Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia Quiz

Answer: A medical condition that results in the loss of mental facilities, including memory, language use and judgement.

"Dementia" is a term that refers to a variety of medical conditions that lead to the loss of mental functioning. The most recognizable symptom is usually memory loss, although other mental processes can be involved, such as language, judgement and mood.

Answer: It is characterized by a sudden onset.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It develops gradually, with the earliest symptoms being memory lapses and mild disorientation. Some people might take notice of these early symptoms and seek medical care. In many cases, however, the friends and family of the patient make accommodations for the patient without realizing the reason for their lapses.("Dad seems to be losing his house key a lot lately; maybe we should leave a spare with the neighbor".) In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, the patient might be aware that he is losing some of his faculties; this may lead to depression.

A physician with experience in treating elderly people should be able to diagnose the depression and prescribe an appropriate dosage of an anti-depressant medication. Alzheimer patients eventually lose more and more of their abilities, and may be totally bedridden and require nursing care in the last stages of the illness.

Answer: Anorexia nervosa

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia; according to the"Merck Manual of Geriatrics", half of the elderly people suffering from dementia have Alzheimer's. The second most common form of dementia is "multi-infarct dementia", which is caused a series of mini strokes in the brain.

The course of multi-infarct dementia is different from Alzheimer's. It may be slowed down or stopped by improving blood flow to the brain - often by the use of small, daily doses of aspirin. Chronic alcoholics sometimes suffer from a type of dementia called Korsakoff's dementia, due to alcohol's toxic effect on the brain. Similarly, repeated head trauma, as experienced by boxers, can also lead to dementia.

This is referred to as "dementia pugilistica".

While there may be differences in the prognosis of the different types of dementia, and while they may require different types of medication, they all require the same type of nursing care.

Answer: False

In most types of dementia, the patient loses his short-term memory first, while his long-term memory will still be intact. For instance, an elderly person with dementia may not remember what she ate for breakfast, but will remember the names of her school-mates from elementary school. Furthermore, if a person has learned to recite something by heart, such as a prayer or a song, he may be able to repeat it long after he loses his ability to recall recent or even long ago events.

Answer: Any of these can diagnose dementia

A family doctor who knows the person well, a geriatric psychiatrist or gerontologist can all diagnose Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. When choosing a physician, make sure you find someone with experience in treating elderly people, and who shows the necessary patience in interacting with them. You will want a doctor who is willing to listen to family members and who will include them in any treatment decisions.

Answer: Skull x-ray

In dementia, as with many medical conditions, the most important diagnostic tool is a detailed medical history. It is important for the physician to determine precisely what changes have occurred in the patient's functioning, and over what period of time. Since dementia patients are, by definition, "poor historians", the physician must be willing to sit with family members or others who know the patient well, in order to obtain a good history.

The "mini-mental" exam, a short questionnaire that evaluates memory loss, language skills, judgement etc, is not specific, but can help make a good diagnosis.

Other psychological tests are also available. An MRI exam can help determine if there are changes in the brain. A skull x-ray, which photographs the bones of the skull, does not reveal anything about the brain inside the skull, and is not helpful in diagnosing dementia.

Answer: It depends on the patient's condition and the family's ability and resources

The decision about how best to care for a dementia patient is complex, and dependent on many factors, including the severity of the patient's condition, the family's ability to provide care, and their resources. In the early stages of dementia, many families opt to keep their loved one at home.

A good senior center will often provide a day program with activities. This will provide supervision and stimulation during the day, and allow the family to work or attend school without worry. As the disease progresses, dementia patients require more intensive supervision, and often nursing care to provide for their daily needs.

Some family members are able to provide this, while other will find their patience and skills strained. If a family opts to place a loved one in a well-managed nursing home, visits regularly and is involved in treatment decisions, they are caring for their loved one, and not abandoning him.

Answer: Elegant decor

The most important component in a nursing home is the nursing staff. These are the people who provide care for the residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To get a feeling for the nursing care in a nursing home, try sitting unobtrusively on the ward and observing the staff. How do they approach the residents? If a resident requests something - a sweater, the toilet, a glass of water - how long does it take the staff to answer the request? Are most of the staff on the ward, amongst the residents, or are they in the nursing station? A good activity program is also vital to keep residents alert and provide sensory and intellectual stimulation.

A program should include a lot more than simple arts and crafts. Music, some type of exercise or movement, are minimal. Today, the better nursing homes will include programs like gardening, pet therapy and bibliotherapy for their residents.

The local health department, or whatever body supervises nursing homes in your area, should be able to provide you with some information about safety standards, etc,. in the home. Additionally, it is important to select a nursing home where the resident's language is spoken, and which will meet his or her cultural needs.

While there is a trend in many places today to build nursing homes that look like five star hotels, this is often unnecessary. If an elderly person has been accustomed to modest surroundings all of his or her life, a nursing home with a marble lobby and antique reproduction furniture might actually cause him discomfort.

Answer: Hi, Aunt Selma, I'm Phil, your sister Laura's oldest son.

People in the early stages of dementia will often feel some anxiety regarding their loss of memory. Approaching such a person with remarks such as "Bet you don't recognize me!" only increases their anxiety and makes them aware of their difficulties.

When you offer a short introduction to a person with memory loss, you can help them place you in context and prevent anxiety. You may want to add, "You haven't seen me for a long time, but when I was small, we used to visit you at the beach house". By explaining that you haven't seen Aunt Selma in a long time, you help her understand why she didn't recognize you. And by reminding her of long ago visits to the beach house, you may help trigger long-term memories that are still intact.

Answer: True

As people live longer, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias have become major health problems. In the United States, for example, there are approximately five million people with Alzheimer's disease; the human suffering and financial resources needed to care for them are incalculable. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies have invested considerably in developing medication for Alzheimer's. One of the more successful is donepzil, known commercially as Aricept. Donepezil works by reducing the breakdown of acetylecholine, a neurotransmitter which is found in reduced levels in dementia patients, and is thought to affect memory. Aricept is appropriate for people with mild to moderate dementia. (The information for this question is from the Alzheimer's Association homepage. For more information about Alzheimer's and other dementias, see your local Alzheimer's Association.

They can also refer you to local support groups for patients and their families.)