Chiblue
Moderator
Number of posts : 139
Age : 63
Location : Flippin, Arkansas
Registration date : 2008-01-15
 |  Subject: About Alzheimer's and Cognitive Disorders  Thu Jan 17, 2008 9:40 pm | |
| Although the pathology underlying cognitive impairment cannot be altered at the present time, interventions are showing that some behaviors can be changed, functional ability improved, quality of life increased, and institutionalization delayed. If improvements are not always possible, maintaining function or delaying a decline for a period of time may provide a valuable contribution.
Symptoms that may occur during the course of these conditions include:
• cognitive changes: memory deficits, language impairment, decreased executive function
• affective changes: irritability, anxiety, an overall feeling of being unwell or unhappiness, delusions, hallucinations, apathy, withdrawal
• dementia-related behaviors: wandering, pacing, agitation, disruptive vocalizations (loud verbal utterances), repetitive behaviors
• functional changes: loss of instrumental activities of daily living (telephone, financial activities); loss of activities of daily living (dressing, feeding); incontinence; immobility
• other changes: sleep disturbances, sexual alterations, appetite disturbances.
The physical status of persons with cognitive impairment also needs careful attention. Factors such as the correction of hearing and vision impairment might improve physical status, and may also, positively influence cognition and behavioral symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.
Persons with cognitive impairment are at risk for infections, falls and injury, poor nutrition, and delirium.
Delirium can be a complication or a presenting symptom of a coexisting condition and needs careful attention. Dementia is a significant risk factor for the development of delirium during hospitalization or surgery and is associated with increased mortality in the hospitalized elderly.
Research instruments exist to diagnose delirium and to distinguish the confusion from the dementia, but new strategies to decrease delirium need to be developed and tested. Additionally, drug interactions caused by the simultaneous use of multiple drugs is a common cause of cognitive decline, and may also need to be consideredI hope that you find this helpful! Research resources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimerhttp://www.alz.org/index.asphttp://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asphttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alzheimersdisease.htmlhttp://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm | |
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