue, hunger, change in routine, emotional distress.

Responsive Behaviours as Indicators

Behaviours may signal unmet needs or environmental misinterpretation.

Assessment Tools for Dementia Care

Tools for assessing capacity and identifying responsive behaviours.

Physical Discomfort in Dementia

May lead to increases in responsive behaviours related to pain.

Exercise Benefits for Dementia Patients

Improves physical, cognitive, and functional abilities.

Non-Pharmacological Therapies

Reality therapy, touch therapy, socialization to manage dementia symptoms.

Changes in Brain Function with Age

Neuron reduction, shrinking dendrites, and maintenance of cognitive abilities.

Chronic Illness Effect on Depression

Associated with lower quality of life and increased likelihood of depression.

Long-term Effects of Depression

Increased disability, delayed recovery, and higher risk of cognitive impairment.

Alzheimer's Disease Early Symptoms

Increasing memory loss and challenges with concentrating.

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Focus

Dopamine replacement to relieve symptoms and aid function.

Regular Assessments in Dementia Care

Ensures ongoing evaluation of patient needs and care adjustments.

Adaptive Hughes of ADHD in Older Adults

Recognizing variations in attention and behaviour as adaptations not deficits.