Week 9: Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementia

Study Notes

Alzheimer's Disease

Abnormalities in brain structure disrupt neuron health, leading to memory failure, personality changes, and inability to manage daily activities.
Average life span after diagnosis is 8-10 years.
Risk factors include age, family history, Down's syndrome, head trauma, female gender, late-onset depression, and mild cognitive impairment.
3 consistent neuro-pathological markers: accumulation of beta-amyloid senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal degeneration.
Brain-derived tau has potential as a diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's.

Disease Progression

Early to moderate stages: memory lapses, agitation, and speech problems.
Late stage: visual disturbances, incontinence, motor disability, and speech loss.

Vascular Dementia (VaD)

Occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted by a blocked or diseased vascular system.
Second most common form of dementia.
Describes a number of syndromes with different pathology and mechanisms.

Types of VaD

Mild vascular cognitive impairment
Multi-infarct dementia
Vascular dementia due to strategic single infarct
Vascular dementia due to lacunar lesions
Vascular dementia due to haemorrhagic lesions
Sub-cortical (Binswanger disease) dementia
Mixed dementia (combination of AD and VaD)

Risk Factors for VaD

Age
High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Lack of physical activity
History of mild warning strokes
Evidence of disease in arteries elsewhere
Heart rhythm abnormalities
VaD is slightly more common in men than women.

Signs and Symptoms of VaD

Physical signs: memory problems, forgetfulness, dizziness, leg or arm weakness, lack of concentration, moving with rapid, shuffling steps, loss of bladder or bowel control.
Behavioural signs: depression, slurred speech, language problems, abnormal behaviour, wandering/getting lost, laughing/crying inappropriately, difficulty following instructions, problems handling money.

Progression of VaD

VaD may progress in a 'stepped' manner, with symptoms worsening suddenly due to stroke and then remaining the same for some time.
Lifespan for people with VaD is approximately 5 years, with death often caused by a stroke or heart attack.
Early to middle stages: symptoms similar to those observed in other dementia forms, with confusion being one of the earliest symptoms.

Description

Test your knowledge of Alzheimer's and Vascular Dementias, including their definitions, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and treatment approaches. Learn about the impact of brain structure abnormalities on neuron health and the effects on daily living. Identify the differences between these two types of dementia.