Dementia

What is benign senescent forgetfulness?

Mild memory loss associated with normal aging. Does not lead to functional deficit. Dementia does

What is dementia/organic brain syndrome (OBS)?

Persistent observed progressive cognitive changes that lead to functional decline often begins as MCI (mild cognitive impairment)

What is pseudo-dementia?

Dementia-like behavior as a result of depression

What is delirium?

Reversible, acute dementia.

What is delirium associated with, and what helps avoid it post-op?

Associated with older age, weak grip, and slow gait.

Regular physical and mental exercise predicts avoidance

What are the hallmark symptoms of dementia?

Memory loss, disorientation, inability to think abstractly, inability to care for self.

What are the main forms of dementia?

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Vascular dementia/multi-infarct dementia

What causes vascular/multi-infarct dementia?

Cerebrovascular disease

What are 3 things that were found in nun studies that are linked to late or no onset of Alzheimer’s disease?

• Vitamin E

• Estrogen replacement

• Exercise

What is the #1 modifiable risk factor for prevention of dementia?

Activity

List the staging of dementia.

• 1: early; duration 2-4 years

• 2: middle; duration 2-3 years

• 3: late; duration unlimited

• 4: terminal; duration unlimited

This may not be important

List the staging of the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) / Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST) Scale

• Stage 1: 80% of brain invaded

• Stages 2-4: able to live independently

• Stage 5: Appearance is normal, but perception of reality is based on misperceptions.

• Stage 6: appearance looks unfinished. Awareness of past and immediate present. Perception is based on missing information. Physical abilities expected to deteriorate

• Stage 7: Appearance is abnormal. Awareness is limited to field of vision. Lose weight and all functional abilities.

What is the cutoff on the MMS that indicates demential, delirium, or depression?

Less than or equal to 20

What physical performance outcome measures is recommended to use with patients with mild to moderate dementia?

• 6MWT

• Short-distance gait speed

• TUG

• Repeated chair stand tests

• Berg