Dementia Overview

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to dementia, its types, symptoms, stages, and occupational therapy interventions.

Dementia (Major Neurocognitive Disorder)

A progressive syndrome caused by brain disease or damage, resulting in decline in memory, cognition, judgment, and function.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common type of dementia, characterized by gradual memory and functional decline.

Frontotemporal NCD

A type of dementia marked by early behavior/language changes, disinhibition, and compulsions.

Lewy Body NCD

A form of dementia associated with hallucinations, motor symptoms, and cognitive fluctuations.

Vascular NCD

Dementia related to strokes or TIAs, primarily affecting executive functioning and attention.

Cognitive Decline

The progression of thinking from abstract to concrete to object-centered in dementia.

Aphasia

A language disorder affecting communication often seen in dementia.

Apraxia

A motor disorder affecting the ability to plan movements, commonly observed in dementia patients.

Stages of Dementia

A classification system for the progression of dementia from no decline to very severe decline.

Environmental Modifications in OT

Adjustments made in a person’s environment to help manage dementia symptoms, such as reducing clutter and adding visual cues.

Validation Therapy

A therapeutic approach used in caregiver education to communicate with patients with dementia effectively.

Occupation-Based Engagement

The process of adapting meaningful activities to a person's current ability to maintain their identity and function.

Behavior Management Techniques

Strategies used to manage dementia-related behaviors, including redirection and sensory tools.

No noticeable symptoms.

Stage 1

No to very mild decline – some forgetfulness; fully independent. Forget car keys, driving to place/orient

Stages 2

• Mild decline – work/social difficulty, anxiety, denial.

• Difficulty finding words, trouble concentrating, or challenges with planning become noticeable to others.

Stage 3

Moderate decline – difficulty with IADLs, travel; Managing finances, oriented to familiar places.

Stage 4

Needs assistance – forgets address, emergency info; still independent in basic ADLs

Stage 5

Severe decline – forgets spouse’s name, personality changes, sleep disturbances,

needs total care

Stage 6

Very severe decline – loss of mobility, speech, eating ability; fully dependent

Stage 7