Dementia is characterized by…
The loss of more than one cognitive function..a progressive global impairment
Primary Dementia
When a well defined cause cannot be determined.
Secondary Dementia
Has well defined etiologies and is often associated with systemic illness.
5 A’s to Alzheimer Diagnosis
Anomia Apraxia Agnosia Amnesia Aphasia
Anomia
Inability to remember names of things
Apraxia
Miss use of objects because of failure to identify them.
Agnosia
Inability to recognize familiar objects, tastes, sounds, and other sensations
Amnesia
Memory loss
Aphasia
Inability to express oneself through speech
Define confabulation
Spontaneous production of false memories.
- memories or events that never occurred
- actual events that are displaced in time or space
Donepezil (Aricept)
Anti dementia drug
- A reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, used to treat mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer’s disease.
- slows the heart rate through its vagotonic effect
Tacrine (Cognex)
A centrally acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
- used to treat mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer’s disease.
- adverse side effect is hepatotoxicity
Assess changes in senile dementia… JAMCO
Judgement Affect Memory Cognition Orientation
