Epidemiology
| Definition: | "Decline in multiple cognitive functions which occurs in clear consciousness."
(Hazzard) |
| Age | Prevalence |
| 65-74 | 3.0% |
| 75-84 | 15-20% |
| >84 | 20-50% |
- 250,000 new cases/ year
- Irreversible Causes- 80-85% (Alzheimer's, Strokes, etc)
Causes of Dementia
- Alzheimer's- (Broad Spectrum of Illness...)
- CVA
- Drug Toxins (Alcohol, medications)
- Degenerative (Parkinson's, Huntington's)
- Psychiatric
- Metabolic/ Infections
- NPH
- Tumor
- Subdural Hematoma
Alzieimer's Risk Factors
- Age, Family History (4X), Apo E gene, Low Education
Clinical Characteristics
Question: Can We Diagnose Alzheimer's at the Bedside?
Three Classes of Dementia:
- Dementia with a Medical Disease
(AIDS, Thyroid, malnutrition, Syphilis, Drug toxicity, Depression, Liver Failure, Alcohol)
- Dementia with other Neurologic Signs
(Huntington's, Parkinson's, Stroke, Tumor, Head Trauma, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, etc)
- Dementia as the only Symptom
(Alzheimer's, Pick's Disease, Stroke (rare))