M9: Dementia and Normal Aging

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Describe 3 neurobiological changes that occur with normal aging.

Decreased weight of the brain Decreased volume Shrinking of large neurons

With normal aging, we see a decline in _ systems and impaired _ ability.

Sensory, motor

Impaired motor ability is common with normal aging. We see decreases in several areas. Please describe.

Decreased speed Decreased strength Decreased agility

With normal aging, we see a decrease in sensory systems, including decreased _, _, , ___ ,

Hearing Vision Taste Smell Touch Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence?

Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to reason and think flexibly. Crystallized intelligence refers to the accumulation of knowledge, facts, and skills that are acquired throughout life. Signup and view all the answers

Vocabulary grows as you age.

True Signup and view all the answers

With normal aging, crystallized intelligence remains the same, but fluid intelligence (reasoning, problem-solving) decreases in speed.

True Signup and view all the answers

Some researchers believe that language function remains relatively good with normal aging.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are some strengths of the elderly?

Continued plasticity Greater vocabulary More experience to draw upon (world knowledge, ability to use context clues, can tell a way more interesting story than younger adults, better able to adapt to novel situations in healthy aging, more flexible) Signup and view all the answers

The two most implicated factors in changes in performance in the aging individual are

Generalized age related slowing Reductions in working memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the most commonly affected neuropsychological domain in dementia?

Memory Signup and view all the answers

Typically, a clinical diagnosis of dementia indicating the confirmed presence of a neurodegenerative disease process is made right after the first appearance of symptoms.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name the preclinical condition that may suggest a person is at risk for developing dementia.

Mild cognitive impairment Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 diagnostic criteria for MCI?

Self report of memory problems, with corroboration from a family member or caregiver Measurable memory impairment on standardized testing, outside the range expected No impairments in reasoning, general thinking skills, or ability to perform ADLs. Signup and view all the answers

Name and describe the 2 types of MCI.

Amnestic MCI: initially affects memory only Non-amnestic MCI: nonmemory cognitive functions are affected first Signup and view all the answers

Dementia-like symptoms may be reversible and occur in the absence of any degenerative brain disease. Name 3 causes of dementia-like symptoms that may be reversed.

Depression Delirium Medication side effects Thyroid disorders Specific vitamin deficiencies Excessive use of alcohol Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) Signup and view all the answers

Alzheimer’s disease is the single most common cause of dementia, affecting men more than women.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name 3 modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Heart healthy diet Social and cognitive engagement Regular physical activity Controlling cardiovascular risk Preventing TBI Signup and view all the answers

Name 3 non-modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Older age Positive family history of AD (especially in first degree relatives) Carrier status / genetics Signup and view all the answers

Semantic memory is typically spared in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.

True Signup and view all the answers

What type is considered the second most common cause of dementia? What causes this type of dementia?

Vascular dementia Ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, or circulatory disturbances that damage brain areas vital for memory and cognitive functions Signup and view all the answers

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) accounts for 10% of dementia cases. What is it characterized by (neuropathology)?

Progressive, focal atrophy of the frontal and anterior temporal brain regions, spongiform changes in the cortex, and abnormal tau protein inclusions Signup and view all the answers

What are 3 risk factors for vascular dementia?

Hypertension Hypercholesterolemia Type II diabetes mellitus Prior history of stroke Smoking Signup and view all the answers

Persistent / complex visual hallucinations or other sensory hallucinations, visuospatial impairment, sleep disturbance, fluctuating attention and vigilance, gait imbalances or Parkinsonian movement features, reduced speech rate / fluency, and executive function impairments are symptoms of what dementia?

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) Signup and view all the answers

Lewy bodies are abnormal clumps of a neuronal protein.

True Signup and view all the answers

There are many screening and standardized testing options for assessing dementia. What are some other options for assessment?

Checklists Rating scales (e.g. observed emotion rating scale, environment and communication toolkit (ECAT) fot dementia care) Discourse measures Behavior tracking tools Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between direct and indirect interventions?

Direct: Persons with dementia participate in compensatory programs or strategy instruction. Indirect: Clinicians provide training to caregivers, modifying the physical or social environment to ease demands on cognitive function, and developing stimulating and meaningful therapeutic activities. Signup and view all the answers

One of the best-validated strategies for maximizing verbal communication and retention of personal biographical information is the use of _ _.

Memory books and wallets Signup and view all the answers

This is an evidence based shaping paradigm for facilitating recall of information or procedures.

Spaced retrieval training Signup and view all the answers

Name 3 reasons why the Reading Roundtable is successful.

Primes information using repetition Supports retrieval of learned information Positively engages residents and fosters reminiscence Emphasizes group interaction and learning by doing by taking turns to read and answer questions Capitalizes on relatively spared oral reading skills Signup and view all the answers

M9: Dementia and Normal Aging

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Describe 3 neurobiological changes that occur with normal aging.

With normal aging, we see a decline in _ systems and impaired _ ability.

Impaired motor ability is common with normal aging. We see decreases in several areas. Please describe.

With normal aging, we see a decrease in sensory systems, including decreased _, _, , ___ ,