Cognitive Impairmentia

Subsequently, the full evaluation process that takes place also varies among individuals of different ages and their symptoms experienced (Shimada 47). In the cases of younger onset cognitive impairment with quick progression, an MRI scan and bloodwork are done (Lee et al. 155). From clear MRI scans and blood tests, potential reasonings for Alice’s symptoms, for example brain tumours, can be ruled out. As Alice’s cognitive decline continues, the next step is a PET scan to observe the brain at a molecular level in determining the amyloid levels in the

An estimated 47.5 million people suffer from dementia. Every 4 seconds one new case of dementia is diagnosed. Dementia is a term that describes certain symptoms such as impairment to memory, communication and thinking. It is a group of symptoms and not just one illness. Even though one‘s chance of getting dementia increase with age, it is not a part of aging. Dementia is usually diagnosed after a series of assessments that includes a physical evaluation, memory tests, imaging studies and blood work. It affects three aspects of one’s mental function, cognitive dysfunction (Problems with memory, language, thinking and problem solving), psychiatric behavior (changes in personality, emotional control, social behavior and delusions) and difficulties with daily living activities (driving, shopping, eating and dressing). “The median survival time in women is 4.6 years and in men 4.1 years” (Warren, 2016).

The most common tendency in assessing patients who display signs of dementia is to evaluate them for Alzheimer’s Disease. This means that Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia are conversely overlooked as possible diagnoses. Special attention to clinical presentation and the use of diagnostic tests (such as the MRI) and assessment scales (like the Mini Mental State Exam) aid in distinguishing between these diseases, and therefore better the evaluation process. There are other telltale markers that aid in assessing these diseases, as well. Alzheimer’s Disease often presents with a slow decline in memory, while Vascular Dementia patients experiences sharp declines in cognition. Patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease Dementia and Dementia with Lewy bodies often present with symptoms of psychoses and hallucinations as well as cognitive impairments, and they differ in the onset time of dementia. The early detection of cognitive decline is important not only for the treatment but also for improving the caregiver burden of these patients. Management of these disorders is focused on symptomatic relief, but it is also important to minimize life style risk factors for all dementias.

The utilization of biomarkers for Alzheimer 's malady is as yet viewed as trial and is fitting just for use by specialists as of now. The rules call for approving and institutionalizing the utilization of biomarkers before they can be connected in a clinical setting, similar to a specialist 's office. Biomarkers for Alzheimer 's malady did not exist when the first criteria were produced in 1984, and have been considered seriously as of late. (Garrett, M. D., and Valle, R. (2016).

Confusing Alzheimers with other diseases happens quite often in the medical field. This is why identifying each variation is very important to researchers. Considering there are so many deaths throughout the U.S each year from Alzheimer’s disease, doctors analyze multiple motives that consequence the initial development. Some conditions that are causes of Alzheimer’s are the use of drugs, tumors, metabolic disorders, and hypoglycemia. After the diagnoses is presumed to be accurate it may be months or even years before the patient is at a stage of complete confusion.

As the population keeps aging, Alzheimer 's Disease (AD) is becoming a more significant public health issue. The prevalence of AD is expected to reach 34 million worldwide by 2025 (Mount 2006) and with the aging demographic, early diagnosis and treatment of AD is gaining importance. Cognitive decline and altered brain function related to AD has been shown to be present years before the clinical onset of the disorder through functional brain imaging techniques (Prvulovic 2011). Emphasis has been on detection of AD in its preclinical stages to provide early interventions for the patients. Since Fuld et al.(1990) 's study suggesting that the examination of cognitive functioning in non demented older adults is predictive of prospective dementia, countless studies have attempted to devise reliable methods of detecting cognitive changes and risk factors in preclinical populations.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes a gradual and irreversible decline of cognitive abilities (Feldman, 2010, p. 325). Informally known as “old timers” disease, it strikes more than half of the elderly community greater than age 85 (Feldman, 2010). In addition to the loss of memory there are also major neurological, functional, and behavioral changes as well. There are a few risk factors including age, family history, and head injuries. There is no definitive way of predicting that a person will get Alzheimer’s, but there are genetic markers and neurological tests that can signify a person’s

