Neurocognitive Disorders Lecture 13

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Questions and Answers

Which cognitive domain is considered the most crucial for assessment?

Memory

Language

Attention (correct)

Social Cognition

What is a common cause of neurological deficits observed in cognitive disorders?

Metabolic Disorders (correct)

Sleep Deprivation

Stress

Nutritional Deficiencies

Dementia is characterized by a decline in which of the following?

Emotional Stability

Physical Strength

Executive Functioning (correct)

Social Interactions

Which of the following is NOT classified as a type of dementia?

Traumatic Dementia Signup and view all the answers

Which method is suggested for testing candidates for leadership positions in cognitive evaluations?

FIT and NON FIT TEST Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely underlying factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease?

Genetics and beta-amyloid proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is often overlooked in the clinical evaluation of cognitive disorders?

Physical Symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major contributing factor to vascular dementia?

Cerebrovascular accidents Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of an epidural hematoma (EDH)?

Rupture of meningeal arteries Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging characteristic is typical of an acute subdural hematoma (SDH)?

Crescent-shaped hyperdense appearance Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is considered to be at greater risk for developing an epidural hematoma (EDH)?

Older adults Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical symptom associated with the occurrence of an epidural hematoma?

Lucid interval Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'midline shift' refer to in the context of CT scans for hematomas?

Displacement of the falx cerebri Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is most prominently associated with Post Traumatic Amnesia (PTA)?

Loss of memory of present time Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the development of chronic subdural hematoma (SDH)?

Aging and cerebral atrophy Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), what should be the approach if a patient is not diagnosed with dementia?

Encourage neurocognitive activities without medication Signup and view all the answers

In classifying subdural hematomas based on their appearance on CT, what does hypodense indicate?

Older, liquefied blood Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken for a chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) during treatment?

Drilling a hole for drainage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of amnesia as indicated by the content?

Injury to the brain or psychological disorder Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive test is recommended if a patient has an education level below elementary school?

Mini Cognitive Assessment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of Alzheimer's onset in women?

Women have a higher risk than men for unclear onset. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options best describes significant symptoms associated with PTA?

Agitation, confusion, and disorientation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between education and cognitive assessment tools?

Education levels influence the selection of cognitive assessments used. Signup and view all the answers

Following acute head trauma, which cognitive function aspect is crucial to evaluate?

Memory and behavioral functions Signup and view all the answers

What describes vertigo?

A sensation of self-motion without real movement Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with dizziness?

Altered spatial orientation without movement distortion Signup and view all the answers

What is oscilopsia?

Blurred vision when the head is in motion Signup and view all the answers

Which describes postural symptoms?

Feeling of imbalance with no specific direction Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes vertigo from other dizziness symptoms based on movement?

Vertigo includes a sense of movement when none exists Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger vertigo symptoms?

Specific movements or situations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of wide-based gait?

Reduced stability with no clear direction Signup and view all the answers

How are postural symptoms related to peripheral vestibular disorders?

They may lead to falling towards one side Signup and view all the answers

What shape is the mass observed in subdural hematoma according to CT scan findings?

Crescent-shaped Signup and view all the answers

Which factors are considered high-risk for intracranial bleeding in patients with subdural hematoma?

Anticoagulants and older age Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a midline shift greater than 5 mm on a CT scan?

Need for surgery Signup and view all the answers

In the case of subdural hematoma, what happens to the bridging veins?

They rupture and cause bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is a common imaging finding in patients with subdural hematoma seen on CT scan?

Hyperdense biconcave formation Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for a higher mortality rate associated with subdural hematoma compared to epidural hematoma?

Subdural hematomas typically involve the brain tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended management approach for a subdural hematoma with a thickness greater than 10 mm?

Surgical intervention Signup and view all the answers

Which symptoms might suggest the presence of a subdural hematoma in a patient?

Decline in consciousness or limb weakness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brain Functions and Cortical Domains

Human brain functions are categorized into six major cortical domains.
Attention is crucial; without it, other examinations cannot be conducted.
Language involves both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Memory includes short-term and long-term retention of information.
Visuospatial abilities relate to perception and understanding space and dimensions.
Executive function is essential for decision-making and management of tasks.
Social cognition influences interpersonal interactions and understanding social cues.

Causes of Brain Disorders

Brain disorders can arise from multiple factors, including:
- Infections
- Vascular disorders
- Trauma or injury
- Metabolic issues
- Aging-related changes
- Tumors

Dementia Types

Dementia is primarily classified into two types:
- Vascular Dementia (VAD)
- Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia Definition and Diagnosis

Dementia represents a decline in cognitive abilities compared to previous levels.
A decrease in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is a key indicator of dementia.
The DSM-V provides specific criteria for diagnosing dementia, highlighting genetic factors and amyloid protein involvement.
Subjective Cognitive Decline indicates a patient’s concerns about memory despite normal medical evaluations.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

MCI involves memory complaints without significant disruption in ADL.
Patients with MCI are advised to engage in cognitive stimulation activities instead of pharmacological intervention.

Post-Traumatic Amnesia (PTA)

PTA follows a traumatic brain injury, leading to confusion and an inability to recall recent events.
Key symptoms include memory loss of the present, agitation, confusion, and disorientation.

Amnesia Overview

Amnesia is characterized by impaired memory, either partial or total.
Causes can be organic (e.g., head trauma) or psychological, often affecting the hippocampus.
Types of amnesia may include different forms regarding memory retention capabilities.

Hematomas from Head Trauma

Epidural Hematoma (EDH) occurs due to blood accumulation in the epidural space, typically from arterial rupture.
Symptoms may include the "lucid interval," where the patient briefly appears well before deteriorating.
CT scans show hyperdense, biconvex images indicating EDH.

Subdural Hematoma (SDH)

SDH is the accumulation of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid layer, more common than EDH.
CT scans of SDH can show a crescent-shaped mass, and subtypes depend on the stage of blood density: acute, subacute, or chronic.
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) may signal worsening conditions, requiring surgical intervention.

Symptoms and Assessment of Balance Disorders

Vertigo is the false sensation of movement, often perceived as spinning, without actual movement.
Dizziness relates to spatial disorientation without the perception of movement.
Vestibulo-visual symptoms include external vertigo manifestations like oscillopsia and motion-induced blurring.
Postural symptoms indicate imbalance, where stability is compromised, possibly due to vestibular disorders.

Gait and Movement Disorders

Gait disturbances may present as wide-based walking or tremors.
Clinical assessment focuses on identifying the nature of balance and coordination disruptions, helping determine underlying issues.

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Description

This quiz covers the key concepts from Lecture 13 on neurocognitive disorders, focusing on sensorik and motorik functions within the human brain. Explore the six cortical domains and their significance in cognitive health, especially attention and dementia.