Y3 H&S > Memory Problems & Confusion > Flashcards

Memory Problems & Confusion Flashcards

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1
Q

How does normal ageing affect cognitive function?

A

Mild decline in processing speed, memory retrieval, and multitasking.

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2
Q

Which cognitive abilities are preserved in normal ageing?

A

Vocabulary, wisdom, emotional regulation, and semantic memory.

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3
Q

How does ageing impact mental health risk?

A

Increased vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders.

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4
Q

Why is depression often underdiagnosed in older adults?

A

Symptoms may be mistaken for ageing, physical illness, or cognitive decline.

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5
Q

How do chronic physical illnesses affect mental health?

A

Increased risk of depression through pain, disability, inflammation, and loss of independence.

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6
Q

Which physical illnesses are strongly associated with depression in older adults?

A

Stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease.

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7
Q

How does sensory impairment affect mental health?

A

Hearing/vision loss increases isolation and risk of depression.

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8
Q

What psychological change is common in ageing?

A

Increased focus on life review and existential reflection.

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9
Q

What social factor often contributes to poor mental health in older adults?

A

Loneliness and reduced social roles after retirement.

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10
Q

How does bereavement impact mental health?

A

Raises risk of depression, anxiety, and prolonged grief disorder.

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11
Q

What is frailty, and how does it relate to mental health?

A

A state of reduced resilience, strongly associated with depression and cognitive decline.

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11
Q

How does polypharmacy affect mental health?

A

Increases risk of side effects, confusion, medication interactions.

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12
Q

What family impacts arise from an older adult’s mental illness?

A

Increased caregiver burden, stress, and financial pressure.

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12
Q

How can an older adult’s mental illness affect family dynamics?

A

Role changes, conflict over care decisions, emotional strain.

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13
Q

What are societal consequences of mental illness in older adults?

A

Increased healthcare utilisation, social care needs, and institutionalisation.

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14
Q

How does ageing affect coping mechanisms?

A

Older adults may rely more on emotion-focused coping.

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15
Q

What protective factors support mental health in older age?

A

Social engagement, purposeful activity, exercise, stable relationships.

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16
Q

How can physical rehabilitation support mental wellbeing?

A

Improves independence, confidence, and reduces depression.

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17
Q

What is consent in healthcare?

A

A voluntary, informed decision to accept or refuse treatment.

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18
Q

What three criteria make consent valid?

A

Capacity, voluntariness, and adequate information.

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19
Q

What is mental capacity?

A

The ability to understand, retain, weigh, and communicate decisions.

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20
Q

What principle governs capacity under the MCA 2005?

A

It is decision-specific and time-specific.

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21
Q

Can a person make an unwise decision and still have capacity?

A

Yes — the MCA allows the right to make unwise choices.

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21
Q

What does the presumption of capacity mean?

A

Adults are assumed to have capacity unless proven otherwise.