The process of diagnosis should start by meeting with the healthcare professional. According to the article, Diagnosing and managing vascular dementia, “NICE recommends that primary healthcare professionals should consider referring people who show signs of mild cognitive impairment to memory assessment services.” Then the individual will go through detailed examination of their “personal and medical history, a cognitive and mental state examination, a physical examination, neuropsychological testing and appropriate investigations” (Ebmeier, K.P., 2012). Only after the results of these examinations are processed will the individual have a diagnosis of dementia. To specify on the type of dementia, brain imaging may be required. A MRI is favored because the resolution is superior, and there is a soft tissue contrast within the images. A SPECT is another brain imaging technology that helps discover what type of dementia the individual is suffering from. A SPECT is able to help differentiate between Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Other than using brain imaging, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stokes (NINDS) and the Association Internationale pour la Recherche et l’Enseignement en Neurosciences (AIREN) came together to make a criterion which assists in discriminating Vascular Dementia from other types of dementia. This

Dementia is characterized as a condition where the mental processes of cognition and memory start to deteriorate. It is described as a syndrome that hinders the daily lives of those who have it and is characterized by memory and thinking impairment. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and the second most common is vascular dementia. Dementia is a syndrome occurring usually, but not limited, to people over the age of 40 and is due to brain damage caused by natural deteriorating, stroke or can be brought on by factors such as excessive drinking or drug abuse. Dementia is best cared for in its early stages and, therefore, an early diagnosis is essential. Recognizing the symptoms by both the dementia patient and the

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. To date, it is officially ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States; however, recent estimates indicate that the disorder may actually rank third, just behind heart disease and cancer, as a cause of death for older people. Alzheimer’s, also known as senile dementia, is predominantly the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning and behavioral abilities, particularly thinking, remembering, and reasoning, to such an extent that it interferes with an

This indicates that for individuals that are living with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, they can only be confirmed as “probable Alzheimer’s disease”. Until an autopsy can confirm that an individual did suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, the diagnosis comes from MRI and PET scans and the symptoms an individual is suffering (Gluck et al, 2014). More research needs to place an emphasis on accurate diagnosis that will help not only the patients suffering from Alzheimer’s but also doctors and researchers in identifying

Within this study the limitations include the limited lack of knowledge about the participants within the studies. In most of the presented studies it is impossible to know the level of cognitive function of each participant with Alzheimer’s in the study. There is also a lack of knowledge of the other medical conditions of the participants. This is a limitation due to the fact that it could affect the outcome of the

An estimated 24 million people worldwide have dementia, the majority of whom are thought to have Alzheimer's disease. Thus, Alzheimer's disease represents a most important public health apprehension and has been recognized as a research priority. It begins with memory loss of trouble with language skills and increase into irritability and angry outbursts. Because of its degenerative nature the disease leads to full blown dementia and loss of even basic motor skills as the patient drifts further and further away from their more natural and normal selves. Recent developments in neuroimaging techniques provide great potentials for effective diagnosis of Alzheimer ’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia. Previous studies have shown that

Biomarkers provide a unique, useful biological measure of the underlying pathology independent of any clinical signs and neuropsychological characteristics of Alzheimer’s Dementia. Identification of reliable biomarkers is critical

Prior to advances in imaging, the primary means of diagnosing AD is from the patient history and cognitive impairment testing (Long, Chen, Jiang, & Zhang, 2017). Interviews with the family members and caregivers are part of the assessment (Long et al., 2017). The diagnosis based on neuropsychological scale is subjective and less repeatable and a rich clinical experience of physicians is required (Long et al., 2017). The presence of neurofibrillary tangle, plaque buildup and tissue loss in the brain parenchyma indicates the progressive degenerative nature of AD (Long et al., 2017). Early detection of the disease is crucial in the patient management (Long et al., 2017). Short-term memory loss and paranoia are the earliest symptoms