Definition and scope of neurocognitive disorders.
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Image link representing Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's Disease Self-Portrait
Description of neurocognitive disorder involving impairments in thinking, memory, and reasoning affecting function and safety.
Image link: Neurocognitive Domains
Change in terminology: The term "dementia" has been replaced with “neurocognitive disorder.”
DSM-5 distinguishes:
Mild neurocognitive disorder: Cognitive decline without significant impact on daily function (mild cognitive impairment).
Major neurocognitive disorder: Cognitive impairment plus functional impairment (dementia diagnosis).
Importance of identifying the underlying disease process.
WHO estimates dementia prevalence among individuals over 60 is 5-8%.
Canadian demographic data (2013-2014) on diagnosed dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
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Topic of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Common symptoms include:
Loss of memory
Language problems
Difficulty in performing simple tasks
Disorientation in time and space
Mood and behavioral changes
Early brain changes leading to dementia characterized by:
Subtle decline in thinking.
Memory changes and confusion.
Inability to perform daily tasks independently
Loss of ability to communicate and recognize loved ones.
Key features:
Neurofibrillary tangles
Amyloid plaques
Comparison of healthy brain vs. Alzheimer's disease progression stages:
Mild and severe Alzheimer's classifications.
Topic: Cognitive Reserve: Nun Study.
Advanced age and gender (being female) are primary risk factors.
Definition: Decline in cognitive abilities beyond normal but not enough to impair daily function.
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Awareness of various dementia forms:
Vascular dementia (15-20% cases)
Parkinson’s disease
Fronto-temporal dementia (early onset)
Lewy body dementia
Alcohol-related dementia
At-risk Groups: Stroke survivors, individuals with advanced heart disease.
Cause: Lack of blood flow to the brain.
Symptoms: Confusion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, potential hallucinations.
Malcolm Young from AC/DC suffers from dementia post-stroke, leading to a significant decline in memory and recognition.
Prevalence: Accounts for 10-20% of cases.
Symptoms: Memory loss, disorientation, and sleep issues.
Prevalence: Genetic mutations linked.
Symptoms: Loss of inhibitions, compulsive behavior, language problems.
Age Factor: Affects individuals as young as 45.
Symptoms: Reasoning and judgment issues, mood changes, and speech impediments.
Higher risk incidence with age; more common in men.
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Definition: Acute mental status deterioration, deficits in attention, altered consciousness, and psychosis.
Emotional: Anxiety, irritability, rapid mood shifts, paranoia.
Cognitive: Inattention, poor memory, disorientation.
Topic: Delirium variations.
Include age, with conditions like dementia, stroke, alcohol withdrawal, and surgery.
Onset occurs quickly in delirium; attention fluctuates greatly.
Addresses risk factors: pain and infection management, hydration, nutrition, sleep, and emotional support.
Importance of maintaining a supportive environment.
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Informal care comprises over 80% of care for long-term conditions, highlighting the importance of community support.
Positive aspects: Feeling accomplished, closer relationships, while challenges include caregiver burden and mental health risks.
Strategies to decrease caregiver burden: education, communication strategies, and support groups.
Communication strategy for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease.
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Statistics show older drivers experience fewer fatal crashes per licensed driver; failure in driving safety is a significant concern.
Symptoms to observe: confusion, driving errors, getting lost, and traffic sign awareness.
Topic: Elderly driver challenges.
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Common negative effects: shame, humiliation, and co-occurring ageism. High levels of embarrassment reported by individuals diagnosed with dementia.
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Myth: Most older people are senile - False
Myth: Older people are dangerous drivers - False
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