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22
What is best interests?
A framework used when someone lacks capacity, ensuring decisions benefit their wellbeing, values, and preferences.
23
What is confidentiality in mental health care?
The obligation to keep patient information private unless justified to share.
24
When can confidentiality be breached?
If there is serious risk of harm, safeguarding concerns, or legal obligations.
25
How does the Mental Health Act affect consent?
Allows compulsory treatment for mental disorder even without consent in certain circumstances.
26
Does detention under the MHA automatically remove capacity?
No — capacity must still be assessed separately.
27
Can a patient with capacity refuse treatment under the MHA?
For mental health treatment, refusal can be overridden, for physical health treatment, capacity-based rules apply.
28
What is the role of Advance Decisions to Refuse Treatment (ADRT)?
Allows people to specify treatments they refuse when they may lack capacity later.
29
Who can make decisions for someone lacking capacity with no family?
An Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA).
30
What is lasting power of attorney (LPA)?
A person appointed to make health/welfare or financial decisions on someone’s behalf.
31
When must confidentiality be overridden in mental health cases?
When there is immediate risk to life, serious risk to others, or legal requirement.
32
What is capacity fluctuation?
Capacity can improve or worsen over time, decisions should be delayed if possible until capacity returns.
33
What is the first step in assessing capacity?
Identify the specific decision required.
34
What is the two-stage test of capacity?
1) Is there an impairment or disturbance of the mind/brain? 2) Does it cause inability to make the decision?
35
What four abilities must be assessed?
Understand, retain, weigh, and communicate the decision.
36
What counts as "understanding"?
Being able to explain the nature, purpose, and consequences of the decision.
37
How long must information be retained?
Long enough to use it for decision-making (even briefly).
38
What is "weighing"?
Considering pros/cons and reaching a reasoned choice.
39
What qualifies as inability to communicate?
Any inability to express a decision by any means, even with support.
40
Should capacity assessments consider communication aids?
Yes — all practicable steps must be taken to support communication.
41
What factors should NOT be used to judge capacity?
Appearance, age, diagnosis, lifestyle, or the “wisdom” of the decision.
42
What must be recorded in a capacity assessment?
Reason for assessment, decision in question, evidence of impairment, findings for each of the four abilities.
43
Should the person's own values be considered?
Yes — decisions must reflect their beliefs, preferences, and cultural context.
44
What should be done if the person lacks capacity?
A best interests decision should be made.
45
What is required in a best interests decision?
Consideration of preferences, family views, least restrictive option.
46
How does fluctuating capacity affect recording?
Document timing and rationale for assessing at that specific moment.
47
Who can undertake a capacity assessment?
Any healthcare professional responsible for the decision.
48
What is the legal standard of proof?
Balance of probabilities (more likely than not).
49
What is the most common emotional effect on carers of people with dementia?
Stress and chronic caregiver burden.
50
How does dementia affect carer mental health?
Increased rates of depression and anxiety.
51
What is caregiver strain?
The physical, emotional, and financial pressure of caregiving.
52
How can behavioural symptoms in dementia affect carers?
Agitation, wandering, and aggression create significant stress.
53
What is carer burnout?
Exhaustion due to prolonged caregiving demands.
54
How does dementia impact carer physical health?
Increased risk of sleep disturbance, chronic illness, and fatigue.
55
How does dementia impact carer physical health?
Increased risk of sleep disturbance, chronic illness, and fatigue.
56
What financial effects do carers experience?
Reduced employment opportunities, cost of care, and financial strain.
57
What is respite care?
Temporary care that gives carers a break.
58
What is psychoeducation?
Teaching carers about dementia, management strategies, and expectations.
59
What is behavioural management training?
Coaching carers on handling challenging behaviours.
60
What emotional supports are available to carers?
Support groups, counselling, dementia cafés.
61
What is the "triangle of care"?
Collaboration between patient, carer, and professionals.
62
What is a carer’s assessment?
A formal evaluation of a carer’s needs under the Care Act 2014.
63
What technology can support carers?
GPS devices, home sensors, medication reminders.
64
What is the role of charities?
Provide education, community support, advocacy (e.g., Alzheimer’s Society).
65
66
Why are carer support networks important?
Reduce isolation and help prevent burnout.
67
What is a Memory Clinic?
A specialist service offering diagnosis and management of dementia.
68
What is home care support?
Assistance with daily activities (ADLs) to enable independent living.
69
What is social prescribing?
Linking patients to community activities (e.g., exercise groups, befriending).
70
What are day centres?
Community spaces providing social activities and respite for carers.
71
What is supported housing?
Independent living with on-site or visiting mental health support.
72
What types of residential care exist?
Residential homes (personal care) and nursing homes (medical + personal care).
73
When is residential care appropriate?
When individuals need support with ADLs but do not require 24-hour nursing.
74
When is a nursing home appropriate?
For people requiring medical monitoring, complex needs, or severe dementia.
75
What is a dementia-specialist unit?
A residential or nursing home with staff trained in dementia care.
76
What mental health services operate within care homes?
Psychiatric reviews, behavioural management plans, medication reviews.
77
What is intermediate care?
Short-term rehabilitation support after illness or hospital discharge.
78
What is reablement?
Services aimed at restoring independence after illness.
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